Hi,
I'm new here and needed some help reading my results of a Thyroid test.
I've been suffering with Hypothyroid symptoms for 18 years, first they were mild, but have got more severe as the years have passed.
My symptoms are:
Tiredness, weakness, aches and pains, neck ache, cold intolerance, freezing cold hands and feet, tingling in fingers, shortness of breath, severe dizziness, dry skin, hair falling out in patches (it does grow back however), can't concentrate, confusion, loss of memory, heart palpitations, jumpy vision, sadness, brittle nails, tunnel vision, panic attacks and Anxiety...etc The list is endless!!
Over the past 18 years I've been to the doctors countless times, I've been told I suffer Anxiety Attacks and told to go away and learn to relax, I've been told I'm depressed and prescribed anti-depressants (which i flushed instead of taking) I'm not depressed!! One doctor actually gave me a TSH test which came back "normal"... My symptoms have now got even worse, I can't hold down a full-time job, and basically have difficulties functioning on a daily basis, so... off i went to the doctors again, this time they say I have PMDD!!!! What the heck!!! I had another TSH test done, doctor said it came back "normal".
Last week I woke in intense pain with the back of my neck, apparently I have a pinched nerve resulting in my pinky and ring finger going numb!! While I was at the clinic I asked them to run TSH, FT3, FT4.
They called me this morning to say all test's came back "normal" although the doctor acknowledged I have classic symptoms of Hypothyroidism... It then came to light for me that this disease is hereditory, I had no idea of this, this has now enforced my belief that my Thyroid just isn't working properly, my Mother, My Aunt and my Grandma all suffer with Thyroid Disfunction!!
Is it possible that I can be still suffering with this disease and my results come back "normal"?
Here's my results:
TSH - 2.01
T4 - 0.92
T3 - 3.31
Can anyone give me any help decifering these results? Are they "normal"?
Re: Severe Hypo Symptoms but "Normal" Test Results?
Hi Aahh, Sorry I wasn't more clear. Glad you figured it out.
Your Free T4 is only at 22% of its range. Your Free T3 is somewhat higher, at 55%. Both of these values need to be up in the top third of range generally to be at good levels. Some do better with the FT3 rear the top of range. It's an individual thing but with your levels along with your symptoms and adding in your family history you are hypothyroid. I noticed from your other post about dizzyness that you should take steps to check your adrenal function as well and a saliva cortisol test is a good bet for that.
Your next task is to try to find a doctor who knows how to diagnose and treat this. Going untreated for any longer is going to continue to make you miserable and can have long term negative health effects. Some have luck with endocrinologists, most do not. I personally prefer treatment with natural thyroid hormones, others like synthetics. All I can suggest is that you do a lot of research and try to make the most informed health choices for yourself.
There's a lot of good info on other posts in this forum so take some time to read as much as you can. Feel free to post more questions as well. Good luck!
Re: Severe Hypo Symptoms but "Normal" Test Results?
Thank you so much... it was difficult to make sense of it all... I was told that doctors have their ranges out of whack and even tho they describe me as "normal" the possibility of me having hypo was high and could go "undiagnosed"!!!
I think I've found a Dr who will look into further, I found him on the top docs list, fortunately he's in my area. He personally specializes in thyroid problems, he's responded to my email stating that he also suffered with undiagnosed Hypothyroidism for 30 years and feels bitter towards the medical proffessionals who refuse to acknowledge it and ignore their patients symptoms because they're within range of "pretty lab results" (quote)
Re: Severe Hypo Symptoms but "Normal" Test Results?
Yes your labs can be in normal range but not be normal for you, you probably need your FT4 to be higher, say mid range? I would ask this next doc for antibodies testing for Hashi's. He sounds sympathetic because he himself has this, he'll most likely do them.
Re: Severe Hypo Symptoms but "Normal" Test Results?
Wow, he sounds like a keeper for sure. My doc has a similar story. Once they walk in our shoes the start to see the light so to speak. Keep us posted as to how he works out for you. Ask him about adrenals too.
Re: Severe Hypo Symptoms but "Normal" Test Results?
I will most definately keep you all posted... He told me he goes by symptoms and says labs are only worth 5% of the diagnoses. He also sent me a quote from a medical professional who said "The TSH test is the most biggest medical mistake ever in diagnosing a thyroid problem", which is resulting in millions of Americans living with undiagnosed Hypo.
I will be spending two hours with him on my appointment, he wants to know every detail of my symptoms, then we'll go from there.
Thanks guys : )
Re: Severe Hypo Symptoms but "Normal" Test Results?
Hi Guys, I'm back...
I have an appointment with my doctor on the 26th Oct.
I got some paperwork in the mail saying which tests I will be having done, can any of you help me decifer what they are?
