Why are there so many doctors out there without a clue about thyroid disorders?

It scares me that there are so many doctors that don't know about the TSH standards going from high TSH at 5 to High being 3 or even 2 .... This change was made in 2003!! I went in with a TSH 5.3 and my doc said I was "normal" I knew something was wrong with me (hmmm, hair falling out, cold, sick as a dog, tired, so confused it was hard for me to drive, etc) so I bugged and bugged him, I finally had to get an endo to talk to him, found out I have Hashi's ... if I wasn't persistent, I'd be in bed right now wondering why I was so sick, he probably would have put me on Prozac thinking I was depressed. People, if your doctor says a TSH of over 3 is normal, argue, kick and scream if you have to, it may be uncomfortable and awkward, but you will thank yourself in the long run.

the thyroid is part of the endocrine system, to be sure of it's health or lack thereof, one needs to see an endocrinologist. General practioners are great if you have a cut that needs suturing, or a bladder infection or a bad cold or bronchitis, but they are trained only in general healthcare, they should know enough to realize they do not know everything tho', your doctor should have sent you to a specialist when he could not identify your problem. Source(s): RN

I am really glad you posted this. I went to my internist yesterday because of similar thyroid symptoms. I even have this goiter type lump in my throat that hurts. She told me it was my voice box. Granted...it probably was..but something else is wrong. I've had my visitor since Christmas. That can't be right. I go tommorow for my blood work..I'm glad I know the level of standards.
Thanks
Thank you, this is very educational. I hope others will read what you have found.
I also questioned a doctor when my child reacted to E. V. A. foam products. Ethylene, vinyl, acetate that is used in disposable dishes, swim mats, etc. I checked into it more to find out it really should not be used for food items. My daughter is the parakeet in the mine, you could say, she is much more reactive then others but this doesn't mean it isn't having a detramental effect on others that they are not aware of at this time. Check out the ingredients.
Again thank you for the heads up on the tyroid issue on TSH level.
The thyroid diseases are complicated and diverse.As you described,many symptoms are "vague" and could be attributed to many other diseases.Blood test can be negative one day and positive next week. Most of us in the medical profession do try our best,to get the patient diagnosed,and treated appropriately. The #1 reason for a "failure" is patient noncompliance with medications and treatments and follow-up exams. You can also seek out a specialist like an Endocrinologist. Not always the fault of the Doctor,it's up to all of us to play a role with recovery. SW RNP
the endocrine society has changed what is perceived as "normal" values, but regular doctors and even some endocrinologists still rely on the "old" standards.

what is more amazingly is that the labratorie's still go by the old standards as well. you are correct...the new normal values have changed. why the labs dont' go by the new standards is beyond me.

i have a tsh at 3.9 . everynow and then my heart does its palpitations and every now and then i get a lump that hurts around my thyroid area. no one wants to admit that we have a problem, so tell your doctor you want the medication and you will sign a release in order to get treatment with the right medications.
It's primarily a women's disease. That's why.