TF and thyroid

[Attached Mama]

Anyone know anything about this? I have really odd thyroid counts. All within the "normal" levels but both TF and T3 are really on the low side and I have a few thyroid symptoms.

Also wondering if that is what is messing up my cycle so that I'm not ovulating with the same signs as usual.

Why oh why is it so hard to find answers!! ?? !!

[WildIris]

Did you have a TSH test, too? What about antibodies testing?
What thyroid symptoms do you have, specifically?
Is there autoimmune disease of any kind in your family history?

ETA: If you can post your actual test results, with lab reference ranges, I may be able to comment further.

Iris

[Attached Mama]

My TSH - 1.6 in a range of .3 to 5.6

total T4 = 6.7 range given of 6.1 to 12.2
total T3 = 87 range given of 85-180

So acc to that they are all on the low end. However, I read somewhere (actually on the WAPF) that a common symptom of hypothyroidism is high HDL. My HDL is astronomically low at only 34 with LDL at 107 and triglycerides at 74.

I also just checked another website and they said that T3 should be ideally over 300. They must be measuring off of some different scale. Acc to them, TSH should ideally be 1.5 and their T4 range was very different too. It was a site recommended for thyroid issues by the author of "Honoring our Cycles" which is published by the same co as NT and recommended by some TF people. Can't find the doc's name or site now tho.

Other issue is that I'm having completely diff discharge - very little - around ovulation. I'm actually having more in the beginning of my cycle. This is unusual for me and not normal for anyone healthy I don't think. Also having very heavy cramps that tylenol etc doesn't touch.

We want to ttc, but I haven't been able to get answers from hours of research. Have seen our local naturopathic doc who I swear knows nothing about womenly things and our local holistic doc who gave me an adrenal supplement for my thyroid. That seemed to clear up a lot of thyroid symptoms and maybe by this time things are better. I certainly feel better in most areas, but still feel I have a few low thyroid symptoms. I have emailed Krispin Sullivan for a consultation but not heard back. Emailed 2x now. And as for Dr Ron Schmid, I don't want to eat red meat 2x per day like I'm being told I'll have to as a recovering veg. (I don't like meat very much, tho I'm eating some red meat and do eat chicken and weekly fish). FWIW I never have eaten soy more than like once per month. Never seemed like a normal whole food to me.

So if you have any ideas I'd be greatful, I feel at the end of my rope with all of this.
Oh, and no autoimmune stuff in my family. Thyroid symptoms - was feeling tired,exhausted actually and cranky and low libido and cold. Now just occasional low libido. I have *tons* more energy. So prob should get my thyroid retested for new counts. But my blood tests cost me over $600 out of pocket ! So... Oh, and my iron was (always has been) fine.
HTH Thanks

[WildIris]

Yes, your totals T4/T3 are both very low in the range. Like you, I would wonder why. I'm more used to looking at Free T4 and Free T3; a general rule of thumb on those is that most woman feel better with those numbers in the upper third of the normal range. I assume the same would apply to the Totals as well. If you ever test again, you might ask to have them order the Frees instead. That shows you more of the "biologically active" hormone instead of the total available.

About iron, was a ferritin (iron storage) level included in your iron tests? It is common in people with low thyroid function to have a low ferritin as well. This can make you feel as if you're anemic, even if your other iron numbers are normal. Also, low ferritin mimics hypothyroid symptoms. And ferritin needs to be in a good range (at least above 50, and ideally around 70-100, I've been told) to help your body convert T4 into T3. I wouldn't be surprised if your ferritin was low, especially coming off of a vegetarian diet. It can take a very long time for ferritin levels to rise.

I'm sorry I can't be more helpful. If I come across anything on thyroid and low HDL I will report back.

Iris