Posted by florence on March 8, 2005, at 18:58:23
In reply to Re: Tyroid (T3) Augmentation and Hair Loss Question » florence, posted by MM on March 8, 2005, at 16:12:16
The experts (patients with thyroid problems) have repeatedly stated that the tests should be FREE T4, FREE T3, TSH, and THYROID ANTIBODIES (there are 3 but for some reason 2 of them are tested more often than the other one)
Majority of drs do a thyroid panel which is TSH, T4 uptake, and MAYBE if you are lucky, a Free T4.
It is SO hard to find a dr who is "up" on this info; most treat by lab results and not symptoms.
This was my experience: fatigue and depression for over nine years; TSH always within range; no goiter or nodules; always told my levels were fine; always given antidepressants that did nothing but GIVE me anxiety, and made me sleep.I was practically bed-ridden with fatigue for nine months last year. I had seen about 10-12 drs. Ironically it was a great Psychiatrist who helped me. She WORKED with me to find an answer. She referred me to a great obgyn who had NO problem letting me try Armour thyroid- the natural PRESCRIPTION thyroid medicine.
There I go again rambling. Sorry. I would call and ask alot of questions about any dr you see: do they treat by symptoms or ONLY LABS.. Do they believe in T3 and T4 meds or just the synthetic T4. ....My yahoo alternative thyroid group calls these docs Synthroid Nazis!
Please don't settle for feeling less than normal.. It can do years of damage to you physically if you are not on the right dose thyroid replacement... I urge you to check out my group for TONS of info or any other place where you can get info- preferably from PATIENTS who know what it is like to feel constant fatigue, or joint pain, or tinnitis, or dry skin, or alopecia, etc. Good Luck! Flo
> I have a thyroid test question....I was diagnosed? with borderline hypothyroid and have been taking .5 mg of Synthroid ever since. Then some symptoms returned and I got tested by a different, newish doctor and I'm not sure if I trust her judgement on it. She did a thyroid blood test, but I don't remember her mentioning anything about T3. I've honestly tried to understand the thyroid test lingo but ......Is it normal to just test the T4 and TSH?
> Sorry if this question is out of line on here?
> MM
poster:florence
thread:466842
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050308/msgs/468411.html