Hi All -

I'm new to this forum, but on Psych Central for a couple months. I am having a hard time getting my doctors to treat me for thyroid problems I have had for decades. Tested lots of time through the years - always "normal" - couldn't believe it! Then I learned that Free T3 and T4 need testing. After 6 years of fighting my PCP (who relied solely on the TSH test) I convinced him to put me on meds. as I had nearly all symptoms of Hypothyroid. He gave me .025 MG Levothyroxine. Within 2 months, I dropped 50 lbs.! No other noticeable change.

After 5 years on that dose, My SHRINK finally ordered the Free T3 and T4. These are the results, August 2013:

Aug 2013: (on .025 MG Levothyroxine)
Thyroyropin 1.70 (Ref Range: 0.10-5.50)
Thyroxine.Free 1.0 (Ref Range: 0.7-1.6)
Triiodothyronine.Free 2.5 (Ref Range: 2.3-4.2)

Since my levels were low, I fought (and fought, and fought) with my PCP to increase the Levothyroxine, and finally he agreed and raised me to .050 MG in August. Wen retested in November. The results follow:

Nov 2013 (on .050 MG Levothyroxine)
Thyroyropin .043 Ref Range: 0.10-5.50
Thyroxine.Free .09 Ref Range: 0.7-1.6

There was no Nov testing for the Triiodothyronine.Free in November.

Seems strange that my Free T4 went down with an increase in Levothyroxine, and I think my Free T3 is way too low still.

My PCP gave me a consult to an Endocrinologist, but the Endo refused to see me, stating that TSH and T4 are better indications of thyroid function than T3. (I could slap him!!)

I still have the symptoms. The only noticeable change I experienced when he upped me to .050, is that my lifetime of chronic constipation and inability to have BMs went away!! I didn't even know that was related to my thyroid!

I had a Vascular Screening by my local county hospital. All fine there, but they found a node on my thyroid. I am scheduled for a thyroid sonogram on Jan. 21. Hoping this will give my PCP more ammunition to get better treatment for me. (I am a veteran and get treatment from the VA) He asked if I wanted to see another VA Endo. and I said "sure- if you have one who is a woman suffering from an autoimmune thyroid problem." They don't, so I will be fighting to see a local Phys. and have the VA pay for it. I've found a good one through a thyroid support group. Please keep your fingers crossed for me!

Additional information: My normal body temp is 95 degrees and BP 90/60.
Mother and her mother had bad RA, sister was Hyper, had a goiter and thyroid removed years ago.

Also a weird thing...all 3 of us women lost weight with pregnancy. ie, we would gain maybe 13 lbs. in total with pregnancy, then lose 45lbs. when baby was born. Was a joke - if we wanted to lose weight, we'd just tell each other to get pregnant again. This makes sense to me in a way - if the immune system is suppressed during pregnancy, perhaps our thyroid was actually working properly for a change....any thoughts??

I am so confused. I do believe I have an autoimmune thyroid problem. Please share your thoughts with me. I am so tired of fighting for proper care.

Thanks so much...