One doctor says I have hypothyroidism, one says I don't

It depends on where your actual levels fall in place in relation to what is considered a normal range with your test results. You could be subclinical, test results showing a low end of normal,  and have mild Hypothyroidism. Some of the symtoms could be stress too. Certian foods can cause you to go hypo, because they block the production of T4.  Almonds, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, kale and trunips can cause hypo symtoms. Do you have any coexisting autoimmune diseases?

Do you know where your test results show your actual levels in relation to what is considered normal? I would start there, get those conflicting lab reports squared away, then you can move on to treatment.  If you are subclinical hypo, I would ask your doctor if you can take a low dose of Synthroid (25 mg) for about 6 to 8 weeks, get new blood work at the end of  that time, and see where you are at.

Also, keep a daily log on how you feel when you start therapy. Communicate with your doctor, make sure he/she understands how you feel on the meds, that is just as important as lab tests and the science. Sometimes what is normal for most, is not normal for others. You know you the best, you live in your body. Only you know how you should feel.

Hi Lucy,

I have a few tips for you.  Some may seem like no-brainers, but I'll put those just in case. 

1-get and keep for yourself copies of previous lab results (so you know what's going on and you can show to future docs and keep track)

2-You can also YouTube "synthroid vs. Armour" and watch YouTubes of doctors (try to stick to the doctors) who explain to you the difference.  I cannot stress enough the importance of bioidentical over synthetic thyroid replacement.

(I wish I had the internet 30 years ago when I started down this rabbit hole of autoimmune hypothyoidsim.  I say that because it has taken me this long to find a good doctor.)

3-find a good...this one was really hard....a good doctor who listens to you and takes a thorough history. 

My guidelines are the doc must be board certifed and I have come to like DOs over MDs because DOs treat the body as a whole and start with things like making sure you're not vitamin deficient and things like that where MDs tend to focus on your main complaints or just one complaint and throw a pill at you for that one complaint...... and with us, that is not how it works.

4-if you have autoimmune disorders in your family, chances are you will be on that party bus and you should start eliminating gluten completely from your diet.  I did it for a month and noticed a huge difference.  I suffer when I eat gluten, but I am significantly older than you, so you may not notice the difference for 30 years.  However, if they are right about it, you may be able to avoid a lot of autoimmune disorders in your future if you quit it now.  I was at a party and met two women also going gluten free at their doctors' behest, one recovering from breast cancer and another with MS.  They are learning a lot about gluten these days and I read that they're linking it to bipolar disorder, as well.

I also do not intake any soy or artificial sweetners, I avoid GMOs.  I am also now eliminating red wine (very upset about THAT ONE) I think the sulfites are now a problem for me.

My doc told me she wants my Vitamin D to be between 60-100 (I was 28)

She had me quit gluten

She wants my TSH between .20-2.0.  that's where I am now and I feel great.  She likes Armour, as do I.  This DO is the first one who has ever admitted liking it better than the synthetic replacements.  (I can give you a 30-min dissertation on that alone, but I'll spare you...you can also watch the doc YouTubes for that info)

You mentioned about opposing results.  From what I have read, depending on the person (everyone is different) your blood results can vary from hour to hour based on your body temperature, so keep getting a second opinion or third or fourth and don't stop until you feel good and are happy with the results.  Also with opposite blood results, a friend was at her cardiologist and he gave her her lab results and sent her to an oncologist because the labwork came back implying cancer.  Come to find out the lab messed up and they were someone else's results! 

so...TSH below 2.0

Free T4 should be in he top half of hte reference range

Free T3 should be in the top half  - top 25 percentile

Reverse T3 - low end of normal range

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies - within reference range

Vitamin D - above 60

Ferritin - above 60 if you're experiencing hair loss

sorry for any misspellings...I started hurring in the end.

good luck 

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I replied, but it was way too long...now it's being moderated....wait and see if it makes it through the process....lol, I talk TOO MUCH