Metabolism Repair

[krispy1138]

A few weeks ago, I spent two weeks at maintenance to attempt to repair my metabolism (I had been eating submaintenance for about 6 years). I am also having my thyroid levels checked and will get the results back tomorrow.

I've been eating below maintenance again (by about 250 calories) for 1-1/2 weeks. I'm going to wait until the 2 week mark to make any changes, but unless something changes in the next few days, I know from my weight at the doctor's yesterday that I've gained about 3 lbs. in the last 1-1/2 weeks.

My question is, at the two week mark, should I reduce calories by another 200 or so, or should I go back up to maintenance and stay there longer (maybe three weeks)?

Also, aside from thyroid, is there anything else I can have tested or do to find out if my metabolism is damaged and repair it?

Thanks in advance!

[strongchick]

Dumb question: are you weighing yourself on the same scale?

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by strongchick@May 17 2006, 07:18 PM
Dumb question: are you weighing yourself on the same scale?
Not a dumb question - yes and no.

I was weighed on the same scale at the doctor's office yesterday and in mid-February. There was an 8 lb weight gain.

I weighed myself on the same scale at home before I started increasing to maintenance and when I started dieting again (difference of 4 weeks and 4-5 lb weight gain).

None of my pants fit well, even the ones that were looser on me.

[Inatic]

If your going to test your thyroid, make sure you get FREE t3 and FREE T4, Tsh NOT just TSH as many dr's will test. The Total T3 and Total T4 are also a waste of time, as they dont tell you how your body is using your thyroid hormones on a cellular level.

THe results should be midrange or higher for the FT's and best close to 1 on the tsh. Anything else could be suspect for thyoid disease.

[sweetpea_123]

Sorry to hear you are having this problem. I have been trying to repair my metablism too, it sucks a$$. I had my thyroid tested too, and am close, but not quite underactive. I have been reducing my calories and increasing my cardio workouts (I know, I know) to lose weight. It seems to be working, at least a little. I have come to the conclusion that I need less calories per day than the average girl :( . Hope you figure it out.

[jrb1980]

How much weight do you fluctuate? I mean I go up and down 5 pounds every few hours because of water weight.

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by jrb1980@May 18 2006, 03:25 PM
How much weight do you fluctuate? I mean I go up and down 5 pounds every few hours because of water weight.
It's more than a matter of a fluctuation of a few pounds. I've gained about 25 lbs in the last four years, despite increased cardio, weight training, and eating below maintenance. In the last 3 months alone, I've gained 8 lbs.

[Kristy]

Did you get your results back yet?

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by Kristy@May 18 2006, 03:56 PM
Did you get your results back yet?
No, not yet. If I don't hear from the doctor by tomorrow afternoon, though, I'm calling her!

[Kristy]

Originally posted by krispy1138@May 18 2006, 04:19 PM
No, not yet. If I don't hear from the doctor by tomorrow afternoon, though, I'm calling her!
If you want some help interpreting the tests, you can PM me. :)

[Erik]

You do realize you can't gain in a caloric deficit though right?

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by Thunder@May 18 2006, 06:32 PM
You do realize you can't gain in a caloric deficit though right?
I understand that but I'm at a loss as to how I've gained 25 lbs in the last four years when I've been at a deficit 99% of that time. :huh:

[Kristy]

Originally posted by krispy1138@May 18 2006, 04:34 PM
I understand that but I'm at a loss as to how I've gained 25 lbs in the last four years when I've been at a deficit 99% of that time. :huh:
Your metabolism is lowered, or you're consuming more than you think.

[Erik]

Originally posted by krispy1138@May 18 2006, 08:34 PM
I understand that but I'm at a loss as to how I've gained 25 lbs in the last four years when I've been at a deficit 99% of that time. :huh:
Maybe you weren't at a deficit. You can't store energy out of nothing.

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by Kristy@May 18 2006, 06:35 PM
Your metabolism is lowered, or you're consuming more than you think.
I've been religiously tracking everything I eat for the last four years. I've tried anywhere between 1200 and 1800 calories and have done nothing but slowly gain.

If the problem is not consuming more than I think, does that mean my metabolism is lowered?

[Kristy]

Originally posted by krispy1138@May 18 2006, 04:42 PM

If the problem is not consuming more than I think, does that mean my metabolism is lowered?
Yep. Like Erik said, you can't store energy out of nothing.

[Erik]

Originally posted by krispy1138@May 18 2006, 08:42 PM
I've been religiously tracking everything I eat for the last four years. I've tried anywhere between 1200 and 1800 calories and have done nothing but slowly gain.

