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Is Weight Gain,dry Skin And Brittle Nails Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism?
Question: I have a normal Tsh level 2.92 but my free t4 level is slightly low, 0.69 (normal range 0.75 - 1.75) I have many of the hypothryroid symptoms, but have never actually been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Is their still a possibility I have hypothyroidism or is this just a fluke. ( I have gained 30 lbs in the last 6 months, have dry skin and eyes, brittle nails, tired all the time, also I am 53 and going through early stages of menopause)
Brief Answer:
Hello
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Good day.
Many a times, thyroid function tests can be confusing. The symptoms which you metioned can occur in hypothyroidism, but they are not specefic ( which means these symptoms can occur in other diseases as well ). Dry skin and eyes etc can be secondary to the rheumatological condition whch you have. ( i presumed that you have a rheumatological condition as you are on Celebrex and hydroxychloroquine).
The thyroid function test which you mentioned can confuse doctors at times. If there is no clinical suspcion of hypothyroidism, most doctors prefer to repeat the test in few weeks or a month's time. ( it may be worthwhile to do TSH, Free T4 and Total T4). At times, free T4 can be low and total T4 normal if your Thyroid binding globulin (TBG) level is high. However, if your T4 and Free T4 is low and if TSH is in normal range, we suspect something called central hypothyroidism where your pituiraty gland is not making enough TSH.
However, if your TSH remains normal despite your T4 is low, your doctor might decide to do an MRI scan of pituitary.
Please do not worry. We just have to repeat the test in few weeks time and based on the result, have to decide further.
Regards
Binu
Hello
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Good day.
Many a times, thyroid function tests can be confusing. The symptoms which you metioned can occur in hypothyroidism, but they are not specefic ( which means these symptoms can occur in other diseases as well ). Dry skin and eyes etc can be secondary to the rheumatological condition whch you have. ( i presumed that you have a rheumatological condition as you are on Celebrex and hydroxychloroquine).
The thyroid function test which you mentioned can confuse doctors at times. If there is no clinical suspcion of hypothyroidism, most doctors prefer to repeat the test in few weeks or a month's time. ( it may be worthwhile to do TSH, Free T4 and Total T4). At times, free T4 can be low and total T4 normal if your Thyroid binding globulin (TBG) level is high. However, if your T4 and Free T4 is low and if TSH is in normal range, we suspect something called central hypothyroidism where your pituiraty gland is not making enough TSH.
However, if your TSH remains normal despite your T4 is low, your doctor might decide to do an MRI scan of pituitary.
Please do not worry. We just have to repeat the test in few weeks time and based on the result, have to decide further.
Regards
Binu
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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