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What Do These TSH, T4 And T3 Values Indicate?
Question: I am seeking a 2nd opinion before starting on an Rx. At annual check-up doctor stated T3 levels @ 2.50 warranted an Rx regimen which, once started, would need to be continued for the remainder of PT life. I am a healthy, active 53 year old, vegetarian. Stats @ routine annual check-up: All "normal" with PR 88 bpm, BP 114/80, Weight 111, Height 62 in. I take a magnesium supplement daily, Claritin daily, and ambien Rx. The Free T3 result is 2.50. T4 .79, TSH 5.769. I am opposed to beginning any medications if not warranted. The physician stated without said meds PT could experience severe symptoms. At check-up, negative on 7 symptoms mentioned (skin normal, hair normal, nails normal, no heart palpitations, energy level normal, extremities not cold, no pustules, no cellulitis.
Brief Answer:
Your TSH is high and suggestive of hypothyroidism! You need treatment!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
No one really wants to start a lifelong treatment unless it is very much needed. The difficulty here is that the symptoms of low thyroid seem very absent and makes it difficult for you to understand the reason why you need this treatment at this time. I am also concerned and will opt that the lab test for TSH, T4 and T3 should be repeated. IF they stay this abnormal, then I will recommend you accept the treatment even in the absence of symptoms. This would be termed sub-clinical hypothyroidism. If they return normal, I will suggest a follow up evaluation in 3 and 6months unless symptoms set in earlier.
In all, your results suggest hypothyroidism but the symptoms are absent. I will like to see these tests controlled before the conclusion on treatment or not is made.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Your TSH is high and suggestive of hypothyroidism! You need treatment!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
No one really wants to start a lifelong treatment unless it is very much needed. The difficulty here is that the symptoms of low thyroid seem very absent and makes it difficult for you to understand the reason why you need this treatment at this time. I am also concerned and will opt that the lab test for TSH, T4 and T3 should be repeated. IF they stay this abnormal, then I will recommend you accept the treatment even in the absence of symptoms. This would be termed sub-clinical hypothyroidism. If they return normal, I will suggest a follow up evaluation in 3 and 6months unless symptoms set in earlier.
In all, your results suggest hypothyroidism but the symptoms are absent. I will like to see these tests controlled before the conclusion on treatment or not is made.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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