If the problem is not consuming more than I think, does that mean my metabolism is lowered?
Lyle would probably first say you're misreporting your food intake ...

Metabolism will only slow so much. 25 lbs of fat gain is a monsterous amount of gain. Is it possible that you're in a chronic deficit for much of the time, which may have lowered your metabolism, and then blow it and cheat, and gain fat during those times?

[jrb1980]

Originally posted by krispy1138@May 19 2006, 12:42 AM
I've been religiously tracking everything I eat for the last four years. I've tried anywhere between 1200 and 1800 calories and have done nothing but slowly gain.

If the problem is not consuming more than I think, does that mean my metabolism is lowered?
Do you ever have a binge though? Those can REALLY add up.

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by jrb1980+May 18 2006, 06:45 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (jrb1980 @ May 18 2006, 06:45 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-krispy1138@May 19 2006, 12:42 AM
I&#39;ve been religiously tracking everything I eat for the last four years. I&#39;ve tried anywhere between 1200 and 1800 calories and have done nothing but slowly gain.

If the problem is not consuming more than I think, does that mean my metabolism is lowered?
Do you ever have a binge though? Those can REALLY add up. [/b][/quote]
Well, over four years there have, of course, been times I have overeaten. I don&#39;t know if it&#39;s "binging" - that, to me, is more emotional eating, and fortunately I have not had a lot of problems with that. My general pattern is to follow a strict diet for 4 weeks, get weighed/measured, see no difference in weight/inches, go off diet for 2 days max (just generally eating a few things I want I normally wouldn&#39;t eat, but max 200-300 calories over what I would eat on a diet, tops), then start a new diet for another four weeks and repeat.

I&#39;m also way more active now than I ever was before.

[Erik]

Very confusing scenario.

[strongchick]

Did you get your thyroid results?

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by Thunder@May 18 2006, 06:55 PM
Very confusing scenario.
Tell me about it. :dry:

So, back to my original question - I&#39;ve been eating at 250 below maintenance for 1-1/2 weeks with no weight loss. Should I try dropping down another 250, or should I go back up to maintenance for a little longer this time, say three weeks?

[Brandi]

These threads depress me.

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by Brandi@May 18 2006, 06:58 PM
These threads depress me.
Sorry, Brandi&#33; If it helps, this whole thing depresses me&#33; :(

[Erik]

Originally posted by krispy1138@May 18 2006, 08:57 PM
Tell me about it. :dry:

So, back to my original question - I&#39;ve been eating at 250 below maintenance for 1-1/2 weeks with no weight loss. Should I try dropping down another 250, or should I go back up to maintenance for a little longer this time, say three weeks?
What are the numbers exactly?

Any measurement changes?

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by Thunder+May 18 2006, 06:59 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Thunder @ May 18 2006, 06:59 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-krispy1138@May 18 2006, 08:57 PM
Tell me about it. :dry:

So, back to my original question - I&#39;ve been eating at 250 below maintenance for 1-1/2 weeks with no weight loss. Should I try dropping down another 250, or should I go back up to maintenance for a little longer this time, say three weeks?
What are the numbers exactly?

Any measurement changes? [/b][/quote]
Not sure which numbers you mean.

If it&#39;s weight, 4 lbs.

I haven&#39;t taken any measurements (and I can&#39;t now because I don&#39;t know where my hubby hid the tape measure) but my pants are too tight and none of them fit.

[Erik]

You&#39;re up four pounds since dropping below maintenance?

I meant what are the caloric numberS?

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by Thunder@May 18 2006, 07:05 PM
You&#39;re up four pounds since dropping below maintenance?

I meant what are the caloric numberS?
Yes, up four lbs since dropping below maintenance.

On training days, I eat 1797. On non-training days, I eat 1754.

[Erik]

Originally posted by krispy1138+May 18 2006, 09:08 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (krispy1138 @ May 18 2006, 09:08 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Thunder@May 18 2006, 07:05 PM
You&#39;re up four pounds since dropping below maintenance?

I meant what are the caloric numberS?
Yes, up four lbs since dropping below maintenance.

On training days, I eat 1797. On non-training days, I eat 1754. [/b][/quote]
I have no freaking clue.

