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Low TSH, normal FT4 & FT3

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Thyroid Disorders
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Posted 10/8/2013 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I am a female age 41, height: 145cm, weight: 35kg. All these while my TSH level & TPO was within range. My recent result shows suppress TSH. Here's the result:

FT3: 5.1 (3.1 - 6.8)
FT4: 19.7 (12-22.0)
TSH: 0.013 (0.270-4.2)

I do feel tired & shortness of breath which I blame it on my iron deficiency anemia. I'm still taking iron supplementation daily on my Dr advice. Is there any significant or causes on the suppress TSH alone? My Dr said to recheck it later. Should I wait or see an endo?

Thank you so much!
Posted 10/8/2013 2:28 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HealingWell, Apple.

I did find this information on line at this website:

http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/thyroid-function-tests-pro

Low TSHNormal FT3 or FT4Common causes:
  • Subclinical hyperthyroidism.
  • Thyroxine ingestion.
Rare causes:
  • Steroid therapy.
  • Dopamine and dobutamine infusion.
  • Non-thyroidal illness.

Low or normal TSH

Low FT3 or FT4Common causes:
  • Non-thyroidal illness.
  • Recent treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Rare causes:
  • Pituitary disease.
  • Congenital TSH or TRH deficiencies.
Posted 10/8/2013 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,
Your suppressed TSH indicate HypERthyroidism, your FT4 is way too high in the range, the same holds for FT3.
Are you on any thyroid medication?
Shortness of breath can be a symptom of both hypO and hypER, I had it with hypo, do you have palpitations, anxiety, depression?

I think it is a good Idea to see an Endo ASAP!
Posted 10/8/2013 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Judy2,

Thank you so much for the quick response & link.

Hi hypoHashimoto,

Thank you so much for the quick response.
No I'm not on any medication as all the while my TSH is normal.
Other than fatigue, shortness of breath & sometimes irregular heart beat, I don't have other symptom. So I'm wondering whether to wait & recheck again later or to see an endo. If I see an endo, what other test will they do?

Once again, thank you so much!
Posted 10/8/2013 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
I'm thinking something temporary may have caused your thyroid to dump hormones, and now the TSH is super-low to ramp down the thyroid and get things back in line. So you may be recovering from a hyperthyroid episode.

If I were in your situation and not too distressed by the symptoms, I'd probably try to wait it out. If they're really bothersome, go ahead and see an endocrinologist. Do you know what your heart rate runs? I find that the easiest way to monitor my thyroid situation, as my heart rate will react quickly to changes. My resting rate (sitting or reclining, totally relaxed) is usually between 60 and 66; it's always been at that level. If it goes up to 70 I start monitoring daily; if it goes above 80 I know it's time to get in to the doctor unless I'm sick with something else.

Let us know how things go for you, we also learn from everyone wh shares here.
Posted 10/9/2013 5:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Judy2,

I also thought of waiting for my next followup & recheck later.
The only problem is, I'm exercise intolerance. One & a half month ago, I was blackout (last at least 5-10mins) after walking slowly for about 10 mins on a stair during jungle tracking. I was sweating, giddy & nausea which lasted more than half an hour. I rested quite awhile & dare not continue up. So I went down & waited for my friends. I've never experienced such a long blackout episode before. That's why I went for checkup a week later.

Just wait & see how it goes.

Thanks for your comments.
Posted 10/9/2013 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
Ask to be tested for TPOab, TGab and TSIab antibodies.
If either is positive then you can know that you have an autoimmune thyroiditis.
The next step in that case is to have thyroid and neck Ultra Sound .
Posted 10/10/2013 6:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi hypoHashimoto,

Thank you so much for your input. I'll try to ask my Dr on your suggestion in my next visit.

Will update you....
Posted 7/25/2014 7:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi & Good day to all our beloved forumers here....

Just got my blood test result:

July 2014
TSH: 1.620 (Range: 0.27 - 4.20)
FT4: 12.1 (Range: 12.0 - 22.0)

10 months ago (Sept 2013)
FT3: 5.1 (Range: 3.1 - 6.8)
FT4: 19.7 (Range: 12.0 - 22.0)
TSH: 0.013 (Range: 0.270-4.2)

Dr said to monitor & re-test my thyroid in 6 months as it fluctuate quite a difference. Previous lab test show sub-clinical hyperthyroidsm. Recent lab test result FT4 shows borderline low. I've no history of thyroid issue or on any kind of medication for thyroid (all the while my thyroid test was normal). 2010 did have my TPO check & it was normal.

I'm also having iron deficiency anemia (Hgb between 9 - 10 something; range: 11.5 - 16.5). Have been taking iron since 2011. Have been excercise intolerance since 2010, tired easily, breathlessness, dizzy on & off. Just wondering whether the thyroid & anemia has any link & will my thyroid give me problem later on based on the above difference record.

Thanks for taking your sweet time to read this message & wish everyone on board Great Health!
Posted 7/26/2014 9:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hypo or Hyper can indeed cause tiredness, I also had shortness of breath with hypo, do you have any other thyroid symptoms beside being tired? you can search for a list in the web !
Posted 7/30/2014 11:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi hypoHashimoto,

beside tired, use to have shortness of breath, dizziness. Thought maybe its due to my iron deficiency anemia. All these while i dont have thyroid problem. Only since last sept 2013, my thyroid result was out of range. It really confusing,starting it looks like hyper, now it goes towards nearly hypo. Have to wait & recheck again in 6 months time.
Posted 7/30/2014 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
Balancing can be a tedious process. A bit too much hormone and you get upper normal T3 & T4 along with low TSH; likely the TSH going down in response to the rising hormone levels. Then you adjust the meds downward just a bit, and it can go down into the hypo range. Often this is short-lived because as the hormones stabilize within the normal range the TSH will taper off and things eventually end up normal.

Just so you don't feel like you're all by yourself, when I saw my primary three months ago I asked her to do a thyroid panel because I was feeling hypo and seeing some subtle symptoms. At that time all was well per the lab. When I went back this week, my results were low and my medication was increased. And this is after being on the same dose for at least fifteen years! It's always something, lol.
Posted 7/31/2014 8:06 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, symptoms can show up sometimes before numbers show an abnormality , also in its early stages hashimoto can swing between hypo and hyper .
Posted 7/31/2014 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
The funny thing is, I have not taken any kind of thyroid medicine. Anyway, i just pray that everything will be back to normal including my anemia.

I wish you all speedy recovery & good health.

God bless you all & stay happy forever!
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