Helped Over 500,000 patients with 98%+ satisfaction.

Connect & Get Personalized 1-to-1 Answers from Expert Doctors

DoctorSpring > Question Home

Low T3,T4 count with symptoms of HYPOTHYROIDISM.

Resolved Question:

Hi,

I wanted a second opinion regarding a thyroid blood test. Both my t3 and t4 counts were low (out of range) in my blood test, but my TSH was within range (though a little low within the acceptable range). My general practitioner said the only count that mattered was the TSH, as t3 and t4 can vary too much over the course of the day. I didn't really understand this explanation as from my limited understanding TSH is what stimulates the thyroid but t3 and t4 is what the thyroid actually produces, so I would think the "output" of the thyroid (t3 and t4) would be an indication of hypothyroidism.

I wanted a second opinion on this, since hypothyroidism runs in my family (my mom has it and takes medication for it) and some symptoms I have had recently match hypothyroidism (chronic constipation, sleeplessness, cold hands and feet, lack of tolerating cold outdoor temperatures).

Category: Family Physician-GP

Ask Your Own Question

Category: HIV- AIDS Specialist
 31 Doctors Online

Hello,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I understand your concern.
Thyroid hormone abnormalities are a little tricky to diagnose. In most cases, TSH is the most important parameter. A high TSH with normal T3, T4 or low T3, T4 levels indicate that the patient has hypothyroidism. TSH is stimulated by a feedback mechanism, hence if the thyroid values are intrinsically low, then TSH will shoot up leading to stimulating the thyroid hormone further increasing the output. In hyperthyroidism, TSH will be low, and T3, T4 will be high.
So your GP is right, in explaining that TSH is more important than the values of T3, T4 which actually varies throughout the day.
You can attach your reports for me to review and I can guide you accordingly.
Hope this was helpful,
Dr. Jay


Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy
Category: HIV- AIDS Specialist
Experience: 
MBBS from Sri Ramachandra University in December 2011
M.Med (Family Medicine) - TNMGR University, Chennai
MBA-MPH in Public Health in March 2016, SRM University
Finished AFIH in March 2016, SRM University
MRCP ( UK ), Internal Medicine, Royal College of Physicians, June 2016
Fellowship in Diabetology from Martin Luther University in January 2017

Currently Resident Physician, in MD Radiodiagnosis - Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Chennai
Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

Users who read this, also read:

Make informed and better medical decisions.

Join the 500,000 people who found a smarter, quicker way to get Answers, Recommendations & Expert Opinions.

Expert Doctors at fingertips

Recommendation on next step. Second-opinion.Multi-specialty.

Save Time

Average time for answers: 6 hours.

Save Money

$35 for typical specialist consult vs. $120 for a local appointment.

Free Follow-ups

Clarify, ask further questions for free in private conversation.

100% Satisfaction

Money back guarantee for the 1st reply. MEDNET Quality Board.

Start My Consultation

CHAT NOW

About DoctorSpring.com

Doctor Spring is a novel online Doctor consultation platform where you can get your medical questions answered by leading Doctors. Just Submit your question and rest assured that you will consult a Doctor easily. Once you submit the question, the Doctor from the concerned specialty will reply within hours. You can always ask more questions or add details with follow-up question options and make it an online doctor chat. You may use this service to consult a specialty or for getting medical second opinion. All paid services come with a MEDNET quality assurance and 100% money back guarantee.

DoctorSpring in news