Do endocrinologists ever diagnose on symptoms and clinical picture with normal bloods?

Hi, I have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism and signs including the characteristic bulge under my chin and unexplained weight gain despite a reduction in calories (as well as increasing the protein whilst decreasing the carbohydrates) and I have 2 other autoimmune diseases. I am having bloods done (only T3 and T4 GP not doing the rest - I think an antibody panel would be sensible buts sounds like I will be lucky if the lab does my T4 and T3) but I was wondering is there anyone out there being successfully treated for hypothyroidism by an endocrinologist or any other specialist (if so what sort) with normal bloods? I can't wait to hear from you. Many, many thanks and best wishes in advance, Wennieflower 

[Clutter]

Wennieflower,

I think it happens, but rarely.  I've only seen one post on the forum where the member was prescribed thyroxine by her endocrinologist when TSH, FT4 and FT3 were within range.

Post your thyroid results with the ranges in a new post and members will advise.

[humanbean]

I think a large proportion of endocrinologists are diabetes specialists with no idea at all of what the symptoms of hypothyroidism are.

[milkwoman]

I'm in the US and I'm being treated by a private endocrinologist (Dr. Kenneth Blanchard) based upon my symptoms. When I went to him, my blood results were within "normal lab ranges" and my GP and another endo refused to treat me. 

Dr. Blanchard listened to my symptoms and started me on levothyroxine. I immediately felt better. Since that time, my levo dosing has increased and we've also added in slo-release T3 (compounded). 

Dr. Blanchard has over 1500 patients worldwide that he treats (he only treats hypothyroid patients). I am so very fortunate to have found him as I was suffering something horrible and now I am getting my life back! 

[vienna2010]

I was originally diagnosed on the basis of symptoms. My tsh was slightly out of range but, at my endo appointment, he focused only on symptoms and not numbers. Unusual, I know!

[Hidden]

What were your symptoms? Which medications were you started on? How are you doing now? Thanks for your help, Wennieflower 

[humanbean in reply to Hidden]

Wennieflower, to reply to a particular post, press on the green Reply button inside the box the post is in. If you do that the person you are replying to gets a notification that you have replied and can read what you've written..

If this isn't done then people will (inadvertently) ignore your questions or comments because they won't know you've replied or asked questions.

[Hidden]

Only if you are very lucky and manage to find a great doctor. I was left to die because I had "normal" results. 8 years ago I was even hospitalized in the first stage of myxedema coma and they didn't do anything. My husband saved my life getting me T3.