Dori wrote:

<snip>

TSH: 2.0 (normal)
free T3: low (in the past)


I'm only going to comment on the thyroid portion of
the test resuls since that's all I'm familiar with.  I
was diagnosed hypothyroid (autoimmune thyroiditis/
Hashimoto's) almost 3 years ago.

TSH - The more progressive doctors treating thyroid
disorders today are aiming for a TSH of 1.5 or even
lower for best results.  But many doctors who don't
keep up with the latest treatments still consider
anything below 5.0 "normal"  -- some won't even treat
a TSH that's below 10!

You need both Free T3 and Free T4 results for complete
information. Preferably, both Free T4 and Free T3
should be at midrange or slightly higher. T3 is the
active form of thyroid hormone so if your FT3 is low
in the range, it's important to know where your Free
T4 levels are -- FT4 converts to FT3.  If your Free T4
is also low your thyroid is not performing well.  If
your Free T4 is higher, you're not converting T4 to T3
optimally.

<< the resident had never heard of free T3 and says
the lab is not equipped for such a test >>

A common complaint on the thyroid forum I subscribe to
is that so many doctors are clueless about which tests
to order to diagnose a thyroid condition.  Many rely
only on a TSH test!

<< A free T3 test costs $145 if I just go get one. >>

For $75 you can get a TSH, Free T3, and Free T4 test
done thru HealthcheckUSA.  Go to
www.healthcheckusa.com and choose one of the LabOne
providers in the Denver area.  Select the
Comprehensive Thyroid Panel II (available only thru
LabOne -- not the Comprehensive Thyroid Panel).  All
of the instructions on how to get the paperwork to
take the service provider on the site.  You do NOT
need a doctor's order to get these tests done.

For an extra amount (don't remember how much, you can
call and ask them), they will include a thyroid
antibodies test.  Abnormal levels of thyroid
antibodies indicate autoimmunue thyroiditis/
Hashimoto's, and that's important information for you
to have.  Again, many docs just don't bother to order
this test.


<< It would take more bitching and
God-only-knows-how-long to get a new test through "the
system." >>

That's why a number of thyroid patients whose doctor's
are clueless about treating thyroid just get their
tests done thru Healthcheck USA.

<< Would it kill me to stick with two older tests, one
low and the other at the lowest normal figure cited?
FYI, I'm having these tests done to see if there may
be some chemical imbalance that's keeping me from
losing any more weight. >>

A poorly functioning thyroid can certainly affect your
ability to lose weight, so getting current information
on TSH, FT4, FT3 and thyroid antibodies would be
important so you'll know what you may be dealing with.


A good source for information about thyroid disorders
is:

www.aboutthyroid.com

Hope this helps,


Lynda Bryson
[log in to unmask]

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