I got some lab results back today for some blood work.

I'm curious to know if these are the same type of tests for thyroid that I've been reading about in this forum? Here are my results...which show all in the normal range.

TSH (Ultrasensitive): 2.12 range (0.35-5.5)
T3 Triiodothyronine: 97 range (60.0-181.0)
T-4 (Thyroxine): 8.8 range (4.5-12.5)

Potassium, Chloride, and Ketone levels were high and out of range
Sodium was also high

I have suspected for some time that I may have some sorty of thyroid problems, because of symptoms: low body temperature, acne, low energy, weight gain, unable to lose weight despite eating little (I have only been able to lose on low carb), chronic constipation, depression, heavy menses, low libido, brain fog, salt cravings

But, I don't have dry skin.. I have very oily skin, and I do not have loss of hair, I have very thick hair. I also do not have brittle nails.

It seems I am a combination of hyper and hypo symptoms...but thyroid tests show normal?...i'm confused

I just happened to be passing by this forum, but if your normal thyroid panel is inconclusive and you still have symptoms, you should test for antibodies (both for Hashimoto's and Graves). Elevated levels of sodium and potassium may be an indicator of kidney and/or adrenal disease, such as Addison's. Elevated level of chloride is probably connected to the sodium (if you eat a lot of salt). Otherwise you could just be very dehydrated. What did your doctor say?

There isn't anything in the thyroid levels that a doctor would be alarmed over, at least not most doctors.

However, that your electrolytes are so screwy that should be raising alarm bells with someone.

Ketone levels high? Like diabetic high? Or like someone on a low carb diet high?

That's good to know that it may not be thyroid-related based on those results. I believe I was dehydrated at the time of testing which caused the other numbers to be high. The ketones I'm sure were just because of being on the low carb diet.
Thank you for your help.

The TSH test is not really that sensitive to thyroid disease at all http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.co...hy-its-useless/. Some people even say a level over 1 in a women combined with symptoms is cause for alarm.

Those T3 and T4 levels are pretty low also. You need to get your frees tested http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.co...mended-labwork/

Your symptoms are classic for a thyroid issue and I would bet the ranch that you are hypothyroid.

I went off my thyroid meds for two months. Had my bloodwork done, said my thyroid was still within range. Which is strange, because before meds it was way out of range.

Anyway, my hair was breaking off, dry, my skin dry, nails won't seem to grow at all. Tired, cold all the time, all the typical symptoms.

Just proves these tests can't always be trusted. I'm back on my meds now.

I feel hyper with my TSH at 1.5 so for me 2 is a pretty good number.

I feel like death with my TSH at 1.64 so am glad I ran my free T3 and free T4. TSH is a pituitary hormone and oftentimes does not coincide with our symptoms.

Hey all. Just thought I'd give a shout out here as a Hashi's chick. I was just diagnosed the other day.

My TSH was 6.74 and my TPO was...(trying to remember, too lazy to go back and check own journal) 1935, I think?

I started generic Levothyroxine today. 25mcg.

My main complaint actually is fatigue. I have had symptoms for 30 years now, but what finally drove me to blood tests and medication was having a feeling every day of, "I would rather die right here in bed than have to get up and face my day."

So anyway. Just thought I'd chime in here.

Glendora you should definitely check out www.stopthethyroidmadness.com for some really comprehensive information.

Scarlet, so much good info, and I want to check out stopthethyroidmadness. My TSH has always been normal and now, after taking 2 grains Nature-throid daily, it is very very low. My PCP said, "We're overmedicating!" My response was, "For the first time in years, my thyroid gland isn't swollen, a big lump in my throat. What are my T3 and T4 levels?" Her response: "They're right in the middle." I said, "Let's let my poor old thyroid have a rest, hmm?"

Symptoms vary widely from person to person. I've had dry skin all my life, though it's always been clear, but have thick and plentiful hair, and my nails grow quickly. But my body temps have been low for as long as I've been taking them (last surgery: 95 degrees oral temp), I had very heavy periods, I had a long history of respiratory infections, and I ended up with serious internal infection. Just because you haven't one or another symptom doesn't mean you're not hypothyroid.

I get chronic sinus infections when my thyroid is low. Apparently that's a symptom, according to the ENT that treated me.

