Repeat test results

[gamblingirl43]

Hi,

In January they upped my levothyoxrine from 75mcg to 100 based on these results TSH 6.32 Range 0.4 to 4.4 and FT4 0.9 Range 0.8 to 1.7. I just went for a repeat test last week and my new results are TSH 0.37 and FT4 1.1. I am still fatigued, have joint pain, dry skin etc. So although my numbers have gone down, I still don't see much of an improvement. I also have noticed that I am starting to have an anxious/nervous feeling but no rapid heart rate. In 1994 I was diagnosed as hyper (graves disease?) tried tapazole got drug induced lupus and went off. Then thryoid was normal for a few years and then I went hypo and been on hypo meds since. Anyone else experience anything like this? A little more info, I did have some kind of scan of my thryoid when it was hyper and I don't believe there were any nodules or anything. Thanks for your help. Love reading the posts.

gg

[midwest1]

If you would post the lab range for the FT4, I can provide better help.

[mkgbrook]

Assuming the same range as your first test:
They upped my levothyoxrine from 75mcg to 100 based on these results

TSH 6.32 Range 0.4 to 4.4 --- this range is out dated. A A C E changed the recommended normal range to .3-3.0. Optimal is known to be between .89-1.1, where 90% of average optimal thyroid function patients reside. This is what the N A C B used to calculate the new Normal range.

FT4 = Free T4 = 0.9 Range 0.8 to 1.7 Let's talk numbers: [.9-.8]/[1.7-.8]*100 = 11 %. This is TOO LOW! Optimal range is 50-80%. Less and you will feel hypoT. You needed more. Increasing your dose was a good move. What was improper care was the fact they are not following your actual active T3 levels as well.

You need to get a FT3 blood test run. I suspect that you have adrenal issues and that your FT4 and FT3 are out of balance. Why?

On 100 mcgs = TSH 0.37
FT4 1.1 = [1.1-.8]/[1.7-.8]*100 = 33% This is still way below optimal. I am betting your FT3 level is 70 - 80% in comparison.

Adrenal insufficiency is caused by Too high an ACTH or Too low cortisol levels. Or both. If the FT3 is not with in 10% of your FT4 level you need to have adrenal testing performed. Tests: ACTH (fasting blood serum), 24 hr cortisol salive test, and DHEA Sulfate minimum.

What is happening to you is what just happened to me.. you are being driven hyperT in the T3 and still hypoT in the T4 levels. You need more testing. Ask for it.

MG

[gamblingirl43]

Thanks for the info MG, yes the lab ranges were still the same. I was wondering why I felt a combination of hyper and hypo symptoms. You would think and Endo dr. would do all the tests needed instead of just tsh and ft4. If adrenal issues are causing the problems, what will be the next step?

GG