Understanding Thyroid Symptoms & When TSH Tests Fall Short

Common thyroid symptoms, such as tiredness and inability to lose weight, are too often dismissed. The common screening test for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) may be missing many patients who could greatly benefit from thyroid treatment.

History

• Before the development of the TSH blood test in about 1973, doctors treated patients based on symptoms.

Significance

• TSH is a pituitary gland hormone that stimulates the thyroid. This hormone is generally slow to react to thyroid changes and may not accurately reflect a thyroid problem caused by rapid changes due to autoimmune disease.

Effects

• A misdiagnosed patient may suffer years of unsuccessful treatment for depression, lethargy and weight changes.

Expert Insight

• If the TSH thyroid screening test is negative and you still have symptoms, request antibody testing, including the anti-thy­roid pero­xi­dase (TPO) and thy­ro­glo­bu­lin (TgAb).

Warning

• If you have thyroid symptoms, questions about test results or other health concerns, please consult your doctor. Know that you are free to get another opinion from a second doctor and be an advocate for your own care.