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Should I bring this up with my MD?

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Thyroid Disorders
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Latigo1915
New Member
Joined : Mar 2015
Posts : 2
Posted 3/22/2015 5:28 PM (GMT -8)
Hi, I'm completely new to this forum, so I'm sorry if the questions I am asking seem dumb/obvious.

I went for my first physical in quite some time about 6 weeks ago. The office my MD works in makes all patient labs accessible online. The doctor's office called me a few days after the appointment to tell me that my iron (ferritin) was very low (and to take a supplement), as were both my red blood cell and white blood cell counts (so she wanted to retest them at the same time as my ferritin). However, in looking through my other lab values, I noticed my free t3 (2.2; reference values 2.3 - 4.2 pg/mL) and free t4 were low (0.6; reference values 0.9 - 1.8 ng/dL), as well, and my TSH (0.6; reference values 0.4 - 4.0 uIU/mL) was on the low side (which, I have been reading, usually indicates normal to high free t3 and free t4, not the opposite).

Anyway, it's about time to schedule the follow-up appointment. So...I am really timid with doctors and I really want to know, given that nothing was said to me about these values, should I just assume that she doesn't find them worrisome? Or do these results look like something that I should bring up and possibly be treated for?

If context matters, I am a 30-year-old female. I experience many of the symptoms I have seen online as being caused by hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weakness, cold intolerance, constipation, and some cognitive "fogginess." Also, while my weight is normal, the number of calories I must eat to avoid weight gain is about 1,000, which seems really low for someone my age and height (5'9).

Again, sorry if the question seems silly, but I would really appreciate it if someone with some experience with these lab test took the time to answer it. Thanks!
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trader758
Veteran Member
Joined : Aug 2014
Posts : 752
Posted 3/22/2015 6:44 PM (GMT -8)
Yes, I would bring it up. I can honestly say the doctor, depending on their expertise, may refer you to someone more qualified. Your results dont seem specific to the thyroid, though the thyroid is affected. The results point more toward pituitary issues as referenced by the low TSH and subsequent low T3 and T4. Its no wonder youre experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism. You definitely need further testing to rule out pituitary, hypothalamus, and thyroid issues. Good luck!
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Latigo1915
New Member
Joined : Mar 2015
Posts : 2
Posted 3/23/2015 3:39 AM (GMT -8)
Thank you so much for replying. I've done a little research, and I was wondering about my pituitary gland, too, as my LH and FSH (other pituitary hormones) were also low.
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