I remember presenting to the clinic because I had just finished a week of vacation and spent the lions share of it sleeping in bed. I had not felt rejuvenated afterwards. I was seen at a teaching hospital clinic where the Resident, or doctor in training had been given ample time to do the whole nine yards as far as interviewing and physical exam goes I recall. My TSH level returned in the 10 range (well beyond the lab's normal values). I was given a choice of starting Synthroid or holding off on doing so.

My hypothyroidism had not been detected by a preventative screening lab testing, I was symptomatic. If anyone is new to this diagnosis it is well worth one's time reading up on it: I am sure the Residents would have taken time to answer all my questions, but at that juncture I did not know what to ask. In wonderful hindsight I would have requested additional lab testing like my vitamin D level. It was later found to be too low for thyroid hormones to work effectively.