Thyroid Tests

deksgrl

I know several of you have mentioned that you have thyroid issues. A few things have happened that are making me wonder if I'm having a thyroid problem. Symptoms: Unusual amount of hair loss, feel hot or cold a lot, low body temperature (95.5° F when I used to have a 98-ish temperature in the past). I have scheduled a doctor's appointment for Wednesday to discuss this and have her order tests. But in the meantime I thought I would ask here what I should ask my doctor, I have read that there are different tests because the standard one isn't always indicative of a problem.

KnitOrMiss

Do you have previous numbers to compare to? My levels were low, but in range, but they were massively low considering my previous numbers.

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com

I'd make sure you get an actual endocrinologist to check this out - NOT a primary care doctor. Their info is woefully lacking generally. And if your symptoms fit this, and nothing else really, don't give up until you feel human. I had to add supplements, up my dose, and all manner of stuff to see relief...

deksgrl

I haven't been to the doctor in several years. I believe they do have a number to compare it to, but I'm not sure what tests they ran before at my regular checkups. I will ask for a referral to a specialist if I don't feel like she knows what she is talking about. I'll check out that site. Thanks!

ettaterrell

There r some great groups on Facebook for thyroid

deksgrl

Well, I don't know yet if this is my problem, but it seems likely based on symptoms. I will know more by early next week since I won't get blood drawn until Thursday.

deksgrl

She is ordering the TSH plus Free T4 and T3 tests as well as checking for various vitamin and iron deficiencies. And all the other standard tests she would get for a regular checkup.

Dragonwolf

Also, double check your intake and make sure it's a reasonable deficit from your TDEE. If your TDEE is 2400 (so a 1lb/week deficit is 1800), for example, and you're eating 1000-1200, it may very well be that you're eating too little. A lot of the symptoms between low thyroid and simply not eating enough overlap. Going up to maintenance, or even a little more (ideally using fat and protein) may also help bring you some relief until you can get results, as well.

deksgrl

I'm eating ~ 1600. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Typically 1500-1800 is my range. There is a rare day that I eat 1200, but that isn't a regular occurrence.
Editing to add: My TDEE is about 1800.

klkateri

I know once my doctor mentioned there is some crazy, 8 hour, repeat draw test for thyroid but at the time my insurance wouldn't cover it. Now my new insurance should and I'm considering doing it even though I'm very scared of needles and IV's but I was on synthyroid years ago so can't image that i don't need it now again. Especially since I have all those symptoms.

Dragonwolf

deksgrl wrote: »

I'm eating ~ 1600. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Typically 1500-1800 is my range. There is a rare day that I eat 1200, but that isn't a regular occurrence.
Editing to add: My TDEE is about 1800.

Given that, I'd be surprised if your tests come back normal. If they happen to, adrenal testing might be a good next step. Something's definitely awry.

deksgrl

Oh, and she was pleased with my weight loss and seemed happy that I have been eating lower carb and was not at all surprised when I told her that changing my diet helped a lot with reducing menopausal symptoms.

deksgrl

She said all my tests came back in normal ranges, and that we will talk more at my next appointment which is late April, after I get back from vacation.