This article was last reviewed on
This article waslast modified on 10 July 2017.
An editorial published online in the British Medical Journal recently drew attention to a consensus statement about the diagnosis and treatment of primary hypothyroidism. The statement came from several UK specialist professional associations and patient groups. Primary hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid due to disease of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is a common disease and has symptoms like tiredness and dry skin, which occur in many diseases. The authors are concerned that patients may being both over- and under-diagnosed and treated. They make the following points:

  • Blood tests which show a high serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and a low free thyroxine (T4) are the only proven way to test for reduced thyroid function.
  • Other illnesses can temporarily cause abnormal test results.
  • Treatment should be with T4 tablets alone; they will lower a raised TSH and return a hypothyroid patient to a normal state. T4 treatment can be dangerous if not needed and should never be given if test results are normal.
  • Other causes of hypothyroidism should be looked for if symptoms continue after the TSH has become normal. The patient should be referred to a clinical endocrinologist if necessary.