Monday, October 03, 2005

Numbers

Thyroid numbers from Nov 30, 2004:

TSH = 2.689 (0.35 - 5.5)
T4 = 10.6 (4.5 - 12.0)
T3 Uptake = 27% (24 - 39)
FTI = 2.9 (1.2 - 4.9)

The numbers in brackets are the range considered "normal". According to this, I'm normal. Or, at least, my thyroid is.

My mom's thyroid problem manifested itself in a high TSH. My TSH seems smack dab in the middle. My T4 looks like it's on the high side of normal, and T3 on the low side of normal. Anyone have information that disagrees that my numbers are normal? (I took a quick peek at the links Dawn sent me.)

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

actually, there have been some recent studies (stuff published in the NE journal of medicine, not just random ones) that say that TSH levels should really be no more than 2 ... where before they used to say that up to 5 was okay. I'll see if I can root up a link to an article... some endocrinologists have already adopted the new range, others have not (and all of the software they use to automate analysis of bloodwork still has the old numbers).

[can you tell I've been through this? :) ]

none said...

I was tested in November 2004 and my tsh was 7.4 and my doctor considered my borderline hypothyroid. Are you having symptoms that are causing your problems that you think it is thyroid related? My biggest problem was I was so exhausted I had to nap during the day. It was getting where I didn't have the energy to do anything, just felt like I was in a sleepy fog.

noricum said...

I thought it was values over 3 that were now considered a problem...?

Wendy: I've been having/needing daily 2-3 hour naps. I've been pretty okay the past couple of weeks, so maybe the naps were depression related. I have a family history of thyroid problems, and am currently overweight and tired a lot. Of course, I'm also depressed. The question is, which is causing the other? :)

Unknown said...

Levels now over 2 are considered low. Go figure.

BUT... a thyroid levels are funny... some people can get by fine a little on the low side of noraml while others cannot function at all same with the high side.
Be sure to check out about.com's thyroid section they have alot of useful info.

KelliAmanda said...

My doc would probably say that you have room for augmenting your antidepressant with thyroid meds. And my NP said that endocrinologists were now considering a TSH over 3 to be indicative of hypothyroidism. I hadn't heard 2, and I'd be curious to know why the range has changed so drastically...

Another thing to consider, since your T4 is high - perhaps there is an adrenal function problem? If your body is producing enough thyroid hormone but is unable to use it, well, that's not good either. B vitamins (pantothene/pantothenic acid especially) and high doses of vitamin C are good for adrenal function. Just another thought.

noricum said...

Well, I'm taking both a regular B complex and a B-stress complex, and I think I'm getting plenty of vitamin C...