Is a TSH test the only way to accurately diagnose a thyroid disorder/problems?

I am just wondering if the TSH test is the only way to find out if someone has a thyroid disorder or not?

I have had severe anxiety and depression for many years, and had a TSH test done about a year ago. It came back

fine, but I still wonder about that because of the way I am feeling. I feel really off and unusual. I have pretty much

every symptom of hashimoto’s disease (autoimmune disease). If I had hashimoto’s  disease, would a TSH test

be able to determine this or not? I read somewhere that only a T3 or T4 test can accurately determine some thyroid issues, so i'm not sure. I'm thinking of getting tested again for thyroid issues, because for years i've felt so tired and unhealthy, even before I had depression or anxiety.

You can most certainly have Hashimoto's and yet your TSH, T4 and T3 can look perfectly normal. (Just remember these hormones can be in a state of flux, especially with Hashimoto's)
There are many MANY people who suffer with symptoms and yet doctors don't think to test for thyroid antibodies which will indicate Hashimoto's.
I've gone for years and years with depression and anxiety and a multitude of other symptoms which have drastically affected my whole quality of life, and only just recently found out that all along I've had this auto immune disease.
Getting the diagnosis is only one part of the battle though. Many doctors don't seem to have a clue how to treat people with Hashimoto's and only look at the thyroid, rather than the auto immune aspect.

absolutely not.  The best test to determine your thyroid problem is Free T3.  My doctor goes by this test because she treats by the way I feel.  I live with a suppressed TSH, because I feel alive with a higher Free T3.

I deleted the address for the web site, which is primarily selling the owner's book. Advertising isn't allowed in posts.

Post Edited By Moderator (Judy2) : 9/29/2013 7:35:22 PM (GMT-6)