Thyroid tests are normal?? Are you sure?

[Abbott]

Now that my thyroid has been treated for about 9 months my Dr. has my TSH down to .82 and I am feeling great.

What I had expected was that my temperature would go back to normal. However, it has stayed very low (96-97). Is this normal? Is something else going on?? Any ideas.

[nonstickpam107]

My temperature continues to be right around 95.8 to 96.2.....but because of my high Hashimoto's hypothyroid antibodies. Do you have Hashi's hypo?? Are your antibodies high? Taking selenium really helped me with that...to lower the antibodies and to increase conversion of T4 to T3.

Is your T3 low? What's your FT3 lab (with ranges, please). If your doc isn't taking a T3 test, and you are on a T4 med only, than it could be from very poor conversion and very low T3.

Pam

[Abbott]

Thanks Pam.

I am taking 5 mcg Cytomel twice a day as well as .1 of levoxyl.

The lab test did not show the T3 results.
On the Anti Thyroglobulin and Anti Thyroid Peroxidase test both results came back as 0 and unavailable. The Dr. indicated we would have to test again in the future and that he suspected that their were some antibodies. He has never put a name to the type of hypothyroid problem.
Thyroxine (Free) was 1.1 ng/dl range .8-1.8

I have been taking selenium for years through my daily vitamin. Take my meds around 4am.

[nonstickpam107]

Wow,,,if you are taking T3 (Cytomel) than you NEED a Free T3 result!! Absolutely essential!! When you get a FT3, if it is below midway or higher of the lab range.....when you raise it with more Cytomel....that is when your temp will usually finally go up, too.

Also, be aware that 5mcg. is worth .25mcg. of T4, so you are STILL on a very low dose of thyroid hormone. Have you tried Armour? People taking Armour vs. people taking a synthetic combination (T4 and Cytomel) are also getting calcitonin, T1, T2 as well as T3 and T4 (the same thing your real thyroid gives you) and usually see their temps come up to normal.

Pam

[wovenwonder]

For those that have had thyroid blood tests --- what time of day did you have them? Were you fasting for the test?

Thanks
Jody

[wovenwonder]

Pam -- I had PMed you yesterday with my test results. TSH is normal and on the low side of normal. FT4 is normal but on the low side of normal. My sonogram results from yesterday came back today and are showing nodules. I have an appt at 2pm with my GP. This is what I'm going to discuss/request from him. He is also going to order a thyroid scan.

Unable to lose weight with diet/excersize – I am constipated, sometimes severely, I have low body temperature – it averages around 96.4 – I feel cold when others feel hot – I feel fatigued, exhausted even after getting a full nights sleep – I am so tired when I go to bed but often do not sleep soundly but I DO NOT have night sweats, etc - feeling run down, sluggish, lethargic – my hair is coarse and dry and my scalp is breaking of in clumps – I’m finding that I have to clear my throat a lot when I go to talk because it is first coming off as hoarse – I have pains and aches in my joints – my sex drive is dwindling – I have vertigo – I feel occasional lightheadedness – and have had unexplained panic attacks lately which is out of character for me. These panic attacks are happening when I’m driving due to the fact of feeling vertigo/lightheadedness.


TT4 and TT3 tell you how much of those hormones are just running around in your body. The FREE T4 and FREE T3 say exactly how much of those hormones your body is actually using.

Ft4 is the main thyroid hormone. Some women feel best when this is at midway or above midway of lab ranges. A lot of women feel terrible with an FT4 in the lower end of normal lab ranges.

Request a TPO to rule out Hashimoto’s Autoimmune Hypothyroid
[thyroid antibodies test]
Also request a Free T3


Can you think of anything else? Should I request to have the blood work done at a certain time of day? Fasting or non fasting, etc?

[nonstickpam107]

Actually, no, fasting isn't necessary. And the TSH goes up and down as much as three points in an average human being....just another good reason to have the FREE T's checked. The cause of depression in a hypo is because of a low FT3, BTW, but doc's who don't know, like to hand out anti depressants instead. That happens a LOT!!! The NEW TSH range happens to be: .35-3.0, and anything over a 1 or so coupled with low T4 and T3 is suspect for hypothyroidism.

Oh, and if he gives the TPO (thyroid peroxidase) to determine Hashimoto's autoimmune hypothyroid.....if it is over the range AT ALL, and the doc says "Oh, just a "little" turn and say "Isn't that like being "just a little" pregnant??" If you have it, you need treatment. That low T4 of yours screams hypo, and my TSH stays right at .45 where I feel best (with meds, of course).

If you need a list of "Top Thyroid Docs" for your State (or surrounding states, many of us have to travel over two hours to see a doc who knows what to do with thyroid disease), just PM me where you are at, what states you are near, and I'll send you the lists pronto.

EDITED to add: LOW iron, ferritin (even though the range for this is like 10-210, under 50) and low progesterone, estradiol (this is why post, and peri-menopausal women have a lot of hypothyroidism) actually MIMICS all the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Pam

[valg]

bumping for people asking.

