We Miss a Lot of Cases of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism: Researchers estimate that there may be as many as 13 million undiagnosed cases of hypothyroidism in the United States. Even if thyroid blood tests are normal, there may still be a problem.

Research published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ 2000;320:1332-1334) pointed out problems with lab testing for hypothyroidism. TSH, the main test used to screen for thyroid disease, is inadequate, and many cases of hypothyroidism are missed—especially when it is the only test performed.

Do not rely solely on a TSH test. Ask your doctor to run a complete thyroid panel. Even then, thyroid testing sometimes requires reading between the lines.

Do You Have Any of These Other Symptoms?

Below are some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. All of the symptoms need not be present for the patient to have hypothyroidism. An under-functioning thyroid can lead to high cholesterol, heart disease, and immune system problems.

  • Low body temperature and feeling cold even when others do not.
  • Lack of motivation.
  • Poor memory.
  • Loss of interest in sex.
  • Dry, itchy or scaly skin .
  • High cholesterol.
  • Muscle cramps at rest.
  • Cysts and fibroids.
  • Sadness or crying for no reason (this may include mood swings at certain times during the menstrual cycle).
  • Inability to lose weight.
  • Puffiness under the eyes.
  • Ankle swelling.
  • Frequent colds.

Hypothyroidism Can Cause a Variety of Health Problems

Hypothyroidism can cause high cholesterol and heart disease. Research shows that subclinical hypothyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity can also increase the risk of heart disease. Could it be that some people on cholesterol-lowering medication actually need thyroid support? Hypothyroidism can be responsible for miscarriages. If an expectant mother has hypothyroidism and doesn’t miscarry, her baby will have a lower IQ than if her thyroid was normal. Problems losing weight, dry skin and immune system problems may have the thyroid at their root.