Surprised at test results - not quite as expected

pleasantlyblew · 08-06-2003, 01:31 AM

I just had my thyroid blood test results back today and I was surprised at them, compared to how they were back in January. I have lost 30lbs in weight since January and am still taking the same dose of Thyroxine (150mcg) and as dose is weight related, I was half expecting my T4 to rise and my TSH to fall.

Here's January's :-

TSH = 1.7 (.35 - 5.5)
T4 = 16.7 (9.8 - 23.1)

Here's June's :-

TSH 2.4 (.35 - 5.5)
T4 - 13.7 (9.8 - 23.1)

I know I still fall within normal ranges but I thought a TSH of 1.7 was optimum and some docs don't like it if you go above 2? I am still suffering with fatigue but it has got a bit better with low-carbing and I am disappointed that these results have not shown any improvement

Plus I have never had my T3 checked, as over here in UK they will not check your T3 level if your T4 is normal but after badgering my consultant he had actually instructed on the blood form to test for T3, regardless of whether or not T4 was normal and they STILL haven't bothered! I am so fed up with the NHS! I have had to wait months for this test and they still haven't told me what I need to know.

If anyone has any thoughts on these results I would be grateful.

Thanks,

Nikki x

JessicaE · 08-06-2003, 11:35 AM

Nikki,

I wouldn't be disappointed in these results at all. Your thyroid levels don't stay at an exact point from day to day, so if you tested a day later, they may have been exactly the same as back in January.

As long as your TSH is below 3 and your T4 is not at the very bottom of the range, my opinion is that you're probably fine. Some docs do like to see a TSH between 1 and 2 if your are TTC, but others think that anything under 3 is optimum. However, if you're still feeling bad, talk with your doctor, perhaps they would up your meds just a bit.

But I wonder if the fatigue might not be due to something else? Good for you for losing weight! Are you also exercising? I know that I always feel fatigued, even when my thyroid numbers are perfect, if I'm not exercising at least three times a week, preferable five. It's hard to get motivated when you're tired, but it really does help.

Good luck!

auteurperdu · 08-09-2003, 05:39 AM

Ask your dr. to allow you to try a t3 supplement like cytomel. Many people who have normal lab tests find that they benefit from some t3. Now your dr may give you a hard time saying that your body converts your t4 into t3 but I would fight him on it. Check out about.com for information regarding t3 and how it has helped many people. Also try to find some literature on thyroid disorders as many dr's are a bit skeptical of information gathered from the internet. I don't know if it would be available to you but I read "The Thyroid Solution" but Ridha Arem and it's been a great source. Good luck

pleasantlyblew · 08-10-2003, 09:01 PM

JessicaE,

Thankyou for your thoughts. I had heard that your results can vary from day to day but I was sort of hoping (and half expecting) to be able to reduce my dosage of Thyroxine, as I have lost weight. I am currently taking 150mcg, which is quite a high dose and due to complications I had whilst being over medicated on Thyroxine a few years ago, I am reluctant to ask the Dr to up the dose.

As for exercise I hadn't exercised for 8 years due to the fatigue problem but over the last 6 months because I have been low carbing I have recently found enough energy to exercise and have joined a sports club where I exercise nearly every day but I still get fatigued. I have discovered that I also have an adrenal problem but I don't know how it can be sorted, so I know this can have knock on effect with the T3 conversion and therefore fatigue. But I definitely feel the benefit of exercising and really love it.

Thanks for your comments

auteurperdu,

Thanks for your reply. I am currently in the process of trying to get a prescription for T3 but over here in the UK, there are very few Drs who are prepared to prescribe it and those who do, often end up in front of the GMC (General Medical Council) for malpractice!! I have recently seen a private Dr who agreed that I would probably benefit from T3 but would not prescribe it for me. Instead she has written to my GP and my Endo, suggesting that I be prescribed it but I have to wait until October for an appointment with the Endo and my GP won't give it to me without the say so of the Endo! So I guess I'll just have to wait. I have been trying to get to see the Endo for this very problem since January - it's very frustrating.

Thanks for the advice of the book to read - I will get myself a copy, as I am sure it will be very helpful.

Thanks ladies

Nikki x