[thegoodgirl]

Wow this is a comprehensive post, I have alot of mental chewing to do now.

[inatic]

Pam DSil went to an endo. these are her results.. can you look them over and tell me what you think.

TSH .01 ((.40-5.50)
T4 (total) 10.3 (4.5-12.0) Over 20yrs
T3(total ) 185 60-181(over 18yrs


They did not do any Free's

Thyroiid Peroxidase AB 10.7 ((.0-2.0))
Thyroblobulin AB 2.9 ((<2

Her dr dianosed her with hashi's and gave her Tapozole. she doesnt want to take it because she is affraid she will gain weight, she has only lost 1olbs by "lower carbing"
She has nodules on her thyroid that they are trying to determine by aspiration what they are.

Does she have graves antibodies as well Since it is a smidge over two. does that play into treatment. Also her doc didnt test any of her female hormones at all because she said she was post meno! This IS an endocrinologist in NY(brooklyn)

So what cha think??

[nonstickpam107]

She has Hashi's.....but she is presenting the SAME way I did....because my progesterone and estradiol were very, very low!! If she is given Tapazole, instead of doing a block and replace,,,,she IS going to gain weight...are they going to give the Tap and do replace?? Or JUST do the Tap and IGNORE her female hormones??

We post-meno's with Hashi's will go into "hyper mode" if our female hormones aren't brought up where they should be. OF COURSE her estradiol, and progesterone should be checked!!! The thyroid goes completely wacked without the progesterone it needs to function properly!!

My endo did a "block and replace" with me. First he gave me a beta blocker (very teensy amount) to quell my heart palpitations, and gave me transdermal, compounded Rx. progesterone cream....that allowed me to sleep at night, and not be bothered by the heart palps, sweating, weak thigh muscles, etc. THEN,,,,he started me on a HALF of a .25mcg. of Levoxyl. THEN, after a couple of months, he introduced BIO-IDENTICAL estradiol/estriol (Bi-est, compounded at a compounding pharmacy) and we just went from there. Within six months, I was getting balanced and I went up to .50 mcg. Levoxyl, and so on.

She needs to see an endo who does female hormones as well as thyroid (and knows enough not to just dose with ANTI-thyroid, or THYROID meds....jeesh!!). If a patient is in post-meno, and a hyper "swing" during Hashi's, both antibodies WILL show up.....bet if they get an estradiol/estriol and progesterone they will be super low, too!! Oh, and run like He## if the doc says "What's progesterone got to do with the thyroid???", lol.

Pam

[inatic]

Thanks Pam! I forwarded My question with your response to her. I hope she listens to you .

I went to the dr today. We lowered my synthiod down to .88mcg because i felt the 100's sublinguilly were a bit high but that I was still missing that sweet spot. She also gave me Cytomel 5mg two times a day to start and I can go up to 3 If *I* choose too

They were supposed to take blood today but decided to switch me and test in about 6weeks. (taking the cytomel and testing 2 hrs later)

Here are my results from Sept. At that time I was taking 75MCg of synthoid sublingually.

Tsh .47 (.40-5.50)
T3 total 86 (60-181)
t3 uptake 33 (22-35)
t-4 total 9.1 (4.5-12.5)
Ft4index (t7) 3.0 (1.4-3.8)
Ft3 287 (230-420)

TIA AGAIN!! I dont know what we would do with out you!!

****I took (1) 5mg of cytomel today. I dont know if it is psychological or the pill but i feel GREAT!! Is that possible?? Does T3 work THAT fast??

[nonstickpam107]

YES, T3 works "that" fast...actually, whereas T4 takes up to two weeks to even BE working, Cytomel starts working within a couple of hours (sometimes minutes). Be aware that 5mcg. of T3 equals 20 mcg. of T4, so see?? by seeing your FT3,,,you REALLY needed the Cytomel!!

Will you please do me a favor, and direct Kimmer to this post?? She is going to go to the doc and ask for T3, and I'd like her to have some experiences with it from some who are actually taking it. oow-woo is also on Cytomel, but a larger dose.

Your doc sounds like he/she is doing a fantastic job for you!! Too bad you can't get DSIL in to her/him!!

Pam

[inatic]

Pam thanks! This from the doc that wouldnt prescribe amour re that comment of "madcow". Actually when the explained more about why they dont like amour as much it does makes sense. Mostly because it is harder to regulate because of the limited amount of t3 and some end up need more . anyhoo different story a different time

they did say that they might have to play with my t4 a bit because of the addition of the t3.

I will summon kimmer for ya

I must say I do feel much more energenic, my butt is not dragging!.

**oh 1 more question Can you take it sublingual and at the same time as the synthoid?

[nonstickpam107]

Taking T3 sublingual can have some "too quick" effects. After all, T4 (part of it) converts to T3, but T3 is already converted...so no need to take subling. Yes, you CAN take it at the same time as T4, but you still don't have to be cautious about taking your cal/iron/fiber or anything taking the T3.

