Expert: Karen Brawner - 1/18/2006

Question
I have been experiencing classic hypothyroid symptoms that have become progressively worse over the last 2 years (extreme fatigue, inability to concentrate, weight gain even with diet and exercise, starting to have some hair loss, dry skin, cold intolerance, and friends have stated that my personality is just 'off' lately, and because of the fatigue and inability to concentrate, depression). My mother and my dads sister both have hypothyroidism.
My most recent TSH number was 5.4, a year ago it was 4.5 and the year before that 3.3. My doctor (I can't change, I am a student and I see the doctors at the school for free, I have no insurance) stated that 5.4 is still normal and he doesnt treat thyroid problems until TSH reaches 8 or 9 anyway. I keep reading from places like the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists that normal is between .3 and 3, but other places say differently. What is it? Am I crazy to still think that its my thyroid that is the problem? If so, how can I approach my doctor and ask for more tests/treatment? I am only 23 and my studies are falling behind.
Thanks in advance for any advice you have,
Shannon

Answer
Dear Shannon,   Normal TSH by practically all labs is between 2 and 6....  Anything lower or higher there is something wrong....  Unfortunately, "within normal limits" does NOT fit or pertain to every patient...  TSH is the most unreliable thyroid blood test and there are a lot of other blood tests needed to make a COMPLETE thyroid blood test panel and you should demand all of these tests...

Here is the most complete web site on the internet that has everything you ever want to know about thyroid and other endocrine gland problems, so after you read about the tests that should be done, read the entire thyroid web site....

www.endocrineweb.com/tests.html