Diagnosing Hypothyroidism: The Thyroid Blood Test Roadblock
Many women are forced into an impossible situation when they tell their doctor about all of the symptoms of hypothyroidism they are experiencing. They most likely will be denied the proper diagnosis and treatment because of a single blood test. This tragedy is due to the unfortunate mindset cultivated by mainstream medicine that the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test is the “gold standard” used to diagnose hypothyroidism, while it actually fails the majority of patients.
Do any of these symptoms sound familiar?
Loss of energy, fatigue Tired all the time
Can’t sleep, insomnia Wake up exhausted
Brain fog, can’t think clearly Difficulty concentrating
Memory loss Constipation
Weight gain Difficulty losing weight
Cold hands and feet Cold sensitivity, cold all the time
Hair loss Dry skin
Depression Mood swings
Muscle pain and cramps Joint pain
Recurrent and chronic infections Menstrual irregularities
Headaches Fluid retention
Know this!
If you take only one thing away from this post, know that regardless of what a single blood test says, hypothyroidism could still be the cause of your symptoms! It is important to find a doctor who will listen to you and evaluate your clinical symptoms and history.
Here’s why:
The TSH blood test is not the most accurate way to diagnose hypothyroidism. While your thyroid gland may be producing enough thyroid hormones so that the TSH blood test falls within the normal range, your cells may not be able to use those hormones efficiently, which is why you would still have symptoms of hypothyroidism. It’s as simple as that.
Doctor’s Corner
Get the scoop from our doctors themselves. Watch this informational video to discover more reasons why hypothyroidism is so commonly undiagnosed.
It’s time to get answers!
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Has a blood test failed to diagnose your hypothyroidism? What did your doctor say to you? Share with us your experience while trying to get the right answers.
Cheryl Whitmore
I was dx with hypothyroidism back in 1998. My hair was coming out by the handful. My family gripped at me about it. I had gone to a neurologist (Julia Jones) who asked me a few questions like have you had trouble losing weight, do you hurt I your joints, has your memory been a little off, do you have trouble sleeping? And of course the answer to all of these was YES!!!!! So from that time my primary dr. gave me Synthroid. Last 5 yrs or so I have had some serious memory problems. One nurse told me she thought I may have been having a Thyroid Storm. I was having some problems with my breathing. The Methodist dx it as anxiety. I had never had this problem before. The other doctors said that there was nothing wrong with me that it was all in my head. One dr. dx me fibromyalgia. My middle fingers on both of my hands lock-up. You talk about hurt. I have a really hard time getting in and out of the tub. My husband tells everybody that I am out of my mind. Every joint on my body is swollen and hurts something terrible. There’s a lot more but I think this enough for you to get the general idea of how I feel.
thank you for all you are doing Dr. Holtze.
Sincerely Cheryl Whitmore
Hotze Team
Dear Cheryl,
Synthroid is only T4, and we find that our patients with hypothyroidism have much better results on desiccated thyroid, which has both T3 and T4. Hypothyroidism is also a common cause of fibromyalgia. We would be happy to help you. Please contact a new guest consultant today at 281-698-8698. Thank you for sharing your story!
Velma D
I have had 2 thyroid biopsies, both negative. Been on synthroid briefly.I was seeing an endocrinologist years ago who diagnosed me with diabetes type 2 and hypothyroidism. In addition to the synthroid, I was on diabetic meds (metformin, then starlix, then actos). It didn’t seem as if anything was working and then I lost my health insurance. I have the occasional brain fog, occasional constipation, hair loss, as well as other symptoms. But what my husband doesn’t understand is that there are times when he touches me it hurts. And it’s not just the joints. It could be on my arm, thigh, leg. I am not a doctor ( I am a nurse), but I think the hypothyroidism is the root of it all. I was even tested for Lupus at my daughter’s request and that result was negative. I was getting a butterfly rash on my face. Last TSH about 2 months ago was 0.69, WNL. But something isn’t right. Waiting to get better insurance.