Here goes:
ACTH
CORTISOL, TOTAL
DHEA-S
IGF-I (SOMA-C)
T3 FREE
T3 REVERSE
T4 FREE
THYROGLOBULIN AB
TPO
VIT B12/SERUM FOLATE
CA 125 II
ESTRADIOL
FSH
PROGESTERONE
TESTERONE TOTAL
25 HYDROXY VIT D
SEM-C REACTIVE/PROTEIN.
I know there's a lot, but does anyone know what they all are?
Re: Severe Hypo Symptoms but "Normal" Test Results?
ACTH-- the hormone put out by the pituitary to signal the adrenals to release cortisol
CORTISOL, TOTAL-- a cortisol test, only gives one reading. A 24 hour saliva is more helpful to diagnose adrenal fatigue
DHEA-S - a steroid produced by the adrenals
IGF-I (SOMA-C)-- insulin-like growth factor, a hormone produced by the liver
These following 5 tests are the proper thryoid panel:
T3 FREE --
T3 REVERSE
T4 FREE
THYROGLOBULIN AB
TPO
VIT B12/SERUM FOLATE -- vitamin B12
CA 125 II - a screeing test for cancer
ESTRADIOL - female sex hormone
FSH -- follicle stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary
PROGESTERONE -- female sex hormone
TESTERONE TOTAL -- male sex hormone
25 HYDROXY VIT D -- Vitamin D
SEM-C REACTIVE/PROTEIN. -- Also called CRP, is a test for inflammation
Re: Severe Hypo Symptoms but "Normal" Test Results?
Aaah Problems,
Right out of the gate this Doc sounds great!
You'll have to post back your with results and let us know how you like him and where he's located. So many people here look for a Dr like this one.
Re: Severe Hypo Symptoms but "Normal" Test Results?
He's located in Northern Indiana, same city where I live (Mishawaka)... I haven't been to see him as yet, but he's sent me multiple emails. I've had to write every symptom I'm having, every thought I'm thinking. He's a private doctor, he doesn't work with insurance companies because they won't honor payments if a patient is within "normal range" even though they're sick. He has ordered the blood tests based on what I've told him via email (he's trying to keep it on the cheap for me).. Once I go to the appointment, he should already have my results, so I'm sure upon leaving his office things will be a whole lot clearer.
Re: Severe Hypo Symptoms but "Normal" Test Results?
Aahhh, wish he was closer for me. He does sound like a good one. There is one here pretty close, but she charges so much, and it is not covered by insurance.
Re: Severe Hypo Symptoms but "Normal" Test Results?
You will have to post your antibodies tests when you get them back. I can relate to you in many ways. I also have the long list of symptoms and my Free T3 and T4 are within range and my TSH is sometimes on the high end of "normal" but I have also been 3.0 - 6.4 which is high and my endo still won't treat me. I also have adrenal fatigue and labs to show it and she basically said it isn't fatigued enough yet!
I have antibodies for both Graves and Hashimotos and she explains it to me that my thyroid is still function and it is only a matter of time before it stops functioning properly. I believe I am already there. I have a couple of labs lined up with her that I am going to get and if she still refuses to treat I will find someone else. I also won't accept anything other than natural dessicated treatment too.
Re: Severe Hypo Symptoms but "Normal" Test Results?
Khenkels: My doctor charges a lot too, it's took me a while to save the money, the bloodwork in itself is costing around $2000, then I have a fee to pay at the appointment, I know I'll be talking with the doctor for 2 hours, which seem's a long time, but I want a doctor who has time to sit and listen. I came to the conclusion a couple of years ago that there's no regular doctor out there who will help me (and trust me, I've been to many). I was paying to see regular doctors just so they can tell me "it's all in my head".. "I'm depressed"... "I have PMDD"...etc So, in the long run I'm looking at seeing this thyroid specialist as an investment with my health.
Alexa: I hope you manage to get your health sorted out, I've been suffering with it for 18 years. Thyroid disfunction runs 3 generations in my family, yet doctors have told me there's nothing wrong with my Thyroid because my TSH level is within "NORMAL RANGE"!! It wasn't until I came to this board months ago that I discovered the test is worthless, if I had not come here and read other people's stories, I would never have looked for a Thyroid specialist or sort out treatment, I would've stayed sick and stayed undiagnosed. My Thyroid Doctor suffered with an undiagnosed Thyroid problem for 30 years, he's very angry towards the medical profession for not taking it further than the TSH test. I think his own misery and sickness prompted him to help people who are suffering the same as he did.
Re: Severe Hypo Symptoms but "Normal" Test Results?
Well, I went and had all my blood taken today, can you believe they took 15 tubes from me?...lol They made me sit for a while afterwards and fed me cookies and orange juice. I was totally surprised by how much they took, but phew!! at least its all done, now all I have to do is wait for the results and my appointment on the 26th.