The reason your Cytomel is split up during the day is because it's "all used up" by the time you are getting the next dose, so just swallow it and let it work.

Actually, the remark about "how much" T3 is in Armour doesn't make sense, either. It's just a doc who doesn't know anything about Armour, (beside's it's the least expensive med on the market....oooops,,,,no drug reps to come in and lie about it....awww, what a shame!! And the doc would actually have to learn about it from a BOOK, instead of a drug rep----darn it...books don't take the Doc to lunch and pay for it....do they???). Just for fun, ask this doc "how much of a percentage of Armour IS T3 and T4??".....pssst....it is around 20% T3 (more than YOU are getting right now) and 80% T4----that's why most have to actually ADD T4 to it....really simple, just look at the Free T's and how the person feels and go from there).

Oh, and you still aren't getting any: T1, T2, or calcitonin like you would with Armour. It has other benefits besides just "mad cow" from a PIG!!! ROFL!!!! Thanks for the laugh!!! Boy, she sure could have fun with THIS doc, huh??? I know I'd be having fun!!!

Pam

[inatic]

LOL I guess it is pretty funny.. BUT since I am getting what I want from them and they are willing to work WITH me.. I am content FOR NOW anyway


So I one is not taking amour then how do you get these? T1, T2, or calcitonin ?

I NEVER remember to take my vitamin, IF i took it(the same one you use) on a regular basis would that change the t3 #'s. I remember to take my thyroid meds REGULARLY but slack on the vitamins take are usually taken hours later

[nonstickpam107]

Well, I hate to tell ya.....(you already know this) but you don't have very good conversion....that's why you are taking Cytomel.....but if I miss my vitamins for more than three days....if I don't get in my EFA's, and especially my cal/mag/zinc/selenium....yep...I really start to feel it. I get puffier than usual, don't have as much energy, and my hair starts to look "dull". I really miss my vitamins if I miss my vitamins!! If anyone would have told me that all of these supplements would make a difference a couple years ago....I would have laughed at them.....but it is true.

There is no other way to get T1, T2, and calcitonin.....and synthetics, while energy giving, and life saving, can actually lower your calcium...and vitamin D....so make sure you are taking a cal/mag with vitamin D every day---it's not calcitonin....but it will help with your bones, teeth and even your muscles.

Pam

[valg]

Ileen,
I'm also on cytomel. I take 5 mcg twice daily as well. I feel great. I've done very well on it. I'm also on 112 unithyroid and I like it better than synthroid for some reason. Glad they finally put you on it.

[nonstickpam107]

Val,

I am seriously considering switching from Levoxyl (all the recalls) to Unithroid. The only reason I was staying on Levoxyl was because Synthroid has a lot of corn in it (I'm deathly allergic to corn) and Levoxyl has no lactose.....but I'm taking allergy injections, and others, that are reducing my sensitivity to lactose.

Glad to have the input on the Unithroid

Pam

[valg]

Hi Pam,
Unithryoid might be worth a try. I know I like it lot better than synthroid for some reason, can't really put my finger on it exactly, but just feels more "right". I also like the price better than synthroid.
Only problem is....I did have trouble initially finding a pharmacy who carried it. Be sure to call around. Ultimately I get mine from Rite Aid, but they special order for me my dose.
I had a large chain pharmacy Fred Meyer tell me that Unithryoid was no longer made and he couldn't get it. He said he supposedly called the manufacturer. Yeah, right. Rite Aid has NO problems getting it and had never heard that it was discontinued. Something's defintely fishy with it.
Yes, all the recalls were the reason I didn't want to go to Lexoxyl.

[nonstickpam107]

Thanks Val, my pharmacist who does all my compounded Rx's said he would just order for me if I want....my insurance pays the same for three months worth (or 100 count bottle) as for one month's worth for my co-pay so I just might try it. Kind of hoping my endo might have samples, though probably not. I just had to change the way some of my HRT was compounded after I got my allergy testing back, and this pharmacy was so good about it!!

They even call me after things change, unless I have to come in for something, to make sure things are ok!! I'm wondering if it's a good thing, or a bad thing to be on a first name basis, lol.

Pam

[nonstickpam107]

Bumping for those with symptoms of hypothyroid.

Pam

[nonstickpam107]

Bumping for those individuals whose doctors have decided to tell them all they need is a TSH test and it can be "anywhere" in the range to be "normal".

Pam

[nonstickpam107]

Bump

Pam

[nonstickpam107]

Thyroid disease patients know that not only do the symptoms worsen in the colder months, some even need to have more meds......more people are diagnosed in the colder months.

Pam

[beckamoo]

Pam, I didn't realize that..thank you for letting me know.
hugs~
Bec

[valg]

bumping for newbies