Tue, Nov-02-04, 07:24
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Senior Member
Posts: 11,512
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Plan: IF +LC
Stats: 287/165/165
BF:
Progress: 100%
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sheridan
I asked the nurse today what last years TSH was and she told me .068. I asked her to repeat it and she stuttered a min and said .68. What does that mean? I am still learning what the numbers mean and that number seems low.. But low doesn't indicate a problem with the TSH number from what I think I understand.. I was thinking if it was being over 2 indicated a problem.
I am exhausted, constipated, and have cut my calories to 1500 a day and work out cardio and weights and hour and a half 6 days a week. I have done this for 9 months and had lost only 6-8 pounds.. I'm looking for answers. Thanks for listening..
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Sheridan, while your TSH doesn't look 'off' this is enough information. Your symptoms suggest hypothyroidism, very strongly. Hopefully your doctor will run a few other tests, namely FT3, FT4 and antibodies (I would really push for these and I'll explain why).
The most common form of hypoT is autoimmune in nature, it's called Hashimoto's and it typically starts off with a low or normal TSH (like yours is), high T4 and high T3 (but not as high as the T4) . There will, however, be antibodies present (TPO and Tg); these are what are attacking your thyroid and causing your symptoms. Hashi's patients often experience both hyper and hypo symtoms as the antibodies go after their thyroid and it tries to compensate by producing more hormones.
I would caution you against cutting your calories too low, this is actually counter productive re your thyroid. The lower your calories get the more your body will slow metabolism, by producing/converting less T3. This will just make your hypoT worse. I'd also keep the exercise moderate and not excessive, again this will cause other hormones (cortisol in particular) to become unmanageable and high cortisol causes the body to stop making T3 - it's a viscious circle.
Good luck with your Dr.s appointment, Sheridan.
Nat
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