Just T4 Tested?

SoSilly · 02-13-2008, 03:27 PM

I went to the Endo for the first time a few days ago. I told him about wanting my thyroid tested for hypothyroid because I am tired all of the time and just don't feel right. He said he would test my T4 because that's what we really need to see for hypothyroid. He did not test my free T3 or my TSH. In November, my TSH was 2.98 which is obviously close to the new 3.0 mark. Has anyone else just had their T4 tested to find out about their thyroid? This was my first endo visit and I really wanted my TSH tested so I am disappointed.

lovemychris · 02-13-2008, 03:59 PM

I've never heard of a doctor checking T4 alone. What's really bothersome is that T4 is greatly affected by oral contraceptives. I could *kind of* see only checking T3 since that would determine thyroid function, but I can't understand checking only the T4. Your T4 could be 'off' and still not indicate a thyroid problem.

Your doctor should have done a full thyroid panel and really concentrated on your TSH level [insert rant about lazy, whack doctors here]. This hormone comes from the pituitary gland, but is released when the thyroid gland is not functioning properly.

You definitely should consider finding a new doctor. I went to 2 of the best endos in the Houston-area and ended up just going to my family doctor for my thyroid and pcos problems. He told me I didn't need an endo and he's been doing a great job of treating me (of couse, I read as much as I can so I know what's going on--somewhat, lol).

Also, since your TSH appears to be creeping up, definitely ask your doctor to check thyroid antibodies. Positive antibodies will let you know that it's just a matter of time before you have hypothyroidism as well as indicating Hashimoto's (i.e., not cancer or something else). I'm not sure how much you know about all of this, so if you have any questions, I'll try to answer them

Best wishes!

mommavia · 02-13-2008, 08:32 PM

I think it is ridiculous that the doctors didn't want to check your TSH. T4 can be an indicator of hypo, but not always. Sometimes your TSH is over 100 and your T4 is right where it should be (what mine was when I was dxed

) ...but that still equals hypothyroidism because your thyroid is working overtime to make enough thyroid hormone. This endo may not be familiar with thyroid disease. He should be, being an endo and all, but many endocrinologists do not specialize in thyroid disease/dysfunction. I personally would high tail it to another doctor.

Good luck,
Cynthia

SoSilly · 02-13-2008, 09:12 PM

Lovemychris, I know nothing about this. LOL So any info would be awesome. Thanks so much for replying.

Mommavia- Thanks!! I think I will make another appt. I should get my results from the blood test tomorrow. I'll make an appt with someone else tomorrow as well. I also have a family hx of b12 deficiency and he didnt test that either. I just thought that was odd. That is hereditary. And may be the answer to why I am always so tired!! UGH!