New labs - what do you guys think?

[adj76]

Hi all,
My most recent labs (done 5/1/07):
TSH 1.27 (0.34-2.5)
Free T3 293 (230-420)
T4 (thyroxine) 8.7 (4.6-12.0)
Cortisol AM (blood not saliva) 16 (5-25)
Potassium 3.9 (3.5-5.1)
B12 456 (200-1000)
Ultrasound showed no nodules, just goiter.

Previous TSH:
11/2/06 4.13
1/2/07 2.98
3/9/07 1.14

I was diagnosed with Hashi's last Nov, felt better for a bit, and am now feeling like before, if not worse.
The labs all seem pretty good to me, but I still feel so awful. How do I know if my issues are not thyroid related at all? My main concerns are hip pain, fatigue, anxiety, hot flashes, and other muscle pain. Some days are better than others with the pain, but we've checked for possible arthritis with no real indication it's that.
We are going to bump up to 88mcg Levo. (from 75mcg) to see if I feel better with a lower TSH. Perhaps my T3 is a little low? At least I have a doctor who is really willing to try anything to get me feeling better. I wish I could share her with all of you!!
Any comments would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Angela

[dea4]

Your T3 is still on the low side and this can cause you to feel awful. Your T4 is just above mid range and there is room for improvement. I'd say a dose increase is in order.
Also be sure to eat potassium rich foods as a thyroid disorder can drain your potassium. Yours is within range and you want to keep it there.

[adj76]

Thanks for the reply, I guess I'll just have to see what this dose increase does, and then recheck. If still not feeling well, then maybe try adding a T3 replacement.
Angela

[Linda May]

I've had thyroid problems since the 1980s, BUT don't really understand what free T3, TSH, T4, all means! I've had various doctors over the years, and even had a TT two years ago. Can any of you explain what the symptoms are of having a low or high reading are in each category?

My thyroid was multinodule, both hot and cold, so doctor said I had to have it removed. No cancer, was the good news. Then levo of 100mcg. I have never felt good, or had any energy since. Changed doctors and had an ultrasound. Guess what? The thyroid grew back and is full of nodules again! I can't believe this is happening to me!

I feel like I'm being strangled. My voice sounds like a man's. I've gained 40 pounds. I'm tired ALL THE TIME.

5 months ago, TSH was 2.1
T4 was 1.3 and T3 was 298

What does all that mean? I eat "like a bird" yet can't lose weight. I don't exercise because I have no energy. Tomorrow I will have all blood work repeated.

Another question: if I chop up a pill and take a little extra levo daily, what will happen? Is this dangerous to do?

I have some %$&* doctors because none explain anything to me. Since my surgery, they say all is "normal." If that's true, why do I feel so awful?

[dea4]

Originally Posted by Linda May

I've had thyroid problems since the 1980s, BUT don't really understand what free T3, TSH, T4, all means! I've had various doctors over the years, and even had a TT two years ago. Can any of you explain what the symptoms are of having a low or high reading are in each category?

My thyroid was multinodule, both hot and cold, so doctor said I had to have it removed. No cancer, was the good news. Then levo of 100mcg. I have never felt good, or had any energy since. Changed doctors and had an ultrasound. Guess what? The thyroid grew back and is full of nodules again! I can't believe this is happening to me!

I feel like I'm being strangled. My voice sounds like a man's. I've gained 40 pounds. I'm tired ALL THE TIME.

5 months ago, TSH was 2.1
T4 was 1.3 and T3 was 298

What does all that mean? I eat "like a bird" yet can't lose weight. I don't exercise because I have no energy. Tomorrow I will have all blood work repeated.

Another question: if I chop up a pill and take a little extra levo daily, what will happen? Is this dangerous to do?

I have some %$&* doctors because none explain anything to me. Since my surgery, they say all is "normal." If that's true, why do I feel so awful?

TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone. It is not a thyroid hormone but a pituitary response and basically tells what it thinks your thyroid is doing. Once on treatment of meds the TSH often needs to be supressed or below range to get the free levels where you will feel well.
The Free T3 and Free T4 are your actual thyroid hormones. They are what your body has available to use. The T3 is used on a cellular level. T4 is converted to T3. Not everyone converts it well so sometimes added T3 is needed. Often if you feel tired or sluggish with no energy the T3 is low.

If you can give the ranges for your tests we can give you more info on them. Generally the Free levels need to be at the mid to upper 1/3 of the labs range in order to get rid of the hypo symptoms and feel well. If your dr isn't treating you and only the lab sheet maybe its time for a new dr.