[janey]

Originally posted by krispy1138@May 18 2006, 07:59 PM
Sorry, Brandi&#33; If it helps, this whole thing depresses me&#33; :(
You&#39;re not alone.
I have been fustrated with my diet and the fact that I have gained inches in the last few months and been in a deficit a majority of the time.
I don&#39;t understand it.
I&#39;m trying not to obsess about it but it&#39;s really hard not to. I don&#39;t know what to do. :dry:

[Erik]

If you gained inches, you&#39;re not truly at a deficit.

[janey]

Originally posted by Thunder@May 18 2006, 09:31 PM
If you gained inches, you&#39;re not truly at a deficit.
I don&#39;t get it.
Why do I have to be that person who the 12X bodyweight is too much?
I can&#39;t believe that at 142 lbs. I have to eat 1500 calories to lose weight after everything I read that says that is too little.

Sorry to hijack your thread krispy. I&#39;m fustrated too. :(

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by janey@May 18 2006, 08:55 PM
I don&#39;t get it.
Why do I have to be that person who the 12X bodyweight is too much?
I can&#39;t believe that at 142 lbs. I have to eat 1500 calories to lose weight after everything I read that says that is too little.

Sorry to hijack your thread krispy. I&#39;m fustrated too. :(
No problem, Janey&#33; I&#39;m relieved to know that someone else is going through this, too&#33;

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by Thunder+May 18 2006, 07:29 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Thunder @ May 18 2006, 07:29 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>
Originally posted by krispy1138@May 18 2006, 09:08 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Thunder@May 18 2006, 07:05 PM
You&#39;re up four pounds since dropping below maintenance?

I meant what are the caloric numberS?
Yes, up four lbs since dropping below maintenance.

On training days, I eat 1797. On non-training days, I eat 1754.
I have no freaking clue. [/b][/quote]
Thanks for trying to help&#33; I PM&#39;d you about this, so you can ignore my message.

[VannaRae]

How did you determine maintenance?

[Erik]

Originally posted by VannaRae@May 19 2006, 02:30 PM
How did you determine maintenance?
Traditionally it&#39;s anywhere from 14-16x total bodyweight.

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by VannaRae@May 19 2006, 12:30 PM
How did you determine maintenance?
I calculated two ways. The main way was based off a Body Gem assessment I had last year, which was 2050. 14 x my starting BW is about 2000, so I averaged in that range for two weeks.

[jrb1980]

Originally posted by janey@May 19 2006, 02:55 AM
I don&#39;t get it.
Why do I have to be that person who the 12X bodyweight is too much?
I can&#39;t believe that at 142 lbs. I have to eat 1500 calories to lose weight after everything I read that says that is too little.

Sorry to hijack your thread krispy. I&#39;m fustrated too. :(
12X can be to much though. Correct me if I am wrong, but MOST people need to be at 11X, no?

[jrb1980]

Get tested for diabetes too.

[Kristy]

Results back yet?

[Erik]

Originally posted by jrb1980+May 19 2006, 05:54 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (jrb1980 @ May 19 2006, 05:54 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-janey@May 19 2006, 02:55 AM
I don&#39;t get it.
Why do I have to be that person who the 12X bodyweight is too much?
I can&#39;t believe that at 142 lbs. I have to eat 1500 calories to lose weight after everything I read that says that is too little.

Sorry to hijack your thread krispy. I&#39;m fustrated too. :(
12X can be to much though. Correct me if I am wrong, but MOST people need to be at 11X, no? [/b][/quote]
Not from my experience .... which includes over 300 people.

[Someday]

Krispy,
After I finished reading this thread, I read your post in another section concerning having only 2 periods this year. Have you gained a lot of weight around the middle? A woman I worked with got really large in the stomach area, never ate and kept getting bigger and bigger with no periods. Turns out she had a benign cyst growing on her ovaries that just kept filling with fluid, hence the weight gain. Just another idea, once she had it removed, everything was back to normal and she hasn&#39;t gotten any more cysts.

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by Someday@May 20 2006, 05:13 AM
Krispy,
After I finished reading this thread, I read your post in another section concerning having only 2 periods this year. Have you gained a lot of weight around the middle? A woman I worked with got really large in the stomach area, never ate and kept getting bigger and bigger with no periods. Turns out she had a benign cyst growing on her ovaries that just kept filling with fluid, hence the weight gain. Just another idea, once she had it removed, everything was back to normal and she hasn&#39;t gotten any more cysts.
Yes, most of my weight gain is around the middle. My husband also found some information about cysts (which I have had a problem with in the past before I went on the pill), and could also explain the terrible stomach pains I&#39;ve been getting. I&#39;m going to discuss this with my doctor.

