Hypothyroidism. Don't treat patients who don't have it

An erroneous diagnosis of hypothyroidism causes unnecessary expense and inconvenience for patients, may result in needless and possibly unsafe treatment, and could delay the correct diagnosis. The erroneous diagnosis is often reversed by a second opinion, thereby causing loss of patient confidence and damage to pride and self-esteem in the initial physician. To avoid these problems, the physician should look for the cause of the hypothyroidism, which is easily and reliably established in about 95% of patients. In the rare instance that one is not evident, it may be prudent for the primary care physician to seek consultation before prescribing lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy.