Hi;
I have been suffering from weightloss (though I am eating normally and regularly), I have an occasional slight tremor in my hands and my legs feel like cotton wool, I am also very nervy, can't stop crying and seem to need much less sleep than usual (in fact I can't get more than about 4 hours uninterrupted sleep without sudenly waking up to find my heart pumping in my ears), I need to pee all the time and have a dicky stomach, I'm constantly hot and have to keep all the windows open (even in the middle of the recent blizards).

this is effecting my work and has (not unsurprisingly) caused some rifts in my relationship with my partner.

Two close family members suffer from thyroid disorders and I had abnormal thyroid levels when I was born.
recently I went to the doctors and demanded a thyroid test (which despite my history he was loath to give me, telling me that I am just "naturally nervy" and that I was suffering from "anxiety" - hence the not sleeping and the tears - he didn't even check my blood pressure). After puting some pressure on the doctor he referred me to the local hospital for a blood test which came back clear T4 -18, TSH - 1.95.

I know I'm within normal limits for TSH, but what is the normal limit for T4?
Also do thyroxin levels fluctuate - should I have another test just on the off chance. Sorry I seem a little fixated on the thyroid thing, but I really feel that something isn't right and am checking off possibilities before I agree with the doctor's "she's just a crazy woman who can't cope with life" diagnosis.

hi there,

Normal level for total T4 is 4.5 to 12.5 .. above 12.5 may indicate hyperthyroid.

While it's true that anxiety can cause many of the symptoms you're experiencing, a family history of thyroid problems plus your elevated T4 level needs to be investigated further. If your own dr. isn't willing, you have the right to ask for a second opinion and to be referred to an Endicrinologist.

In the meantime, there's excellent information about hyperthyroidism at Mary Shomon's Thyroid Information site. She's the host at about.com's thyroid site .. but her own website is easier to navigate and fewer ads

Good luck to you


Doreen

I feel your pain. 5 years ago I was being treated for anxiety and depression when I had the exact same symptoms you do. I also had to demand a thyroid test. You definitely sound hyperthyroid to me!

From what I understand, TSH can take up to 6 weeks to change so while your T4 or T3 fluctuate, TSH changes don't show up for another 6 or so weeks. If this keeps up untreated, you'll see your TSH drop and your T4 continue to rise. You should ask to be referred to an endocrinologist.