Lab results (understating high TSH)

[Krissyvo]

Hi All.

My TSH is always hanging around 3. It’s increased .1 since this time last year and all hypo symptoms back.

My current last labs were (been off meds for 2.5 yrs)

FT3- 2.7

FT4- 1.19

TSH- 3.190 (fluctuates from 3. - 3.47)

B12 709

Folate >24.

Awaiting Andrenal results.

I have all hypo symptoms.

My lab results from 3 years ago when I was prescribed Nature Throid

(Labs before any treatment)

FT3 1.6

FT4 .94

TSH 1.61

Vit D 19.2

Why are my TSH #’s so different but the symptoms are the same?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Well Thyroid hormones are usually for life

You can’t just stop them

[Krissyvo in reply to SlowDragon]

Maybe. But my PCP pulled nature throid because I went into hyper with a abnormal EKG and difficulty breathing. Sooooo.....

We do what we have to with the expertise we’re working with.

And my labs show “normal” to most drs around here

But back to my question.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Krissyvo]

Perhaps you need just FT4

Essential to check vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Do you have Hashimotos

[Krissyvo in reply to SlowDragon]

I haven’t been diagnosed with Hash. Just hypo in the past. All anti-bodies normal.

Folate and B12 normal per labs last week.

I’m low vit d and awaiting my adrenal lab results

[startagaingirl]

Could you add the ranges to those please.

[Krissyvo in reply to startagaingirl]

Anti Thyro <10

Folate >24

B12 709

Vit D 20

[startagaingirl in reply to Krissyvo]

No, lab reference ranges for thyroid eg ft3 1.6 (0.6-3.9) . Ranges differ from lab to lab and it is almost impossible to interpret figure without these.

[Krissyvo in reply to startagaingirl]

ranges

ft3 2.-4.4

ft4 .82-1.77

TSH .45-4.5

b12 200-1000

folate reference Range Low: <3.4 Borderline: 3.4-5.4 Normal: >5.4

anti throid perox (-<=36)

[greygoose]

Did you have them both done early in the morning and fasting? TSH is highest early on, and decreases throughout the day. It also decreases after eating. That can account for the differences.

The reason you still have hypo symptoms is because you are still hypo. A TSH over 3 is hypo.

[Krissyvo in reply to greygoose]

I had it mid morning not fasting. I’m having it taken again today morning not fasting

[greygoose in reply to Krissyvo]

OK, so your TSH won't be at its highest. To get the highest level you need to have your blood drawn as early in the morning as possible after having fasted over-night. TSH drops throughout the day, and after eating.

[Krissyvo in reply to greygoose]

I still haven’t ate this am. My appt is at 9am. Should I not eat to get the highest reading?

Is a fasting and early morning reading the most accurate TSH level to use when considering how hypo I am?

[greygoose in reply to Krissyvo]

No, the TSH decreases after eating.

Actually, the TSH is not a very good test at all, but it's the one doctors have chosen to use, despite all the scientific proof that it isn't the best. Therefore, we have to get it as high as we can. And, it will be slightly higher at 8 than it is at 9 am. But, I realise we don't always have the choice.

[Krissyvo]

Ok. So the higher it is the more hypo you are (as drs. See it)