Hello everyone,

All my life I have dealt with horrible cramps, fainting spells, stressed, dry and sensitive (face and scalp) skin, depressed, hot flashes, and abnormal menstrual bleeding (sometimes 20 days out 30). I began gaining weight in 2002 I went from 185 to 200 and noticed a light film of thrush in my mouth. In 2003, the year my fiance' and mother passed, I went to the bathroom and I had a toilet full of blood and little number 2. I took it as stress because it was when my mother was in the hospital. In 2004, I had a feeling to come over me where I felt nauseas, like I had to vomit, and had diarhea spell (had one every year since) and my hair made a change and thinning to losing and brittle. In 2005, I began to have sharp chest pains . In 2006, along with the chest pains, I was having times where I would tell myself to wake up but I would not be able to open my eyes, I would gasp for air, and bite my tongue; began aching in my legs, also swelling (looked like fluid on my knees). Scared I went to the hospital, almost missed they found a goiter. I was referred to a specialist. Afraid to have surgery, it took me 3mos. to schedule. At the time of surgery it had grown some more (the size of a lemon). It was benign. For a short time I felt a little better but my hair would grow to fall out. By 2008 all the symptoms were back and only worsened in 2010. I am always extremely tired, my hair severely damaged, aching, fluid, tingling in hands, legs, and feet, and severe constipation. So I went to get my thyroid checked and here are the results (about time huh?):

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Sodium 139
Potassium 3.4 (low)
Chloride 103
Bicarbonate 26
Anion Gap 13
Glucose 114 (high)
BUN 9
Creatinine .79
eGFR >60
eGFR African American >60
Calcium 8.9
Albumin 4.3
Total Protein 7.5
Alk Phos 68
Bilirubin Total .3
AST (SGOT) 18
ALT (SGPT) 19

TSH with REFLEX FREE T4
TSH 3.06

I am confused because I have been reading where the levels have changed but many doctors have not converted over (such as this lab). Also I went from the hospital to surgery. No treatment and no meds. Even with those labs I was not aware that my potassium was considered low and my glucose was considered high because all the doctor told me was that I was normal. Can anyone help me?

I don't know about most of the tests but your TSH is too high, why it's too high though we don't know yet.

you need to get the tests: Free T3 and Free T4 and Anti TPO (to check for Hashimotos).

as Scarlet posted above TSH is not a good marker for thyroid issues as it can move up to 3 points in a day...having said this you certainly aren't "normal"

most people feel better with their TSH at or around 1, with the new ranges anything above 3.30 is hypo however even if it's around 2 and you have symptoms there's reason to treat.

you can order your own thyroid tests at healthcheck usa or econolabs without a doctors script. use code 12345 at healthcheck usa and the total bill should be under 100$

then you need to find a doctor that treats thyroid based on how you feel and not what a textbook says...The Armour site has a place where you can input your zip code (actually put in zip codes for areas up to 1 hour away from you, good thyroid docs are hard to find) and a list of doctors in your area will come up. Another good site for that is Shomon's Top Doctors site, these are all patient recommendations so read the info on the doctors.
Unfortunately with the dearth of good thyroid doctors (and this includes NPs etc) you will need to educate yourself, check out stopthethyroidmadness and other forums such as realthyroidhelp.com

Hi confused

Sounds like you have been through a lot. I am sorry to hear that.

As to your health; do you have a regular doctor you see now? You sound very hypothyroid in terms of symptoms (weight gain, hair loss, constipation etc.) and this was confirmed by your high TSH. Do you have any Free T3 and Free T4 blood test results also?

When you are hypothyroid, you really have to become your own advocate and read and study the subject a lot, because sadly 99% of docs are taught very little about the thyroid and want everyone to take the same medicine at the same dosages. They also do not understand how the adrenals and vit/mineral status affect the thyroid.

Re: these tests; your sodium is too low. Optimum sodium levels are 142-145; so you need to start supping sea salt. Your potassium is also too low. You need to get an adrenal saliva test. You can order one yourself by going to any of these labs: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.co...mended-labwork/

You are also pre diabetic; but diet and exercise and optimised thyroid can really bring that level down. So, try not to stress about that.

If you pm me where you live, I might have some docs in your state. I do not have docs for all states however.

Go to: www.stopthethyroidmadness.com and http://forums.realthyroidhelp.com for lots of comprehensive information and support and more doc info.

You are on the road back to health now. Just hang tough.