I have every symptom but dr says I'm normal

[IFBPreachersWife]

What do I do? Every time I see a dr (and I've seen several) they test my thyroid based on my symptoms and *always* tell me it's normal. However, I just looked up hypothyroidism on the net and have every single symptoms except hair loss and cold intolerance and the latter seems to be something that is rapidly changing. Do I keep seeing dr after dr? I have no idea of my lab values - never thought to ask but apparantly that is something I need. Any insight?

[Jashobeam]

Bump-----

[Kristina921]

I would start by getting your lab values...From what I've read, there seems to a wide range of what different doctors consider "normal". My doctor would like to see my TSH under 4...Maybe you are on the high side of normal and they don't feel like you need medication? You should be able to call and get your results...Let us know what you find out.

[MrsIhde]

I would get your lab values and look it up. OR go back to the doctor and say "OK mythyroid is normal. So figure out what is making me have all the symptoms." It is, after all, their job! Sometimes you have to be pushy to find out what is wrong. If I wasn't pushy I would have never found out that I had PCOS!

[vicandla]

I know there is a place on here in the Hypothryoid section Karen where I posted the info on TSH levels, also have they checked not only your TSH but your T3, T4 and TFree? I know now they are treating patients as HYPO if there TSH is above 3.00. Let me know if there is any info I can help you look up, But you have to let me know ASAP since I will be going into the hospital soon!!! I hope I helped!!!!

[vicandla]

Here Karen check this out it should help you get started
http://www.soulcysters.net/showthread.php?t=53369

[nobimbo]

Karen,

Many docs are not knowledgable in the evaluation and proper treatment of thyroid problems. Even endos usually have much more training in diabetes than in the thyroid, and many people have to go through several docs until they find one who is "thyroid-friendly". The other responders have given you great advice; you need to know what kind of tests you have been given and the actual lab results, and if you have only had a TSH and a total T4 (the usual screening tests), then you can ask for a Free T4, Free T3, and a TPO antibodies test (which will show if you have antibodies present, usually indicating Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, the most common form of hypothyroidism). This is especially important because you have symptoms and because you have PCOS (many experts now recommend testing for Hashi's in those who have PCOS, because there is such a strong link between the two). If you cannot find a doc who will run these tests for you (try the "top thyroid doc" link that Laura included in her previous post), you can have them run yourself using healthcheckusa (you order the tests online, they send you to a lab near you, then they send the results directly to you, all for under $75).

Also, be sure to ask for a ferritin (iron stores) test, because low ferritin can mimic hypothyroidism (as can estrogen dominance).

You may be interested in reading through this long thread at LCF called "Thyroid Tests Are Normal? Are You Sure?":

http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=71576

Linda

[IFBPreachersWife]

thank you all so much! I am so tired of being TIRED! I've gone to several drs and they all say I'm "fine" but I'm not and when I push for an answer, they want to give me antidepressants. I'm not against them but that is not my problem (at least not at this point and time anyway) I will go into my drs office tomorrow and ask for a copy of my labs and I will post back here with the results. Thanks again!

[helovesme]

They always tell me my thyroid results are "normal" too, but I still think they should look at me a little harder and let's see if treatment will make a difference. I hope everything works out for you, and let us know how it goes...

[sha-sha]

I spent about 10 years going back and forth to doctors getting tests after tests. Eventually, one doctor said I had a goiter and one said I had Hashimoto's. Neither one would put me on thyroid meds. They said my levels were fine. Finally, Summer of '04, after gaining 15 pounds in a month and being barely able to get off the couch, I went back to my primary care dr. He put me on 75 mcg of Levoxyl. It took awhile, but I finally began to feel better. I still think my dosage needs to be increased a little, but at least I can function.

[marym724]

i to am just like you in this delema about my thyroid; but with me i have a mass that they say is letting mine function as normal ; but i say there is no way it is functioning as it should i feel the stress you are going thru
marym724

[marym724]

i have all the symptoms for hypothyroid but my dr said i am normal too, i have a mass that is not totally cold (non functioning) and they say all levels are comming back fine . have tyroid scanned every year . does anyone have any suggestions on how or what i can take that can change this and handle some of these symptoms really would love your input

[prunepie]

i suggest www.thyroid.about.com and go to the message boards will all your labs and questions. i cant believe how many very smart thyroid people are on there!!!!!

xox jenn

[aldaschryve]

Knowing the numbers is important if you want to advocate for yourself, but remember that you need to find an endocrinologist too. Since Thyroid disorders run in my family (grandmother, 3 aunts, and my mother-Graves disease to Hashimoto's), there was a higher chance I would also inherit a thyroid problem too. So, I finally had a doctor that monitored my TSH levels for a few months. Many people fluctuate with their TSH levels and will not be itentified upon first test. A good doctor knows this and will collect your family history, look at your symptoms, and monitor you for a while before making a final decision. For me, it took about 6 months for my doctor to see my TSH levels get out of normal range. Also, when I was much younger and in high school, one endocrinologist did the blood tests, of which there was not abnormal levels, and simply said to my mother that I ate the wrong things. So, we've all been there and it just means advocating for yourself.
Good Luck to all!