In a message dated 11/27/2003 12:00:27 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

>
> My TSH is .076 and my testosterone is 269.  My T3 is high normal and my
> T4 is low normal.  >>>
>
> Much more important than your lab work is the patient. The lab alone tells
> you no more about the status of your health than your weight alone would.
>
> TSH can be high, low or "normal" and you could be Hypo, Hyper, or Euthyroid.
> Actually, in the absence of other history, the TSH is worse than useless.
> Unless your Endo is especially well informed about thyroid, you will likely be
> called Hyperthyroid and your meager thyroid replacement (if you're on any)
> will be mercilessly cut. If you are not on any, someone may try to work you up
> for Graves disease or something similar.
>
> Men start to lose libido at a testosterone level of about 500 ng/dL. At 269,
> you may experience decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and difficulty
> with assertiveness. Your Endo on the other hand will tell you that this level
> is normal. "Normal" means the middle 95.5% the scores at that lab. So, there
> is little consolation in knowing that one is in the range of people whose
> testosterone level was suspect enough to be sent to the Lab. Testosterone often
> goes down with Hypothyroidism because the testicles need energy (thyroid
> hormone) to make adequate testosterone.

There are many other things that could lower the testosterone level as well.
Having one gland in autoimmune trouble makes it more likely to run into
problems with other glands (e.g., adrenals, pancreas, ovaries, testicles) because
there seem to be a lot of shared antigens in the endocrine system.

Needless to say, you are likely to feel a lot better if someone takes a close
look at you instead of your lab work, gets a good diagnosis, and gives you
adequate treatment.

Doc Don

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