Hypothyroidism despite normal TSH (1.88)?

[RiaO]

Hey.

I'm really confused over what's going on with my body. For a few months, I have been having most of the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. I'm having unexplained weight gain, chronic constipation, gas and bloating, hair thinning, no periods, fatigue during the middle of the day, dry skin (and sharp, needle-like pricking on the skin), feeling cold all the time, no sweating even during intense workouts...

I went to the doctor concerning my missed periods and I got my hormones tested including TSH. She gave me norethisterone so I can do the blood test on my period. My LH and ProLactin turned out low, but my TSH was normal. I was then put on oestrogen for three months (period came as normal), after which my period stopped. Now I'm wondering whether to test my TSH, T4, and T3 to see if I have a thyroid issue. But healthcare is so expensive here and I fear that it will be a waste of time and money. Can someone give me an advice?

I'm 17 btw.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

You need TSH, Free T4 (FT4) and Free T3 (FT3), you can't go by TSH alone, there are other types of hypothyroidism that can't be diagnosed with just TSH. Also useful is thyroid antibodies. Don't bother with Total T4 or Total T3. Please post the results when you have them, and include the reference ranges so that we can intepret the results.

[shaws Administrator]

You are very young at 17 years of age so I am sorry if you've developed hypothyroidism but read and ask questions on this forum and members are helpful.

First - blood tests have always to be at the very earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of thyroid hormones (when prescribed) and take afterwards. This gives you the best readings.

Usually a Full Thyroid Function Test is TSH, T4, T3, Free T4 Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. Antibodies tell us if we've got an Autoimmune Condition called Hashimoto's but treatment is the same, i.e. levothyroxine. Many doctors only look at the TSH and if it is over-range will diagnose .