Ask Dr. Scott Isaacs discussion

Many people complain of symptoms of low thyroid even though tests are normal. Have you had this experience?

This is my life! The problem is that you need a referral to the very busy endocrinologists in a practice so the MDs are encouraged to monitor but they just look at numbers and don't know how to really treat the patient. There is more to just the numbers in treating a thyroid so patients aren't really getting the right care all the time.

Shannon, I understand your point. Sometimes thyroid disorders can occur with normal tests, sometimes other medical conditions mimic the symptoms of hypothyroidism. If you are taking thyroid medications and still don't feel well, there is a lot you can do to feel better. Here is an article I wrote on the subject.
http://www.outsmarthormones.com/2012/...

Thanks! I look forward to reading this, and your article on T3. Glad I found you on FB as you give a lot of great information!

Thanks Shannon, I hope my book is helpful for you.

Scott wrote: "Many people complain of symptoms of low thyroid even though tests are normal. Have you had this experience?"

Oh, yes...for years. My blood tests do show lows but according to my doctors not low enough to medicate. Yet, my symptoms scream 'hypothyroidism. Doctors ignorance in that regard is a shame. I'm going to read your article you mentioned. Hopefully I'll find a good answer to the problem there.

I wouldn't say that your doctors are ignorant. Severe symptoms in the settng of borderline tests suggests a different diagnosis. I recommend that you work with an endocrinologist to get diagnosed and treated.

Dr. Scott, you're so right. I'm aware of their ignorance for several years. But that doesn't help because I won't get the medication without their subscription. I already begged in endocrinologist to give me the meds, but she refused. I'll consult another one. Thank you very much for your response.

Angela, I am sure your doctor is not ignorant. In fact, the ignorant thing to do would be to blindly prescribe thyroid medication without careful consideration of other possible causes of your symptoms. In my book Hormonal Balance, I describe the many hormonal conditions that have similar symptoms. I hope my book can help you work with your doctor to find a diagnosis for your problem. Perhaps getting a second opinion will help restore your faith in the medical profession. If you think your doctor is ignorant, there is no way you can have an effective doctor patient relationship.