It explains why the TSH blood test only identifies overt, primary hypothyroidism and overlooks all other types, why TSH should not be used to determine medication dosage when a patient is under treatment, and why symptoms and FT4/FT3 levels should be used instead. It can be given to the patient's doctor to help assure adequate treatment.
Written by
Scotty
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I have saved this for future support. My own case was a just over range TSH of 4.8, and it took many months more before I could get my FT3 and FT4 measured. By which time, I was incredibly ill and the test showed both hormones deficient. Nothing about sluggishness, or individual variations, in TSH response masking the issue has ever been remarked on. Altogether, a frightening and humiliating journey. I had researched a lot, joined this site guessing I was hypothyroid all along before it was picked up by my surgery... further adding to the surreal feeling of it all. This paper explains the inadequacies and pitfalls in a way that all can understand. Thank you.
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Interesting paper on alternating hyper- and hypo-thyroidism
