New Test Results

[GretchenBuster]

Hi, originally diagnosed May 2017 with TSH at 103 (reference range 0.4-4.0) and no measurable T3 or T4. Put on 100 mcg levothyroxine daily. Retested August 2017 with TSH 5.64 (reference range 0.4-4.0); Free T4- 1.21 (ref range 0.8-1.9) and total T3-80.6 (reference range 82-179). So endo upped the levo by 200 mcg per week (by me taking double 100 mcg dose on weekends). Okay, that brings us to today. New test results are TSH 0.019 (reference range 0.4-4.0); Free T4- 1.33 (ref range 0.8-1.9); total T3-88.1 (reference range 82-179), and free T3- 4.08 (ref range 1.5-4.4). I was sure I wasn't going to be in range because I still feel symptomatic -- a bit of stumbling, insomnia (which I've had since this started), brain fog seems better, and I was losing my voice for a while, but that's been better the last two weeks. I often feel better, but it's not consistent. Also I have lost about 10 pounds since I started the levo. Three years ago I lost 20 pounds within a year without dieting; kept it off easily until this past year, when I gained 15 pounds back over the course of 12 months. So, opinions, please? Could this be Hashimotos where I am going between hyper and hypo? Although when I lost the weight I was never tested for anything or medicated. just stared the meds in May 2017 because of test results after noticing skyrocketing cholesterol, weight gain, slurred speech, and the whole host of hypo symptoms. Sorry this got so long. Thoughts from anyone before I email these results to my endocrinologist? (Yes, I get to see them first from my private lab here in Costa Rica!)

[Clutter]

GretchenBuster,

You appear to be optimally dosed now. TSH 0.019 is low but not suppressed, FT4 is mid-range and FT3 is well up in range so you are a 'good converter'. Do resist any attempt to reduce dose to raise TSH as you are not overmedicated with both FT4 and FT3 within range. Unfortunately, symptoms can lag behind good biochemistry by several months and it's not unusual to feel good for a few days and then feel set back for a few days. Consistent improvement in symptoms will come.

There are no thyroid peroxidase or thyroglobulin antibody results so it's not possible to say whether or not you have Hashimoto's.

Weight gain and high cholesterol are hypothyroid symptoms so it is likely that cholesterol will have dropped now that your thyroid levels are good.

[GretchenBuster in reply to Clutter]

Thanks so much, Clutter, for your input. It will be interesting how my endo responds to the test results. I don't see her in person again until November, but in the past she responded within a day or two to my emails and has me email the results to her. When I see her in November I will ask her to order blood tests for the vit. B12, folic acid, Vit. D, antibodies (and all the things the forum recommends). With her written order I can have them done at the public clinic for free. Just not wanting to dish out all that money for private tests as it would be really expensive. So then hopefully we will get the full picture. Meanwhile, I will keep at this dose. Thanks for the reassurance that I have not gone "hyper"!!