TSH high (5.3), T4 normal, Should T3 be checked?

Question

I've suffered from very intense fatigue + wooziness for 3 months now. Had to stop working because of it. Had a battery of blood tests, all coming out normal, except 1 thing, my TSH is a little high, in the low 5s. They did check at one point my T4, which was normal range (1.2). I feel miserable. Could it be my T4 is ok, and my T3 is off, which hasn't been checked btw. This is the only lead i have in this now chronic health situation, I've seen 2 Internal Medicine Docs, 1 Infectious Diseases Doc, and 1 Neurologist. Please help!

Also, I see 2 tests here I don't understand:

1. Thyroid AB (ATA, TpO) - which was <10

2. Thyroglobulin AB <20

is one of those the T3 measure?

Thanks!!!

Answer 1

1. Thyroid AB is mostly Thyroid Peroxide Antibody. It is within normal limits.

The levels are elevated in a rare autoimmune condition called Hashimoto&#039;s Thyroiditis which is associated with hypothyroidism.

2. Thyroglobulin AB- Thyroglobulin AB is another autoimmune antibody. Either of them are not directly related to T-3 levels.

Your TSH levels could be considered as high normal; T-4 levels are normal. T-3 is the active form of Thyroid hormones. It&#039;s levels could be checked. But, in my opinion, they are mostly going to turn out to be within normal range.

Since the common battery of tests has failed to provide any diagnosis, you could get the lab results evaluated by an endocrinologist. He may advise some other tests.

That&#039;s all I can comment on the provided test results. I hope this is somewhat helpful. Wishing you a fast recovery.

Answer 2

discuss your concerns with your doctor.