Thyroid Hormone Urine Test

November 23, 2008

Hello All,

I have just had the result of a urine test that my daughter (14 yrs)

took recently. T3 and T3T4 ratio levels are well within normal

range. T4 level is within normal range but on the low side. It was

649, ref. range 550-3160. Does this mean she has a problem? Dr. P.

suggests adrenal support. I have always suspected she was 'low' with

regards to T4 from being born! When she was 7 days old she was

called back to the hospital where I had her for a blood test which I

was told was to check her thyroid levels. This was unusual because

my other two children (boy and girl) definately did not have this

test. I now think that the reason she was called back was because

the Guthrie test that all babies have suggested a low level of

hormone initially. I suspect that she has had a low level of T4 all

her life. I had her tested when she was about 6 yrs old and the test

came back within normal range. I did not know then about asking for

the numeric results and the range. If my daughter has been low since

birth, could this be the reason that she has learning difficulties?

This is a really big issue for me, if she could have been treated

with a small dose of T4 from birth could her learning difficulties

have been prevented? I don't understand the ins and outs of low

levels in children - but I know that low levels of T4 can lead to

behaviour problems, depression and so on. I almost feel as if my

daughters life has been blighted for want of a cheap drug. Can

anyone advise? I feel so sorry for her. I should have done more!

The alarm bells where ringing when she was only one week old and I

have done nothing about it. I have failed her. I feel that adrenal

support is too little too late. I have been on adrenal support (NAX)

since April this year and, to be honest, have not felt any better (I

have been diagnosed as underactive for more than 20 years). Would my

daughter benefit from a small dose of T4 just to boost her levels to

a level which falls more comfortably within range?

I am so grateful that I have the support of this forum and I await

your replies.

Love to you all

Ann

Recommended Posts