Assistance evaluating thyroid blood test levels

[nydheart]

I was wondering if someone could have a look at these thyroid numbers and let me know what your thoughts are. I recently started TRT due to low testosterone in my lab reports but after researching this site I suspect I may have thyroid issues as I seem to suffer from a lot of the symptoms which confusingly are very close to a lot of the symptoms of low test! The main one that jumped out for thyroid is that I am usually tired all day but get all my energy in the afternoon, from around 6pm onward. Mornings are always dreadful to me and I really suffer throughout the regular work day. Not sure if this is a symptom but it is very difficult for me to drop weight even with proper diet and exercise. Gaining on the other hand all I have to do is look at food!


TSH-2.27 - range 0.30-4 mIU/l

T3 4.7 - range 3.5-6.5 pmol/L

T4 15 - range 9-23 pmol/L

Anti-TPO <5 - range <35 IU/ml

Anti-TG <10 - range <40 IU/ml

DHEA-S 10.8 - range <15 umol/L

Cortisol 322 nmol/L - taken in the AM and AM range is 170-720 nmol/L


I took my morning temperature the last couple of days and it was 97 deg. both mornings. Yesterday it got up to 98 deg. by late day and I still need to check it later today. I have read some people use temps to guage thyroid. And I only had a digital thermometer to use.


I wasn't exactly sure what to post but let me know if any other lab ranges are needed and if I have them I will post them. Thanks!

 

[Vettester Chris]

I have some comments for your thread, but just don't have time right now. Stay tuned, I'll try to get back with you tonight. Just a quick note, you covered all the needed labs EXCEPT Reverse T3. We really need a Reverse T3 lab to compare to your Free T3 ...

 

[nydheart]

Thanks Chris, unfortunately I don't have that one as part of my lab analysis but I am looking forward to your insight from what I have available at this point. Thanks!

 

[Vettester Chris]

Nyd, OK, it would also be better to comment on free serum results (presume these are Total Serum?), as it will give us a truer picture of what's actually bio-available, but let's look at what you have in the meantime ...

Both T4 & T3 are hovering in the 40% area of the reference range, T4 at 42% & T3 at 40%. That's a bit sluggish, not terrible, but would be optimal in the 50% to 80% of reference range. Again, would like to look at Free Serum, plus Reverse T3, which I sense might a little excessive in the ratio comparison with T3. Antibodies are fine from this viewpoint, I don't think autoimmune is an issue.

Me think you need to dive a bit deeper into the cortisol picture. Unfortunately, that 1x serum lab won't quite cut it, you will need to look at a 4x saliva panel w/ DHEA correlation analysis. I can help you put together a circadian profile "if" for some reason it doesn't get sent to you with the results. If you AM with a saliva kit is any reflection to the current serum result, then it's going to need some help. The AM should be right at the very top 15% of the reference range, then gradually towards the middle and lower half of the reference range as the day concludes.

What you are describing IMO definitely sounds adrenal related, especially noting that mornings are bad, but you tend to feel better later in the day. This would also have a say in the activity of your thyroid, which again would tend to convert at higher rates of Reverse T3 when cortisol is problematic.

I think you know the labs that are needed?!?! .. If not then let me know. Also, on your temp .. If you have the time and patience, take your temp 3x per day for 5 days. Take it approx. 3 hours of waking, 3 hours later, and 3 hours after that. SUM / 3 .. Do this for 4 more days, then let's see the trend ...

 

[nydheart]

Thanks Chris! I start taking my temps tomorrow and post them up once I have reached the 5 day mark. I will try and get those other tests organized as well.

Can you comment on how much inactivity can contribute to thyroid levels? I am just starting back in the gym after a very long absence and my activity levels have been dismal for quite some time. I am going to work hard to loose 30-40lbs as I am the heaviest I have ever been in my life. I guess my question is, is there any relationship between inactivity and poor thyroid and can thyroid improve by loosing weight/getting fit.

Also, when people talk about metabolism, what exactly affects this? My brother can eat whatever he wants and struggles to keep gains he makes in weight and in the gym. I on the other hand am a classic endomorph, never had issues putting on muscle (or fat for that matter) and it seems if I just look at food I end up gaining a pound. I assume it is something in our genetic makeup that has given him the ability to burn calories while doing nothing and I have to work my but off to loose weight? Thanks!