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Hypothyroid - T3 now normal, T4 low

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IUD and Hypothyroidism

hypothyroid

Hypothyroidism/Hashimotos disease?

Cs1321

February 3rd, 2012

Hi,
I am a 44 year old female. About a year ago, blood tests indicated my T3 levels were low, where as my T4 was on the low side but within range. My doctor put me on Cytomel in order to increase my T3. My T3 is now at 127, but my T4 has dropped below range at .6 and my TSH is within range. My hypo conditions have improved considerably, but have not gone away completely. I asked my doctor if this could be from my T4 levels being low. She explained that since T4 is inactive she doesn't want to treat it, and instead leave it alone. In my mind, it seems ALL levels should be comfortably within the "range". Should I insist on her treating my low T4? Should I try to get a referral to an endocrinologist? Any information is greatly appreciated.

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MyrahU

replied February 4th, 2012

Extremely eHealthy

I'm not sure she should have treated the low T3 if your TSH was normal. T3 isn't as accurate of a test as TSH and it can actually fluctuate from blood test to blood test. The TSH is the actual measure of how much thyroid hormone your brain is telling your thyroid gland to make. Some doctors do treat people who are on the borderline for hypothyroidism if they have symptoms, but giving you more medication would probably make you hyperthyroid, causing more problems.

Perhaps seeing an endocrinologist would be a good idea to see if he or she thinks you have a thyroid problem at all or if you've been misdiagnosed.

What symptoms did you have before that are now better? What symptoms are you still experiencing? Also, how much Cytomel did the doctor give you?

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	Tags: hypothyroid, blood tests, female, alone

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