hypo or not?

[hebbyh]

Hi, can anyone tell me if a tsh of 2.7 and a t4 of 8.5 means hypothyroidism and if so should i try thyroxine? Please help. Heather.

[galathea]

On the face of it yep, it might signify hypothyroidism. Its a bit hard to tell without seeing the reference range for the t4. It varies from lab to lab, but usually it starts at about 10 and goes up to somewhere round 20 so it would appear to be low.

Next thing to do is test antibodies. If your have antibodies your doc may treat you if the free t4 is below range. Though sometimes they wait til tsh is over 5. Without antibodies you mightl fight for treatment until your tsh is over 10.

Assuming you have these figures from your doctor, what does he have to say about them?

G x

[hebbyh in reply to galathea]

The GP says I'm okay but I feel terrible!

[Clutter]

Hbbyh, if FT4 is below range you are hypothyroid. TSH 2.7 is within range but TSH >2.0 indicates your thyroid is struggling to produce hormone.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/diagno...

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[hebbyh in reply to Clutter]

T4 was just within range, GP only checked my TSH and T4, 2.7 and 8.6, T4, bottom of range was 7.8. Had antibodies checked about 8 years ago and result was 4, dont know what that means! Have taken small amount of hydrocortisone a day about 20mgs max and I felt a bit better but when I added armour felt worse! Wondered whether thyroxine might help given the low result? Did a urine thyroid test last year, T3 was okay but T4 was way under range, I have been doing most things myself as GP wont help! I'm so confused! Any ideas? Many thanks, hebbyh.

[Clutter in reply to hebbyh]

Hebbyh, How much Armour did you take and how long for?

_______________________________________________________________________________

I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[hebbyh]

When I took half a grain I didnt get symptoms but didnt improve so then I took 1 grain and got anxiety and palpitations, I stayed on half a grain for 2 weeks. I have tried just taking half a grain long term but I dont get any benefit that way either, I thought it might build up in my body over time and help that way but it didnt and when I tried taking a bit more it made me more ill! Thats why I wondered whether maybe I am someone who does need T4 only?

[hebbyh]

Hi, I now have my blood test results, Free T4 12.81 range 12 - 22, Free T3 4.2 ,Range 3.1 - 6.8, TSH 2.21, range 0.27 - 4.20, T4 total 82.9 range 64.5 - 142.0, Ferritin 86.3, range 20-150. The lab says these are normal but I feel so tired and weak. What do you think? Many thanks, Heather.

[hebbyh]

I have been taking iron in a supplement called spatone and have just got some blood results back today from blue horizon, they are as follows:

Biochemistry

CRP 0.70 <3.0 mg/L

Ferritin 86.3 20 - 150 ug/L

Thyroid Function

Free T4 12.81 12 - 22 pmol/L

Free T3 4.42 3.1 - 6.8 pmol/L

TSH 2.21 0.27 - 4.20 IU/L

T4 Total 82.9 64.5 - 142.0 nmol/L

Immunology

Anti-Thyroidperoxidase abs 9.1 <34 kIU/L Anti-Thyroglobulin Abs 33.5 <115 kU/L

Vitamins

Vitamin B12 711 Deficient <140 pmol/L

Insufficient 140 - 250

Consider reducing dose >725

Serum Folate 34.85 10.4 - 42.4 nmol/LBiochemistry

Can you tell me whether you think I'm hypothyroid and would T4 help me?

Many thanks, Hebbyh.

[hebbyh]

My doctor wont help, she says I'm fine and totally ignores my symptoms! I have tried armour thyroid on my own but it made me feel worse with palpitations etc thats why I wondered whether T4 would be better for me, what do you think? I have been ill for 20 years now, specialist says chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia but offer nothing but diazepam for muscle spasms! I am so fed up and so tired!