TSH normal, but could I still have a thyroid problem?

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jennk5309
jennk5309 Posts: 206 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
All they checked was TSH and it was 1.22, in the normal range. However, I have some symptoms that I think might indicate a problem, which include:

-Basal Body temperature of under 97 (96.87 this morning, which is typical for me)
-super low blood pressure, 86/52 last Dr appointment
-low heart rate, around 40
-I get cold easily
-dry skin
-fatigue in the afternoon.
-Although I've lost 100 pounds, I can't eat over 1600 calories a day even with exercise or else I'll gain weight. I have a pretty busy life and hardly ever get the chance to sit, so it's not like I'm exercising and then sitting on my butt all day. I'd think I could eat much more than 1600 and not gain weight. My net has to be around 1,000 to lose slowly. I'm 5'5 and 160 currently, and want to lose another 15-20 pounds.

Also, I'm having difficulty getting and staying pregnant.

What should I ask my doctor to do? I'm consulting a fertility specialist next week, and I was thinking of asking for more intensive thyroid testing. Anyone know what specific tests I should ask for. Thoughts on the issue?

Thanks

Oh, also, I'm not as interested in losing the weight as I am in getting pregnant, and I've heard that thyroid problems can interfere with fertility. But if whatever I find out also helps me lose weight, then hey....

Replies

  • fruttibiscotti
    fruttibiscotti Posts: 986 Member
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    Hypoglycaemia? Just a guess.

    I used to have dry skin and afternoon fatigues too. I increased my fat, and decreased carbs, and stayed within my calorie budget. I follow the LCHF diet. I don't need to use skin creams anymore (I used to slather myself continuously all day, or else my skin would crack and bleed) and I no longer get the afternoon lulls. This is what worked for me, I hope you find what works for you.
  • shoeloveramber
    shoeloveramber Posts: 291 Member
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    Yes get a FULL thyroid panel - Free T4, Total T4, Free T3, Total T3, Reverse T3, TSH, Ferritin (Iron) and it would not hurt to get your D3 level checked either since most people are low and that has a direct connection to thyroid levels.

    TSH is one very narrow view of your thyroid and you must have all the tests done to see the full picture. Some people are fine at 1.2, some are great at 3.2 and some need it to be really low (which means high in the thyroid world) at .5.

    I'm sure your fertility doctor will do a full blood panel on you but be sure to be specific on the thyroid ones because many doctors only do the TSH because they are not educated about thyroid disease and believe that one test is all that is needed.
  • 19TaraLynn84
    19TaraLynn84 Posts: 739 Member
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    I had my thyroid checked and my doctor diagnosed me as hypothyroidism nos. i had to look it up, but it just means I met some, but not all, of the symptom requirements for the condition. So I guess he thought I didn't need any kind of treatment. I did not realize there were more tests other than the 1 they ran. They did find my V3 levels were too low, but even after being on a supplement for a while, I still feel just as crappy as before. I think I will give you the same advice that I'm working on myself: either find another doctor, or have them dig deeper for you. I'm actually trying to find a new doctor since mine just keeps telling me that I've got 4 children so it's normal for me to feel this way. We know our own bodies and we know when something isn't right. So go ahead and push for further testing.
  • Danilova82
    Danilova82 Posts: 27
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    All the symptoms you listed are also signs of malnutrition and dehydration as well....
  • GretaGirl8
    GretaGirl8 Posts: 274 Member
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    In my experience, doctors will check the TSH, and if that is within the normal range they won't test the thyroid hormone itself (which could shed more light on potential thyroid problems). If, for example, your TSH was a 10...they would follow up and test the hormone itself.

    I think your symptoms could be many things. I guess in light of a normal TSH I would consider other possibilities. Perhaps have a full blood work panel done to see if you are deficient in other areas.
  • jennegan1
    jennegan1 Posts: 677 Member
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    i know this is off topic but may I ask why is there alot of quick add calories? And are you sure about those? I do that sometimes but if I have half of a serving that I add in half of the calories but I usually put it in my food notes what it is that I added in
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
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    You can ask for a full thyroid panel, but I would discuss the symptoms with your doctor and have them look for other potential problems. The symptoms you describe *COULD* indicate a thyroid problem, but it could also be a million other things. Hypothyroid symptoms are vague, unreliable, and overlap with a million other things- you can't diagnose thyroid based on symptoms. If your tests came back normal, it's most likely something else.
  • firstsip
    firstsip Posts: 8,399 Member
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    You can ask for a full thyroid panel, but I would discuss the symptoms with your doctor and have them look for other potential problems. The symptoms you describe *COULD* indicate a thyroid problem, but it could also be a million other things. Hypothyroid symptoms are vague, unreliable, and overlap with a million other things- you can't diagnose thyroid based on symptoms. If your tests came back normal, it's most likely something else.

