Can someone help me interpret these thyroid test results, please?

[winnybella]

Took the test this morning as I have basically every single symptom of hypothyroidism and my mum found out at 40 that her thyroid has pretty much disappeared, so thought might check mine.

So just got results back and TSH is 4.19 (according to lab max is 4.20) and T4 free (?) is 1.35 (so normal as lab normal value range is 1.00-1,60).

Now I know that in some countries doctors don't treat til TSH is over 5 and in some, like in the States, it's 3. Also I read that people with 4 may have mild thyroid disease and feel the effects.

I also don't understand why if my TSH is pretty high, my T4 is smack in the middle of the normal range? I thought if one was high(ish) than the other would be low?

Is it worth going to an endocrynologue with, considering my symptoms fit the bill, or not?

bump

Do you have a test result for T3? I would look at natural ways of balancing your thyroid hormones before going down the medical route.

Best Regards,

Ewa

Are you Polish by any chance?

No, the routine test is just TSH and T4.

I just feel tired all the time, no energy, brain fog, low mood, heavy periods, thinning hair, constipation, cold, dry skin...could be something else, but as I read that TSH of 3 is max in some countries and well, 4.19 is borderline here with 4.20 being max...yet T4 normal. Hmm.

No, swedish - but have had lots of polish people start talking native to me...

Some tests wouldn't flag up a problem until TSH is 5, but without knowing what the T3 is, it's like having half the answer. If you'd like some suggestions you can email me on [email protected]. I have a really good .pdf with the latest information; I think you might find it really useful, ways to control it yourself - and no pills!

Best,

Ewa

Thank you, but I think I would rather go and see a doctor

Anyone else, pretty please?

I can't interpret but I have had tests done and a friend said they weren't normal, doctor said they were and if anything I should be thin. I am not. It is in the family and I have symptoms but the doctor just keeps saying I am fine.

When I was dangerously hyperthyroid - almost off the scale of highness |
I was 3.5 stones more than I am now. The thin/fat thing is very misleading. My friend was also the same morbidly obese actually and her heart racing and hyperthyroid. I am now under and medicated and it is a subtle thing - some people (like me) feel like they are going to die at the low end of normal and some are fine. You have to go on how you feel.

See another Doctor - I know more about thyroid disease than my GP (her words) - and get referred to an endocrinologist

Was that to me?

it was and in general - if you know it is wrong please go and see someone else - you need an expert not a GP (this is to you and OP)

Thanks, pinky, I didn't need to go to the doctor to have the test done-here you can just walk into the lab without px for some things- so I was wondering whether I should call my GP or rather go straight for endocrinologist.

What I was wondering was whether they would treat it if it's basically just borderline.

Every doctor who has read my results has said I am fine.

As my name states I suffer from hypothyroidism and when I was first diagnosed my test results were borderline.

My consultant prescribed a low dose 25 mg per day of thyroxine and monitored me constantly (monthly bloods) for nearly two years.

I am still 2 stone overweight - nothing will shift it and take 150mg of thyroxine per day but I feel better when I eat well and take exercise. My advice would be to try and eat well and exercise daily for a month and if you still feel unwell ask for another thyroid function test.

If I was borderline I would feel like I was dying - seriously, the couple of times almost going under active has happened to me it has been devastating

I take 125mcg a day (100 until I asked my GP to put it up as I was going down lowish but normal) and it will be increased as I am pregnant. Different people need very different amounts and everyone needs to be looked at holistically rather than just as a set of numbers.

Right, so the enocrinologist will not laugh me out of the room if I go to see him with thee results, yes? Seeing that I have so many symptoms?

endocrinologist

winnie - as has been said, you need your free T3 level measured as well. This will show if there's enough thyroid hormone in your blood in a form that can actually be used by your body. Ask the endo if they can ask for this.
T3 check is also good advice for those on loads of levothyroxine who still have symptoms and weight gain they can't shift. Since adding T3 to my drug mix I am losing weight at last and all my symptoms have gone.

underactive... micrograms

The offer of sending the report I have goes for everyone - it will undoubtedly provide some new information and advice. If you have been told that you're OK and still think it's a thyroid problem - this will help even more in understanding the problems with T3 and T4 test levels, diagnosis and what you can do yourself.

Just let me know.

Ewa