Doc thinks I have a thyroid issue, I'm not so sure...

[kcash]

Hello, any advise is appreciated...I recently had two blood tests with the following results:

On 6/19/15:

T4 = 4.4

TSH = 1.08

On 6/26/15:

T4 = 4.7

TSH = 0.91

FT4 = 0.73

I did not go to the doctor with any specific symptoms, I was just having a physical and blood work. Typically I am not one to sound the alarm bells and I don't like to take prescription meds. The Nurse Practitioner seems to think that these #'s are cause for concern and recommends that I see an Endocrinologist. Your thoughts?

[kcash]

Are US ranges different than UK?

[Jazzw in reply to kcash]

Often, yes. But even in the UK, ranges vary between labs.

[Jazzw in reply to kcash]

See healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Jazzw]

I'm with RFU on this - ranges please! You've got T4 and FT4 results there, as well as TSH. The TSH results seem to fall within normal range, but we can't deduce whether the T4 and FT4 are anything to be concerned about without the ranges.

[kcash in reply to Jazzw]

T4 says min 4.5 - max 12.0 ug/dL

FT4 says min 0.80 - max 1.80 ng/dL

Is that what you're asking for? This is all new to me so have patience as I don't really know anything about this...according to what they say is normal, the first T4 was just a bit low and the second was above the minimum.

My FT4 is under the minimum of 0.80 at 0.73. What does that mean?

[Jazzw in reply to kcash]

Sorry kcash - didn't mean to sound impatient (hug).

Yes - that's right, those are the ranges we meant. OK, now it makes sense why your nurse practitioner is concerned. It's very unusual for your FT4 to be below range without your TSH being elevated. That would suggest there may be a pituitary problem, rather than a thyroid problem per se. The message isn't getting to your thyroid to produce enough thyroxine.

You really don't have any symptoms? Not tired, low in mood, dry skin, gaining weight? Not everyone does, of course.

[kcash in reply to Jazzw]

Well, before all of this I didn't think I had 'symptoms' but now that I'm looking at it, yes my skin is dry, I've gained 12lbs in a year and I'm usually moody (but I just chalked the moodiness up to my personality, not a medical problem). Thanks for the info. What could happen if left untreated? (meaning: I don't want to 'take a pill; to fix my problem)

[Jazzw in reply to kcash]

It really depends on the cause. I share your aversion to prescription drugs - if it helps, you might be looking at something more akin to hormone replacement therapy, rather than a drug.

Have a read of this page here: thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Had any knocks on the head, whiplash, large losses of blood?

[kcash in reply to Jazzw]

Hello, I'm sorry, I was using this thread at work on Friday and just returned to the office. No time to login over the weekend. Thank you for the article. I will do more research and most likely make an appointment with the endocrinologist. Appreciate your input!