TESTS FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM ARE
NOT ALWAYS ACCURATE
TSH tests and blood tests are useful to help diagnose
hypothyroidism but should not be used alone. Symptoms
are the most important factor. It is rare that a blood
chemistry panel shows your true condition because the
values measured are only about 30% accurate. It is
common for a hypothyroid person to have a completely
normal thyroid panel. This is why the Thyroid Panel is
considered by many to be inadequate.
It is common for a hypothyroid person to have a low TSH
value, which is usually interpreted as hyperthyroidism,
not the reverse, despite many symptoms of low thyroid
(depression, dry skin, weight problems, chronic infections,
female problems, hair loss, low blood sugar, and so on).
TSH tests are not as scientifically accurate as they need to be. TSH tests are not as high in sensitivity
as the tests that identify if you have anemia. The
next time your doctor tells you that you don’t have
a thyroid condition after a TSH test (despite all your
symptoms), tell him you know the TSH test in not as
high in sensitivity and specificity as red and white
counts. He or she will then know you are informed.
There is a sophisticated test to reveal even mild low
thyroid and it is the TRH (Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone) test. This test requires an injection, followed by one or more blood draws at 15, 30 and 45 minute intervals. This test is accurate, but is expensive and inconvenient for both patient and the lab.
Victoria
The Living Well Plan
Victoria’s 7 Tips for Natural Hypothyroidism Treatment
