Why is it so difficult to get diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's in the current healthcare system? As a healthcare practitioner, it's pretty rare when a patient says, "Yeah, I had symptoms and right away they diagnosed me with hypothyroidism.” Several reasons go into why it’s hard to get a hypothyroidism diagnosis:

• The disease comes on slowly so it can go misdiagnosed for years.

• Doctors do not screen for thyroid antibodies that would catch early Hashimoto’s because it’s not covered by insurance or considered standard of care.

• Conventional lab ranges are too wide.

• TSH can fluctuate up and down and may be normal at the time of the test.

• HMO doctors are assessed based on how much each of their patients cost and avoid tests they feel are unnecessary.

To learn more, visit the site or the online Hashimoto's: Solving the Puzzle course page.

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