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by Kristy@May 19 2006, 04:16 PM
Results back yet?
I talked to the doctor yesterday. She&#39;s sending me a copy of the labs but she said TSH and T4 were in the middle of the normal range (same as when I had them tested 2 years ago). She&#39;s referring me to an endo, so I&#39;m going to follow up about getting further testing with him/her.

[VannaRae]

Originally posted by Inatic@May 18 2006, 08:38 PM
If your going to test your thyroid, make sure you get FREE t3 and FREE T4, Tsh NOT just TSH as many dr&#39;s will test. The Total T3 and Total T4 are also a waste of time, as they dont tell you how your body is using your thyroid hormones on a cellular level.

THe results should be midrange or higher for the FT&#39;s and best close to 1 on the tsh. Anything else could be suspect for thyoid disease.

As Inatic stated earlier in this thread......

Do you want to be normal or optimal??? TSH & T4 are not good measures of thyroid function. You need to get the FT3 & FT4 measured. You can find some excellent information here: http://www.beyondlowcarb.net/index.php?topic=3833.0 .

HTH
:)

edited to add: I am hypothyroid and I also had "normal" TSH & T4.

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by VannaRae+May 20 2006, 06:46 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (VannaRae @ May 20 2006, 06:46 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Inatic@May 18 2006, 08:38 PM
If your going to test your thyroid, make sure you get FREE t3 and FREE T4, Tsh NOT just TSH as many dr&#39;s will test. The Total T3 and Total T4 are also a waste of time, as they dont tell you how your body is using your thyroid hormones on a cellular level.

THe results should be midrange or higher for the FT&#39;s and best close to 1 on the tsh. Anything else could be suspect for thyoid disease.

As Inatic stated earlier in this thread......

Do you want to be normal or optimal??? TSH & T4 are not good measures of thyroid function. You need to get the FT3 & FT4 measured. You can find some excellent information here: http://www.beyondlowcarb.net/index.php?topic=3833.0 .

HTH
:) [/b][/quote]
I&#39;ve done reading on this before and I know that what is normal isn&#39;t necessarily optimal. However, since my doctor is referring me to a specialist anyway, I didn&#39;t see a lot of point in debating the issue with her. When I see the endo, I plan on getting into a lot more detail on the tests I&#39;ve had and ask for the tests I haven&#39;t.

And thanks for the link - I&#39;ll check it out&#33;

[VannaRae]

Originally posted by krispy1138+May 20 2006, 12:50 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (krispy1138 @ May 20 2006, 12:50 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>
Originally posted by VannaRae@May 20 2006, 06:46 AM
<!--QuoteBegin-Inatic@May 18 2006, 08:38 PM
If your going to test your thyroid, make sure you get FREE t3 and FREE T4, Tsh NOT just TSH as many dr&#39;s will test. The Total T3 and Total T4 are also a waste of time, as they dont tell you how your body is using your thyroid hormones on a cellular level.

THe results should be midrange or higher for the FT&#39;s and best close to 1 on the tsh. Anything else could be suspect for thyoid disease.

As Inatic stated earlier in this thread......

Do you want to be normal or optimal??? TSH & T4 are not good measures of thyroid function. You need to get the FT3 & FT4 measured. You can find some excellent information here: http://www.beyondlowcarb.net/index.php?topic=3833.0 .

HTH
:)
I&#39;ve done reading on this before and I know that what is normal isn&#39;t necessarily optimal. However, since my doctor is referring me to a specialist anyway, I didn&#39;t see a lot of point in debating the issue with her. When I see the endo, I plan on getting into a lot more detail on the tests I&#39;ve had and ask for the tests I haven&#39;t.

And thanks for the link - I&#39;ll check it out&#33; [/b][/quote]
The best thing you can do is to go to the endo. app&#39;t. with the most up to date info. re: thyroid (hypo). In my experience, and what seems like the experience of countless others who are hypoT, it is extremely difficult to find an endo that is up to date with this stuff. For your sake, I sincerely hope that&#39;s not the case.

Please do read as much as you can get your hands on before your app&#39;t. I had every hypoT symptom and was told I was depressed and should take anti-depressants because my TSH was "normal". And I did, but I never felt better only got fatter.

I was in your shoes not that long ago and completely understand your frustration........when you and working out and your diet is in check and you aren&#39;t getting the results you should be it is disheartening to say the least.

Hang in there.

