thyroid numbers...question

[disfan07]

2 months ago, I had a complete lab workup done (basically everything under the sun) by my neurologist

I had been told that the only thing wrong as a severe B12 deficiency. Well, when I went back to see him a month later, I asked about my labs and he mentioned that one of my thyroid levels was borderline low and it was just something that needed to be checked ocassionally.

Today I went to my internist for a pre-op appt. I mentioned the thyroid levels to her and she was not happy that it was not mentioned to her and not being followed up on so she ordered thyroid levels again today.

The results from 2 months ago were:
TSH- normal
T3- normal
T4- borderline low

I know a lot of people on these boards have thyroid problems and I was just curious if anyone has had these same test results (essentially only a low T4 level)

 

[Bren's Mom]

Well, 'normal' and 'borderline low' don't mean a darn thing. It's been explained to me like this:

Let's say that Blood Test A the experts say that 'normal' range is between 5 and 10. I come out with a 5. However, on a previous test, I was at a 9. So a 5 is NOT 'normal' FOR ME, it's low. There is a general range that's considered 'normal' but not for everyone and you can be within that range and have an abnormal test, because it's abnormal to you.

In the past few years there's been alot of discussion on what is 'normal' for thyroid. Here's an explanation that's a little more specific to thyroid:

1. Your doctor probably is still using the old reference range of 0.5 to 5.0 for diagnosis and management of your thyroid disease

2. You should not accept the answers "normal," "high" or "low" as a report of your blood tests. Instead, ask for the actual numbers and ask for the lab's normal range. Better yet, ask that a copy of your blood test report be faxed or mailed or given to you.
(***note, I'd get copies of BOTH sets of blood test to compare***)

3. If your TSH test levels come in below 0.5, or above 2.5-3.0, and your doctor is saying these levels are normal, make him or her aware of the AACE and American Association for Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Medicine Practice Guidelines and their 0.3 to 3.0 new reference range. Ask the doctor if he or she will consider a different diagnosis and treatment based on this new information.

4. If your doctor refuses to consider your results according to the new range, you may want to look for a new doctor who is more accepting of change and new evidence, and who will in fact be practicing according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists new guidelines.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Do you happen to know what your exact numbers were? Some lab ranges are incorrect since the American Academy of Clinical Endocrinologists changed the acceptable TSH ranges. Most labs consider your thyroid normal with a TSH up to 5.0 which is most definitely hypothyroidism and any good endocrinologist would treat you at that level. Try to find your actual numbers if you can.

The fact that your T4 is borderline low means you might be trending toward hypothyroidism. It's hard to say without seeing your TSH though. Usually when it is a case of hypothyroidism, the T4 drops and the TSH rises.

For me, I had subclinical hypothyroidism but was exhibiting symptoms...weight gain, cold hands/feet, fatigue and trouble concentrating. Then my T4 went lower and my TSH climbed higher which landed me into hypothyroidism for sure now. For instance when I was considered only subclinical, my TSH was 2.8 but when it climbed to 3.5 I began taking medicine. Are you experiencing symptoms?

 

[jfoofj]

I would ask what the number are. I know that they "normal" for TSH can vary from 0.5-5.0 or even as low at 0.5-3.0. That could make a big difference. When I was diagnosed w/ Hashimoto's thyroiditis my TSH was 41 and my antibody level was off there charts high (not sure what the exact name of the blood test was but it was to see if it was autoimmune... it was supposed to be below 80 and mine was 600+).

Now when I get my blood drawn everything is in normal ranges (I take levoxyl daily) but a few years ago when I was feeling cruddy my TSH was 15, and I needed a dose increase. I know my aunt, who has the same problem as me, feels awful when her TSH is anywhere above 2.