My sister has pcos also and hypothyroidism. She is having a difficult time with her jerk of a doctor on getting a referral to and endocrinologist, its not required for her insurance but the endo personally requires it. I have heard that the standard lab values for showing normal thryoid function are actually inaccurate- that they should be lower than 6. I was wondering if anyone could direct me to some articles on the web containing information about this so she can show it to her doctor.
The AACE, American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, has published guidelines for TSH that list them between 0.30-3.3... or so... under 6 is certainly necessary but it SHOULD be under 3!!! :o
It definitely hurts other things in her body. Not the least, mentally... hypothyroidism is often misdiagnosed in early stages as mental disorders, because the deficiency is a GREAT mimic of depression, bipolar disorder, even schizophrenia. NEVER underestimate its impact on mental capacity; thyroid disease makes you STUPID. You forget EVERYTHING, and you lose interest in most mental pursuits because your brain is just incapable.
It contributes to heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, and if continually untreated will (notice I said WILL) lead to coma. Hopefully your friend's doctors would treat her before that happened!
Untreated or undertreated hypothyroidism causes aches and pains in all areas of your body. It exacerbates any tendency towards sleep disorders like sleep apnea, and can severely disrupt your sleep. It gives you the symptoms of tinnitus, carpal tunnel, plantar fasccitis, and makes your hair fall out and grow in limp and lifeless. Your entire body retains water and your face is always puffy. You can't lose weight if you starved yourself.
It's a nasty disease. Any doctor who doesn't treat a TSH of 6 should be sent back to school. :| Nobody who is going to be normal has a TSH of 6.
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PCOS+IR, Hypothyroidism
Sleep Apnea (cured by tonsillectomy)
30-Something Mommy of 2
Logan Scott born April 9, 2004!
Conor James born Nov 1, 2006.
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I don't think you should have to carry out your own research in order to convince your doctor to make a diagnosis. - thats his/her job!
i think your sister should consider changing to a doctor who is more experienced in treating endocrine problems, eg, PCOS, hypo/hyperthyroidism, etc. If you know any friends with Pcos or thyroid disorders, try asking around for good doctors, endocrinologists etc.
Please help... 