    Yup. If you really, truly rule out other things, OP, come back and ask for T3 and T4 to be checked (TSH *can* oscillate more than the other two hormones, giving off-readings).

    Anemia, malnutrition, undereating, and just stress are a few things your symptoms line up with off the top of my head.
  • jennegan1
    jennegan1 Posts: 677 Member
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    You can ask for a full thyroid panel, but I would discuss the symptoms with your doctor and have them look for other potential problems. The symptoms you describe *COULD* indicate a thyroid problem, but it could also be a million other things. Hypothyroid symptoms are vague, unreliable, and overlap with a million other things- you can't diagnose thyroid based on symptoms. If your tests came back normal, it's most likely something else.

    Yup. If you really, truly rule out other things, OP, come back and ask for T3 and T4 to be checked (TSH *can* oscillate more than the other two hormones, giving off-readings).

    Anemia, malnutrition, undereating, and just stress are a few things your symptoms line up with off the top of my head.

    Thats why I asked about the quick add calories. It seems like she isnt getting enough sufficent amount of vitamins. Im not one to preach of healthy eating but I think if she ate more veggies itll help a little
  • jennk5309
    jennk5309 Posts: 206 Member
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    You can ask for a full thyroid panel, but I would discuss the symptoms with your doctor and have them look for other potential problems. The symptoms you describe *COULD* indicate a thyroid problem, but it could also be a million other things. Hypothyroid symptoms are vague, unreliable, and overlap with a million other things- you can't diagnose thyroid based on symptoms. If your tests came back normal, it's most likely something else.

    Yup. If you really, truly rule out other things, OP, come back and ask for T3 and T4 to be checked (TSH *can* oscillate more than the other two hormones, giving off-readings).

    Anemia, malnutrition, undereating, and just stress are a few things your symptoms line up with off the top of my head.

    Thats why I asked about the quick add calories. It seems like she isnt getting enough sufficent amount of vitamins. Im not one to preach of healthy eating but I think if she ate more veggies itll help a little

    I don't usually log my vegetables or count their calories, just the fruits. I definitely at least get my 5 a days. I sometimes quick log calories when I'm in a hurry. Or like today, the nuts I looked up had a different calorie count on the label than they did in MFP's database, less 40 calories. So I quick added 40 calories.

    I honestly don't know what the deal is. Now I'm looking at adrenal gland issues. I crave salt like a crazy person, and my mom had a tumor on hers, so maybe it's something genetic? IDK, need to stop Googling and just wait for my next Dr appointment to figure stuff out. I'm just thinking too much about wanting a baby and trying to analyze every little quirk in my body for potential reasons I'm not getting pregnant. I need to stop worrying :(
  • jennegan1
    jennegan1 Posts: 677 Member
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    Oh ok gotcha now. Yea I do notice somethings are off....Well good luck and I hope you find out whats wrong!
  • MrsCZM138
    MrsCZM138 Posts: 116
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    1.22 is basically perfect even within the normal range. Is your fertility specialist an RE (reproductive endocrinologist)? Or an OB who thinks they're qualified? Have you had a RLP (repeat loss panel)? BBT are often low like that in normal people. Mine are always high, post o is over 99, but I'm not hyperthyroid by any means. My TSH is 1.27 and all other levels are exactly where they should be- no PCOS or any other hormone variant. We TTC for 4 years now so I understand the feelings you're having trying to find anything wrong. Good luck at your apt.
  • Azurite27
    Azurite27 Posts: 554 Member
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    Yes get a FULL thyroid panel - Free T4, Total T4, Free T3, Total T3, Reverse T3, TSH, Ferritin (Iron) and it would not hurt to get your D3 level checked either since most people are low and that has a direct connection to thyroid levels.

    This ^

    My doctor always checks my Free T4 and Free T3 (maybe some others too). If you're on a generic medication, ask to try the name brand. It may work better.

    After that, ask to check for any vitamin deficiencies. Just keep pushing the doctor about your symptoms. Ask to see a hormone specialist if needed.
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
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    I have Hashimoto's (autoimmune thyroid disease). I lost weight just like everybody else—by logging everything I eat & drink accurately & honestly.

    The advice in this post worked for me: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-Sexypants

    MFP has two thyroid groups:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/770-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/51427-butterfly-chasers
  • RunMyOregonBunsOff
    RunMyOregonBunsOff Posts: 862 Member
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    I was still symptomatic after being on synthetic T4 and then talked to my doctor about adding in a T3. We've had to play with the ratio quite a bit (mostly after my last pregnancy) but as long as the balance of T4 and T3 is right, I feel great and don't have to fight tooth and nail for every once lost.

    Get more tests done and if your doctor doesn't feel the need to run more tests, find a new doctor.

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