Question 1

thyroid antibodies are high, my free t4 low, tsh & free t3 (liothyronine) in normal range, on whole thyroid yet exp 2-4lb weight fluctuation & hair loss- what next?

Accepted Answer

Imaging: If not done so, proper imaging of the thyroid is indicated, including ultrasound and nuclear thyroid uptake scan. You may be suffering from hashimoto's thyroiditis, an immunologic condition  that affects your thyroid gland causing inflammation and often leads to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States.

Question 2

what is meant by low tsh high free t4?

Accepted Answer

Hyperthyroidism: A low TSH and high T4 is an indication of over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism). This should be evaluated further for any potential cause and discuss treatment options with your physician. Referral to an endocrinologist may be necessary.

Question 3

low tsh high free t4?  what is the cause?

Accepted Answer

Hyperthyroidism: High ft4 and low TSH are a combination usually indicating an over active thyroid. It doesn't explain the cause which will require further testing to figure out.

Question 4

what does low tsh 0.2 with normal free t4 mean?what is its treatment and does it need to be taken all life long?

Accepted Answer

Likely normal: Your TSH may be slightly low and may be normal for you. Do you have any symptoms? It is generally not a good idea to treat lab values. All lab results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. It is likely that you need no treatment, however, it would be prudent to follow your doctor's advice for follow up tests.

Question 5

very low tsh with high normal free t4. twitching. changed dose. how long til levels normal out? still twitching 2 weeks later. had basic neuro exam.

Accepted Answer

What did you: change the dose of? If it's thyroid replacement, it can take weeks for the level to normalize, asumming you're now on the correct dose. If it's an ANTI-thyroid drug, it can takes months to work as it only inhibits the formation of NEW thyroid hormone, not the hormone that's already been manufactured.

Question 6

could a low tsh but normal free t4 mean a pituitary problem?  or would that be more indicative of the start of hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Sounds normal: Your description is consistent with normal thyroid function, but if you are concerned, you could provide exact numbers for us to review.

Question 7

can low tsh alone cause hyperthyroidism symptoms or would t3 and free t4 have to be abnormal too?

Accepted Answer

: All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Talk to the doctor who ordered the tests. Having said that, it is the elevated free T3 which is the molecule mediating the effects of thyroid function.    
Wish you good health!

Question 8

had total thyroidectomy 10 years ago. currently 8 weeks pregnant, taking synthroid (thyroxine) 125mcg. very low tsh 0.01 and high free t4 at 26 (normal 12-22). ?

Accepted Answer

Way off: That dose of thyroid needs to be reduced ASAP. Please consult with your doctor right away. I'm guessing they're doing that already if they received those test results.

Question 9

is it possible to have hypothyroidism for 11 years, then suddenly develop graves disease or hyperthyroidism following a pregnancy?? low tsh for months and normal free t4 (been off armour for eight weeks now)

Accepted Answer

Need to examine: It is not feasible to provide a meaningful opinion without additional history, physical examination and may be some tests. Change from hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism is not uncommon but the reverse warrants an investigation. It would be prudent to see an endocrinologist. 
Wish you good health!

Question 10

what causes low tsh, low t4 and low t3 (liothyronine)?

Accepted Answer

See below: All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Having said that, it would have helped to know the actual values. Even though all these parameters may be low, these may yet be in the normal range.

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Doctor answers about:

Free t4 low and tsh low what does this indicate

A member asked:

Thyroid antibodies are high, my free t4 low, tsh & free t3 (liothyronine) in normal range, on whole thyroid yet exp 2-4lb weight fluctuation & hair loss- what next?

A member asked:

What is meant by low tsh high free t4?

A member asked:

Low tsh high free t4? what is the cause?

A member asked:

What does low tsh 0.2 with normal free t4 mean?what is its treatment and does it need to be taken all life long?

A member asked:

Very low tsh with high normal free t4. twitching. changed dose. how long til levels normal out? still twitching 2 weeks later. had basic neuro exam.

A member asked:

Could a low tsh but normal free t4 mean a pituitary problem? or would that be more indicative of the start of hypothyroidism?

A member asked:

Can low tsh alone cause hyperthyroidism symptoms or would t3 and free t4 have to be abnormal too?

A member asked:

Had total thyroidectomy 10 years ago. currently 8 weeks pregnant, taking synthroid (thyroxine) 125mcg. very low tsh 0.01 and high free t4 at 26 (normal 12-22). ?

A member asked:

Is it possible to have hypothyroidism for 11 years, then suddenly develop graves disease or hyperthyroidism following a pregnancy?? low tsh for months and normal free t4 (been off armour for eight weeks now)

A member asked:

What causes low tsh, low t4 and low t3 (liothyronine)?

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