This past August or September, I finally confronted a major issue for me. Although not overeating, I had over the previous year gained over 100 pounds. TSH test results came back indicating I was probably hypo and needed either more testing or a trial of Synthroid.
Finally, I asked to be referred to an endocrinologist.
Most recent lab results:
FT3 - 4.29
FT4 - 1.15
TSH - 1.720
While on Synthroid .05.
Note: During my consult with the endocrinologist in January, she had significant difficulty in finding and feeling my thyroid.
I don't feel much difference from last September or October when I started these medications. I am, overall, less fatigued in general now than I was when I first started. However, I still feel fatigued, achy and tired to the point where exercising is daunting.
Lowering caloric intake (and being careful about what I eat) has not reduced my weight, at all.
By the way, I'm try to get the lab ranges for these tests as well as my previous lab results. Unfortunately, this is like pulling teeth for some reason. Neither my GP nor my endocrinologist feel inclined to return phone calls.
I'm guessing at this point that I probably do not have a thyroid problem at all. I'd like suggestions for what could be up.
Okay, I am new here but most lab ranges for FT4 are 0.8-1.8.
Taking that into account, it appears as though your FT4 is still too low for optimal health. I've heard people say that you want your free thyroid hormones to be in the upper third of lab range, so at least 1.5. I think that getting your TSH closer to 1 may get you closer to the optimal range of free thyroid hormones.
Have you asked to up your dosage?
The thyroid is one of the primary organs involved in regulating your metabolism. There is some involvement of other organs, such as kidneys, but it is primarily your thyroid. Have you had your glucose and fasting insulin levels checked? I would look up the signs of insulin resistance as an alternative possibility.
The Following User Says Thank You to jaymee456 For This Useful Post: yankeegrits (03-08-2012)
I had fasting blood work done in August or September, and there were no indications of problems. I'll need to find out those lab results, though.
yes, post them when you find out, if you don't mind.
fasting insulin is a confusing one. the lab range is something like 4-26 but it is misleading because a number over 10 is indicative of possible insulin resistance. So, you may be told that your result was normal when it isn't.
