Experts Change Low Thyroid Diagnosis Criteria.

January 1, 1996

hernobyl+%2Bthyroid

Author/s: ph M. Mercola

Issue: May, 2001

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) now says that TSH

level between 3.0 and 5.0 uU/ml should be considered representative of

hypothyroidism. This is a major reversal of the long held view that a person

only had hypothyroidism if their TSH is above 5.0. This is the first time a

conventional US medical organization has acknowledged that the upper half of the

TSH test's normal range may not in fact be normal, but rather, evidence of

developing hypothyroidism, or a level that is potentially able to cause

hypothyroidism symptoms in patients. Nearly 13 million Americans have thyroid

disease, but more than half of these people remain undiagnosed.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Press Release in New

York Jan 18, 2001

COMMENT: I am continually amazed at how poorly thyroid disease is managed in

this country. It is encouraging to see the AACE hold a press conference to

announce this update. None of it is really new and I have published this

information previously on my web site (www.mercola.com). First of all, the 13

million that is quoted is a severe underestimate. The number is at least two to

three times as high. This is because conventional medicine uses antiquated

diagnostic techniques to diagnose this problem. The vast majority of

hypothyroidism is missed if one uses a TSH cutoff of 4.7 as they suggest.

My experience is that most adults with levels over 3 have the problem and many

from 1.5 to 3.0 seem to benefit from thyroid support.

But it is important to note that the thyroid is rarely the main problem. When it

is not functioning it is wise to support it and even use hormone replacement

therapy, but ultimately one should identify what caused the thyroid to stop

working properly. Some of the possibilities include emotional stress and

secondary dysfunction of the adrenal gland and immune system. Mercury from

silver amalgam fillings, vaccines, and fish, and air pollution is another common

cause. Poor diets and iodine deficiencies can also contribute.

Recommended Posts