Everyone who believes or has been recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism should read Dr. Mark Starr's book Hypothyroidism, Type 2, The Epidemic. He explains how common this illness really is, the many symptoms, and also the many diseases caused by low thyroid, including diabetes and heart disease. I found this wonderful doctor several years ago by chance. I had gone to my GP with all the symptoms of hypothyroidism, including no energy, hair loss, cold extremities, weight gain, etc. But, because my TSH, over a several year period, had been in the 4-5 range, she said my thyroid was normal. I asked her what else could it be...she suggested I was depressed, and we could look into treatment! I asked for a referral to an endocrinologist. You see, my own mother suffered from hypothyroidism for years....I knew what I had. And I was right. My Endo felt my neck and immediately diagnosed it...said I had several nodules. At about the same time I heard Dr. Starr on a radio talkshow. It felt so good to be validated. He stresses that symptoms are more important than any lab result. Also, many experts now believe any TSH over 2.0 is abnormal. Dr. Starr explained how the normal ranges were developed 50+ years ago. It is now believed many used in the study were assumed to be normal but really were hypothyroid, thus making the range erroneous.
To Beth.....I understand what you're going through. Please see an Endocrinologist and read Dr. Starr's book. You might also look into taking your basal temperature....it is a very easy way to check your thyroid. Good luck! Oh, and BTW, hypothyroidism CAUSES depression!

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