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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Diagnosis of hypothyroidism
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Diagnosis of hypothyroidism
by darleneg, Mar 07, 2006 12:00AM
My husband has many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism and he has TSH of 5.195. This is up from 3+ last year. He is fatigued and is classic for about every hypothyroid symptom. This began three years ago. But our family doctor will not treat him for it as he says he is still in the normal range. I have tried to make an appointment with an endocrinologist as we have an HMO that permits seeing specialists without a doctor referral if we go to an in-network specialist. But all of the endocrinologists I have called say they see patients on a direct referral from a physician. This is not because of our insurance. It is their general policy. We seem to be in a catch-22 situation. All my husband wants is a trial on thyroid medication. He has had many tests run and they are all normal except he does have a carpal tunnel syndrome. He had an echocardiogram that was normal, a testosterone level, a sleep study, a full lab panel. He does have frequent sinus infections and has been seen and treated for these as they occur. He does not have high blood pressure. He was tried on an antidepressant and this did not help. He does take doxepin for sleep and anxiety and has for years and this works well for him. He is 67 but in excellent health otherwise. He is also a cyclist, climbs hills, though is doing less cycling because of his symptoms. His doctor felt his chest x-ray shows COPD, but my husband can do 127% of normal on a peak flow meter and his PFTs were normal. We feel this is from his hill climbing. Where do we turn?
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Mar 08, 2006 12:00AM
, Mar 08, 2006 12:00AM
I agree with a trial of thyroid meds based on what you describe -- sorry that you are a victim of a backwards medical system with regards to the HMO. If the primary won't prescribe the med (start at 25mcg synthroid or levoxyl) then insist on a referral.
Member Comments (2)
by darleneg, Mar 08, 2006 12:00AM
To: Everyone and physician
Thank you very much for the help and information. We will discuss this with our family physician and try to get a referral to an endocrinologist. This is very encouraging to us. We appreciate the help.
