I have been having problems with moderate to severe fatigue for many years and because of family members with thyroid disorders, I have routinely had my thyroid tested. The TSH level runs from 1.14 to 1.8 (0.3-5.00 norms). Free T4 was 0.9 recently ( 0.8-1.8 norms). What I want to know is-do I have a thyroid problem or not? I am sick of feeling awful all the time. Since September 2004 I have had increasing problems with hair loss, very dry skin and joint pain. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by tamiew; 02-01-2005 at 08:10 PM.
Reason: correction of spelling
Your lab results are almost identical to what mine were and I went untreated for over 10 years before I finally was discovered to have an enlarged thyroid & nodules, and found a dr. who would treat me!! During that 10 years, I gained about 90 lbs. (had been thin all my life!), had almost every symptom, except was usually hot, not cold, lost eyelashes,& eyebrows, etc. My TSH on 90 mg. Armour is below .01 and I feel normal for the first time in years!!
I believe that for many people, the TSH is not reflective of what is going on/ however, your T-4 is at the bottom of the range and this is certainly indicative of low thyroid, whether your dr. wants to acknowledge it or not.
I certainly think you should demand a "trial" of thyroid medication to see if you feel better especially with a family history of thyroid issues.
Yes, I think you have a thyroid problem. Your FT4 is way too low for you to feel well, it should be about 1.5
Treatment should be based on both FREE levels (FREE T3 and FREE T4) you should also be checked for thyroid antibodies. You can have normal levels and symptoms for many years if you have thyroid antibodies present. With your family history they should have checked you for antibodies long ago.
Thanks! I will ask my doctor to test me for the T3 and antibodies. I forgot to mention in my first post that I have 3 cysts in my thryoid and the size of the thyroid is at the upper limits of normal. I see the doctor Monday, so hopefully I can get this all treated!
