male, 64, fit, no problems besides this: for about 3 years I´m having symptoms like feeling cold, brain fog, and most things one would consider to be low thyroid function.
I did a lot of blood tests in the last year. Most values are ok.
Zinc, Vit B, Selen etc. has all been tested ok, too.
The problem IMHO seems to be that fT4 is always at the bottom of reference, while fT3 is always in the mid range. TSH is normal.
This test has been repeated some times, and comes back always this way.
I read that fT4 low and fT3 midrange could mean to be iodine deficient.
Currently, I do not take any Thyroxine, and have not before.
Which way should I go? Take iodine, take T4 or T4/T3, a combination of these, or something different?
Any ideas are welcome.
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gd33
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I read that fT4 low and fT3 midrange could mean to be iodine deficient.
That is true, but it's not that simple, it could also mean other things. So, whatever you do, don't take iodine unless you have been tested for it, and been found deficient, AND you are supervised by an experienced practicioner. There are protocols to be set up, it's not as simple as just taking a pill.
So, your next step should be to get your iodine tested, if you think it might be that. A non-loading urine test is best, I believe.
It could be a pituitary gland issue. Secondary Hypothyroidism is where the pituitary gland can't release enough TSH to stimulate a healthy thyroid. At diagnosis FT4 is low and TSH either low or normal range, when it really should be high. The treatment is the same as primary hypothyroidism but TSH can't be used to guide dosage. It's often caused by a cyst or benign tumor on the pituitary gland. It's very rare that they are cancerous and are usually slow growing. Normally if one is suspected you'll have blood test to check the pituitary hormones, some are indirectly tested, plus an MRI with contrast.
Secondary hypothyroidism sometimes comes under the heading of Central hypothyroidism.
GP probably won’t have heard of it . If they have they’ll tell you it’s very rare and therefore won’t test for it! You should be referred to an endo if it is suspected. Endo might refuse to see you because your results are in range.
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T3/T4 versus FT3/FT4?
FT4 &FT3 result
Low TSH but normal Ft4 & Ft3
Why are my FT4 and FT3 levels still low?
