High T3

[running_guy]

I have experienced weight loss, heavy urination, trouble sleeping, heart pounding and agitation over the last 6 months. In spite of eating a huge amount of food, I can't seem to gain weight. I have been blood tested and ct scanned with (fortunately) no problems found. The exception is my thyroid values. My doctor tells me my TSH is 0.8, my T4 is in range but my T3 is out of range high. She is not concerned about this result on the T3 and I should not be concerned. Anyone??? This does not seem right to me. Any comments very much appreciated. Thanks!

[K9Mom]

Sounds like T3 Toxicosis to me.

I would request a TSI and TPO autoantibody test to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease.

T3 is the more potent of the thyroid hormones and often the one that we "feel" the most. It's no wonder that you are symptomatic.

Endocrinologists are the specialists that generally treat thyroid and endocrine disorders....but Internal Medicine doctors do a rotation in Endocrinology while in Residency and generally know more than a Family Practice or GP doctor does when it comes to thyroid issues.

I would certainly NOT ignore this....perhaps this is autoimmune thyroid disease, if so, you've caught it early and can begin treatment and quite possibly go into remission. Those with T3 Toxicosis usually respond well to antithyroid drug treatment.

[url]http://www.elaine-moore.com/gravesdisease/whatis.htm[/url]

[running_guy]

Thanks for the reply K9Mom. I have requested the actual results from my doctor so I can see what the lab's normal ranges are....and how far out my T3 is on the top side. I also want to see if they ran a free T3 along with the total. As I recall, my doctor said that bound T3 is not a problem if it is high. Do you know anything about this? Thanks!

[hypodude]

Is there anything particularly special about your diet. Some foods mess with your Thyroid more than others. Those items rich in Selenium, Iodine (in iodized salt) and others all contribute to thyroid function.

[K9Mom]

Total T3 and Total T4 are measurements of all the T3 and T4 in your body. 97.9% of that thyroid hormone is bound to proteins and therefore unavailable for your body's cells to utilize (so it's not usable to us).

Free T3 and Free T4 lab tests will test only the amount of T3 and T4 that is "free" and not bound to proteins, therefore it is the only thyroid hormone that our cells can use.

The "Free" tests are MUCH more accurate in evaluating thyroid function.

Also the Total T's can give erroneous results due to estrogens (probably not a problem for you such as HRT and birth control pills) as well as over the counter and prescription medications...even asprin!