[Inatic]

dont want to be a downer on it, but just because your refered to an endo, doesnt mean they see eye to eye with treating thyroid levels to optimal range. T3 is responsible for metobolism. I hope tht your new dr tests that. If your dr did a TT3, you can get a slight idea about your T3 but usually, the TT3 is lower than what your FT3 would register. AND that only tells you what is floating around your body, not how your body is using in on cellular level.


You might want to look at www.thyroid.about.com at the Top doc list and see if you can atleast chose the endo based on some recommendations from the list IF they fit your medical plan.

I hope you get some answers :)

[JJ29]

Hi Krispy. I can&#39;t really help you out at all but just wanted to let you know I understand your frustration. I had gained 30 pounds in one year (from age 21 to 22 and no it wasn&#39;t due to drinking&#33;). I had no clue why. My eating and exercise habits hadn&#39;t changed etc. The doctors said everything was normal and it was just genetic. But now looking back, i realize i was very depressed/stressed and ate a largely carbo diet (was vegan) and did have emotional overeating from time to time. So, I guess maybe you need to look and see just how often you are overeating because it may truly be more often than you think. As well, as maybe try a lower carb nutrition plan?

Hope you get it figured out&#33;

[Kristy]

Originally posted by krispy1138@May 20 2006, 04:15 AM
I talked to the doctor yesterday. She&#39;s sending me a copy of the labs but she said TSH and T4 were in the middle of the normal range (same as when I had them tested 2 years ago). She&#39;s referring me to an endo, so I&#39;m going to follow up about getting further testing with him/her.
I would be a little put off by an endo if your test results are in the "normal" range. They tend to be extremely ridgid and unhelpful unless you&#39;ve got a major endocrine disorder going on.

Generally its GPs or people in the osteopath/holistic areas that are more willing to treat those with less severe thyroid issues.

PS - ask for a Ferritin test when you go and see a new doc along with the free T3, free T4, TSH, and sex hormone profiles that the others suggested.

[Inspired]

This is all very interesting........I&#39;m thinking I need to have mine checked.

[trinitylove]

Get checked for PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome)&#33;
I just saw a show on Discovery Health Channel where this woman had the same symptoms as you for 12 or 13 years-and her weight would fluctuate like mad&#33;
She would gained 30 pounds in 3 months and then lose it in a month after going on the pill.
This went on for years. She had weird hair growth, menstrual problems, etc.
Hers was an extreme case, but it sounds similar to yours.
Hope you get this resolved&#33;&#33; :)

[lilbear]

Hi there, I&#39;ve been reading about your troubles and wanted to add a couple of thoughts. Now I know this is very unlikely but since you&#39;re going to an endo you should request having your other hormones as well. I have a pituitary tumour that is causing me to be deficient in several hormones (tsh, gh, lh, fsh, adh, acth). The first symptom I had was ammenorhea, later I also gained some weight and it was all in my midsection (odd for me). Lack of gh can cause muscle breakdown and fat gain (especially in the middle). I think it is much more likely that you&#39;re hypothyroid, I don&#39;t want to make you worry, but since you&#39;re getting blood tests anyways...might as well get them all checked out. Good luck to you :hi:

[krispy1138]

Thanks for all of the information and advice, everyone&#33;

[jrb1980]

Krispy - update???

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by jrb1980@May 23 2006, 10:25 AM
Krispy - update???
I haven&#39;t received my test results or referral through the mail yet. Hopefully today&#33;

[krispy1138]

I got my test results today. She only had two things tested: Free T4 and TSH.

T4: 1.2
TSH: 2.70

Two years ago my results were:

T4: 1.7
TSH: 1.37

If anyone has any opinions on what these numbers (and the difference between now and 2 years ago) means, I&#39;d love to hear them&#33;

[Kristy]

You need to post the ranges.

Is this total T4 or free? Total is useless.

You&#39;re not going to be able to get a grasp of whats going on without seing your Free T3 and Free T4 levels.

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by Kristy@May 24 2006, 06:29 PM
You need to post the ranges.

Is this total T4 or free? Total is useless.

You&#39;re not going to be able to get a grasp of whats going on without seing your Free T3 and Free T4 levels.
For Free T4, the range was 0.8-1.8.

For TSH, the range was 0.4-5.50.

She didn&#39;t have T3 tested, but I&#39;m going to follow up with the endo about that.

[Inatic]

when listing test results. It&#39;s really important to put up the lab ranges that go with them. It would look like this. TSH .4 (.4-5.5)

AND unfortunately, you dont have the free T3. WHich bascially shows that your missing half the piece of the puzzle.

Anything over 2, with symptoms, is definitely suspect of thyroid disease.

