Optimum Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypothyroidism With Free T3 and FT4 Levels - The big myth that persists regarding thyroid diagnosis is that an elevated TSH level is always required before a diagnosis of hypothyroidism can be made. Normally, the pituitary gland will secrete TSH in response to a low thyroid hormone level. Thus an elevated TSH level would typically suggest an underactive thyroid.

Hypothyroidism: Sensitive Diagnosis and Optimized Treatment - A Review and Comprehensive Hypothesis - Many physicians regard hypothyroidism as far more common than is generally acknowledged. Many individuals currently being treated for hypothyroidism are actually undertreated, because of excessive reliance on the ultrasensitive serum thyroid stimulating (TSH) level and the use of a single thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4), in its treatment. A recent estimate of the widespread prevalence of primary hypothyroidism suggests a figure of 9-10% in the United States. Only about 10% of those thus identified as hypothyroid admitted to being diagnosed and treated.

My interview with Mary Shomon, the Thyroid guide from About.com.