Should I get a second opinion and be retested for possible thyroid problem?

I have a family history of thyroid disease (my dad, and various great aunts and uncles on my mom's side have had issues). I went in to the campus medical clinic in january because of feeling cold, being tired all the time, memory/concentration issues, itchy/dry skin, and progressive weight gain (although 90% of the time I eat under 2000 calories a day).
I had blood work done ($300 worth) and the doctor told me that my thyroid levels were normal but my cholesterol was a little high. She told me that she suspected that I was depressed and should maybe schedule an appointment with the campus counseling center. I'm almost 100% sure I'm not depressed, seeing as how I go to class, go to work, have fun with friends, participate in clubs, etc. I've only had a basic psych course, but I'm pretty sure that I don't fit into the depression parameters.

It's 4 and a half months later, and all the same symptoms are still problematic. There are no endocrinologists in an hour radius.

this clinic is affiliated with a hospital that told a person with seizure problems that they were just bulimic and needed a psych consult. a month later a different hospital did neuro-surgery on this person. I kind of feel like I was being blown off and not taken seriously. And being told "your depressed" when my lifestyle and attitudes/behaviors don't agree with that diagnosis is a little frustrating.

1st you should get a copy of your blood test. Normal range for TSH is 0.3 to 3.0 but some doctors and labs use a range of 0.5 to 5.0. A high TSH indicates an under active thyroid. An under active thyroid can cause depression and high cholesterol.

There are other tests they do, but usually only if your TSH is out of the normal range. T4 and T3 are two hormones that they can test for.

If your TSH is above 3 (maybe even above 2.5), your problem is your thyroid. Many doctors (and labs) do not keep up to date, the new range for normal was recommended in 2003. When my lab work comes back, the normal range is not up to date.

I'm going to have a different hospital run the bloodwork (the university clinic wouldn't give me my numbers, they just called and said that I was depressed and I should call the counseling center.) or try and get an appointment with my dad's endocrinologist who handels his thyroid problems. Report It

What tests did they perform? TSH T3 and T4 are basic. If all thyroid levels are within normal then taht is not the problem. Noone would put you on thyroid meds wit normal levels. High thyroid is horrible also. And to be taking supplemental thyroid on top of normal levels would be bad.

I would definitely go get your thyroid levels checked again. Same thing happened to me--I was "normal," then a month later I really was NOT normal. I have my thyroid levels checked once a month, and my medication is adjusted accordingly. Sometimes I am "fine," and sometimes I am not. Thyroid levels are never really constant--they jump all over the place! Good luck! And I don't think you are depressed, either. :o)

If your thyroid levels were normal you should think of them as accurate and that don麓t have a thyroid disease now.
You may have depression, most likely may be anxiety. But definitely you should be evaluated by the counsel.
If you really want a second opinion go with another doctor (not necessarily an endocrinologist) and tell him your symptoms, don麓t say anything about it may be thyroid, so he can do a more objective evaluation.
Good luck

Yes,you should get a second opinion.Sometimes thyroid problems don't show in routine blood tests.Actually,if you look up the symptoms of an hypo/hyperthyroidism,symptoms include depression.It's amazing what all that little gland controls.I'm sure with your family history,you're very familiar with it.I had a little over half of my thyroid removed back a couple years ago,and my bloodwork was never irregular.They didn't "believe"I had a problem until I had a nodule show up,that turned out to be a follicular adenoma,thank God not a carcinoma.Doctors don't know everything,so for your well being,you should get checked out again,and be sure to emphasize your family history!Hope you get it figured out.Good luck and God bless.

Read anything related to thyroid problem symptoms and you will see your symptoms all over the map. Additionally it is a common problem and mistake of health care professionals make - disagnosing you as depressed and a mental case when you are hypothyroid. It is important what your numbers were - a TSH above 2 should be treated with thyroid hormone. Additionally it is possible that your numbers are "normal" but usually no one checks for TPO which is thyroid peroxadase antibodies which are indicator of an autoimmune disease that could be just beginning. In this case your lab results are normal because it takes a long time for the antibodies to grow in numbers and distroy your thyroid. Yes - blood tests are very expensive. And asking for more blood work will result in spending more money on this. However, you have to do this in order to find out the underlying cause of this. Also, you might want to keep your calories in the 1500 range per day and eat more veggies and protein vs. carbs. This will also help you to manage your weight. The bottom line is - you need to listen to your body and your symptoms. If you do not feel right, you need tell the doctor or nurse that you need additionaly assistance as you are not improving. it is important that you research the lab results "we call normal" on the internet. (try about.thyroid.com) and match your lab work to it. If your TSH is below 2 and your other thyroid hormones are within the range then check your antibodies. If you have antibodies over 30 that means that your body is creating antibodies against your thyroid and it will slowly destroy it. Only with thyroid hormone you can reverse that and by supplementing what your body is not making or failing to keep in internally balanced. If your TSH is below 2, your other thyroid hormones are in range and your antibodies are below 30 you are lucky and healthy and at this point do not have to worry about thyroid issues. As far as your symptomps - you might want to address them one by one and make lifestyle modifications which may help you with each as at that point you know for sure that your thyoid is not the culprit. However, thyroid and the adrenals are closely connected and especially if you experience fatigue and tiredness you might also want to check your adrenal functions. I wish you good luck and good health!