Please help with confusing test results - what it 'normal'?

[ghana60]

Please help - I was recently urged to get thyroid function checked by my sister (hypothroid) and a friend (medical background) I have many symptoms that indicate hypothyroidism.

Just got test results back and would really appreciate some help with understanding them!

There are 3 columns: Under column titled 'Investigation' it says CTSH and in the same column under that is says: Serum TSH level (XaELV)

The column next to that is headed 'Normality' - there is nothing noted underneath.

The final column is 'Result' and it says: 1.20 mu/L (0.35 - 5.5)

I was told verbally that it is normal. Starting to realise that definition of 'normal' can vary and that there is more than one type of test. I would really appreciate some help before seeing the doctor tomorrow.

Looked at various symptoms and mine include: Memory very poor (lose track of trying to say half way through sentence - have to use lists etc) Depression (even though by nature upbeat). Feeling cold (go to bed with several layers on) Aches and pains (gone on so long am used to it)) Feeling tired (ditto!) Poor night time sleep and restless legs. Zero Libido, Hair Loss and mostly white hair early. Plantars Fascilitis, Dry Skin, scaly skin, Long term constipation, Poor appetite but gaining weight steadily, Slow healing of sores (also a sign of cancer apparently?) Nurse siad I had low blood pressure.

As recommended took temp at 3pm every day for an week using a digital thermometer under the tongue. Consistently in the 35 range with the lowest 34.9 and highest 36.2.

My sister is hypothyroid. My niece had thyroid cancer last year. One nephew chrones. One nephew hypothyroid.

I am in remission from late stage bowel cancer, and recently read underactive thyroid has a negative effect on colon function and may contribute to increased risk of cancer

thyroid.about.com/b/2005/11... This was misdiagnosed as diverticulitis - colonoscopy late so was stage 3 before treatment. Then chemo related dehydration also missed acute renal failure . . have been very fortunate.

Please help advise if possible? Thank you

[greygoose]

Well, you must have seen the doctor by now, but I've only just seen this question. I hope he had something helpful to say.

What I would say is that to my mind that TSH is ever so slightly high, but as it's 'in range', to a doctor it's normal. However, a TSH test on its own is useless. What you need are the FT4 and FT3 because they will give you a clearer idea of what's going on.

Do let us know what the doctor said.

Hugs, Grey