Normal TSH but symptoms unchanged

CarrieBerry · 02-19-2009, 03:48 AM

My TSH started out at 6.67 last April and my most recent test said that it is down to 1.6 BUT I still feel awful! I have all of my symptoms...and a lot of times it seems like more than before.

Has anyone else experienced this?

My doctor has tested my Free T4 but REFUSES to test my Free T3. It makes no sense at all, and basically I was told that the doctors at my office won't test Free T3 if the Free T4 is in the normal range, which mine is within range. How can they possibly know then if my body is converting the T4 to T3?? I'm on a T4 only medication and she won't change it or alter the dosage.

I have plans on seeing a specialist, but it takes a few months to get into this doctor for the first visit.

In the meantime, I'm wondering if anyone else has normal levels and hasn't noticed a change in their symptoms? Most days I feel like I'm crazy because I complain all of the time about not feeling well, but I don't have the "proof".

LaBigGirl · 02-19-2009, 04:50 PM

Hi Carrie, I have two thoughts. First, I used to be on T4-only meds for 7+ yrs. and my endo. never tested for free T3 either. Last year when I was still having a lot of trouble "getting started" in the morning, she let me try a little Cytomel (synthetic T3) along with an adjusted Levoxyl dose. Cytomel helps me, so I am still on it. Another good consequence of going on T3 is that the dr. now NEEDS to test for free T3 to make sure my levels don't build up. I really like that she now has the complete info. when making dosing decisions on my behalf.

Second thought is, how are your Vitamin D levels? My endo. is an advocate of D testing and supplementation at adequate levels, because research is showing that it affects SO many processes in the body. This is really important to those of us who live without a lot of sun most of the year (I notice you live in Michigan!) because we can't produce enough D ourselves. Vit. D deficiency can bring on depression, body aches, hormonal disturbances, etc. If you haven't had the D tested, ask your dr. to order the test! I'm still waiting for my results for the D, and I suspect a low level even though I take 1,000 Units a day in a tablet. I hate the sun...it hates me!

Hope you start feeling better soon! I know what a pain it is to get in the door at some specialists' offices.

CarrieBerry · 02-21-2009, 04:27 AM

Thanks for the response Lori! I wish my doctor would try adding a T3 medication, but I'm pretty convinced I know more about hypothyroidism than she does so that is why I'm giving her the boot. I actually want to try Armour and the new doc I'm going to see likes using Armour so we'll see what he says.

As for vitamin D...I can't remember if she tested that or not so I'll have to check my copy of the labs she did back in April, but I don't think she did. I know my husband was checked and he was severly low in vitamin D so they gave him a script for a mega dose and then he's supposed to take a daily vitamin...which he does (he's so bad about taking pills).

At this point I'm willing to try anything...I HATE feeling this way.
I feel like I'm losing some of the best years of my life because I have zero energy.

anselmi · 03-05-2009, 05:50 PM

My doctor test not only my free t3, but my t3/reverse t3 ratio. He gives me compunded t3 (thats the name) which i have to take on an empty stomach every 12 hours. I just recently had blood work done by another doctor and they just took the TSH level and it was on the low end. But reguardless of that value, it has no effect on how your t4 is converted.