Lab Results and other lab questions

gwenlexky · 03-13-2005, 05:29 AM

Hi,

The doctor at Univ Health tested my TSH recently. Result was 1.42. Range was 0.6 - 4.5.

So, is that normal? I can never believe half of what the doctors tell me, which is pretty bad.

Also, she did a BMP (I think that stands for basic metabolic panel) plus there were several other things she tested for as well. I do not have my copy of my results yet. There was no T3 or T4 done.

I have been trying to lose weight. I mean really trying with no results. None. I lost 10lbs at first which I think was water,but it all came back. I have cut out regular soda from my diet. I have had no regular soda for over 2 months now. I was drinking at least a two-liter a day. Everyone else I know who cut soda out lost about 15 lbs. Not me! I have greatly decreased my sugar intake. So frustrated.

Anyway, any advice on the labs?

gwen

nobimbo · 03-13-2005, 08:19 AM

Hi Gwen,

Well, your TSH looks pretty good, but that only indicates that your pituitary gland is producing enough hormone to stimulate the thyroid, not how your body is actually using the hormone. A Free T4 and Free T3 will do that, and should be run for anyone with hypothyroid symptoms. Do you have any other symptoms besides difficulty losing weight?

Since you have PCOS, it is especially important to get a female hormone panel run (including estrogen and progesterone). Either estrogen or progesterone deficiency can mimic hypothyroidism. Low ferritin (iron stores) can also mimic hypothyroidism because it can inhibit T4 to T3 conversion.

Following a low calorie OR very low carb diet can also inhibit T4 to T3 conversion. T3 is the metabolism hormone, and there tends to be lower levels of it in those who have been dieting (which is one of the reasons for plateaus and why keeping weight off is so difficult). This is also true for those who have a history of yo-yo dieting.

Have you been tested for insulin resistance (fasting insulin test)? IR leads to resistance to weight loss as well. Many if not all women with PCOS are IR, and that along with resulting hormonal imbalances makes losing weight very difficult.

Linda