[Kristy]

Originally posted by krispy1138+May 24 2006, 04:30 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (krispy1138 @ May 24 2006, 04:30 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Kristy@May 24 2006, 06:29 PM
You need to post the ranges.

Is this total T4 or free? Total is useless.

You&#39;re not going to be able to get a grasp of whats going on without seing your Free T3 and Free T4 levels.
For Free T4, the range was 0.8-1.8.

For TSH, the range was 0.4-5.50.

She didn&#39;t have T3 tested, but I&#39;m going to follow up with the endo about that. [/b][/quote]
Your T4 looks a bit low.

TSH is elevated. Most people do best with a TSH under 1.5.

Definitely try and get the Free T3 and also antibodies tested.

[krispy1138]

Originally posted by Kristy+May 24 2006, 06:33 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Kristy @ May 24 2006, 06:33 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>
Originally posted by krispy1138@May 24 2006, 04:30 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Kristy@May 24 2006, 06:29 PM
You need to post the ranges.

Is this total T4 or free? Total is useless.

You&#39;re not going to be able to get a grasp of whats going on without seing your Free T3 and Free T4 levels.
For Free T4, the range was 0.8-1.8.

For TSH, the range was 0.4-5.50.

She didn&#39;t have T3 tested, but I&#39;m going to follow up with the endo about that.
Your T4 looks a bit low.

TSH is elevated. Most people do best with a TSH under 1.5.

Definitely try and get the Free T3 and also antibodies tested. [/b][/quote]
I will.

Is there any significance to the difference in TSH between now and 2 years ago? I&#39;m not sure how much individual variance is normal.

[Kristy]

Originally posted by krispy1138+May 24 2006, 04:35 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (krispy1138 @ May 24 2006, 04:35 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>
Originally posted by Kristy@May 24 2006, 06:33 PM

Originally posted by krispy1138@May 24 2006, 04:30 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Kristy@May 24 2006, 06:29 PM
You need to post the ranges.

Is this total T4 or free? Total is useless.

You&#39;re not going to be able to get a grasp of whats going on without seing your Free T3 and Free T4 levels.
For Free T4, the range was 0.8-1.8.

For TSH, the range was 0.4-5.50.

She didn&#39;t have T3 tested, but I&#39;m going to follow up with the endo about that.
Your T4 looks a bit low.

TSH is elevated. Most people do best with a TSH under 1.5.

Definitely try and get the Free T3 and also antibodies tested.
I will.

Is there any significance to the difference in TSH between now and 2 years ago? I&#39;m not sure how much individual variance is normal. [/b][/quote]
I don&#39;t want to sound like a downer, but you&#39;re probably going to have a hard time finding an endo who will work with you with these sort of levels. Endos can be extremely ridgid unless you&#39;re severely hypo. Do you feel your GP is unwilling to work with you further?

Well, the TSH could be a sign of when you developed a thyroid issue. Its common to have fluctuating TSH levels, especially if you have something like Hashimotos. Things like dieting, stress, adrenal issues, etc, can play a role as well.

[krispy1138]

Not a downer, just realistic. I appreciate you letting me know what I can expect.

The impression I got from my GP was that she believed something was not right with my metabolism but felt that my thyroid levels were normal and hypothyroidism was not the problem and that was basically the extent of her knowledge in that area.

[Inatic]

It might be a good effort to see if they would test the antibodies. My thyroid levels for tsh and t4 looked just like yours. How ever none of the dr&#39;s had tested my ft3.. it was very low. I had many symptoms. When they tested the antibodies, it finally revealed hashi&#39;s.

What state are you in. There are state wide thyroid support sites.

you can start by posting here and see if they can direct you with some help and suggestions.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyro...ort_Groups-USA/ (http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyroid_Support_Groups-USA/)

[Kristy]

Originally posted by krispy1138@May 24 2006, 04:48 PM
Not a downer, just realistic. I appreciate you letting me know what I can expect.

The impression I got from my GP was that she believed something was not right with my metabolism but felt that my thyroid levels were normal and hypothyroidism was not the problem and that was basically the extent of her knowledge in that area.
I would suggest you check out the "find a doctor" section on the ArmourThyroid.com site. If there is anyone in your area, look specifically for GPs or those that are also osteopaths or holistic based. I would then give each doctor a call and ask if they treat mainly by symptoms and do not treat soley based on TSH.

http://armourthyroid.com/locate.html

[krispy1138]

Thanks, ladies. I will check out both those links.