Posted by bleauberry on April 18, 2008, at 21:59:30
In reply to Re: The Depression Delimna » bleauberry, posted by Phillipa on April 18, 2008, at 20:14:16
> Blueaberry do you know why T4 is a more important indicator that a TSH in Hashimotos as did search and could find no data. Love Phillipa ps endo says T4 high so lower synthroid but TSH is 2.5 so within a normal range.
My doctor says the numbers are helpful and a responsible thing to look at, but that the primary guide in prescriptions is the symptoms, not the numbers. My doc will prescribe various thyroid meds based on symptoms regardless of whether the numbers agree with it or not.
The "normal" range is just a guide, not a Bible. Sadly many docs see it as a Bible.
The most important indicator? Actually, none. They have to be looked at in unison, together, like a picture or a puzzle. freeT3, totalT4, freeT4, and TSH only tell the story when you look at them all at the same time.
We don't want "normal" numbers. We want "optimal" numbers. Tell your doc that at the next appointment. Tell him normal is not good enough. Tell him politely but firmly you want optimal numbers and zero symptoms.
To see if he is using his creative detective juices or not, ask him this "What is my reverse T3?" It is a simple mathematical substraction with the numbers you already have. Ask him what it means and how it plays into the whole thing.
poster:bleauberry
thread:824066
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080412/msgs/824162.html