"The problem is that standard reference ranges usually represent “average” populations, rather than what the optimal range should be to maintain good health."
This means that the "normal" range has sick people in it. The researchers who designed the ranges KNEW THIS. They warned the doctors whenthe ranges were designed, but now patients just get told "If your TSH is 5.o, you're normal, and your problems have nothing to do with thyroid." When TSH hits 5.1, all of a sudden the they get told, "Of course you're feeling poorly. You're hypothyroid." Not logical or helpful at all. In fact, it's a little ridiculous.
“The development and use of thyroid function blood tests left many patients with clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism undiagnosed and untreated.”
This means that people can have symptoms and be sick enough to need medication even with results in the 'normal' range. YOU have clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism, btw.
I understand the money issue, believe me.
One appointment with the doctor who diagnosed me cost me $120. Six months of Armout cost me less than $40. Not to sound like a Discover card commercial, but stopping my hair from falling out, getting my energy, sense of humor, IQ, libido etc back - Priceless.
Now, the issue is your FT4. It's 1.1 - way in the bottom of the range. There are definitely doctors out there who would treat that. Finding them is easy and free. You go to Armour's website and put in your zip code. They give you a list of doctors near you, and you call the offices. 1) Ask if they still prescribe Armour. 2) Ask if they treat low-normal. 3) Tell them you are tired and losing hair and ask if they think a Free T4 of 1.1 is treatable.
Did you already order the other tests? You could probably get treated on just the FT 4 number if you called around a little.
Cheers,
Friday