Everyone should have their thyroid function checked annually...just a simple blood test.
Undiagnosed thyroid problems can lead to severe organ damage and eventually demetia.
I was diagnosed 13yrs ago and my Dr. feels that I had the disorder (hypothyroidism-low thyroid) for probably some 7yrs before diagnosis.
Thyroid disorders are more prevalent in women, but men also can have this disorder. I hope everyone here asks their Dr. on their next visit to do a thyroid blood panel.

thanks, how are you doing now?

I'm doing okay. The medication doesn't cure you or eliminate all the symtoms and other problems low thyroid can cause but it is necessary.

I just read my original post and I want to apologize for sounding so stern and preachy. The mother of a friend lost her life to this disorder which is so sad because it could have been prevented. Unfortunately, it isn't a routine test when you have a blood analysis..you need to ask for it. It is believed that a good many elderly people suffer from dementia because of undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Please protect yourself.

My younger brother is currently being watched, doctor said results abnormal - so he needs another test in 2 weeks and another in 3 months. No medication yet tho. (The test was taken because he gained a lot of weight in one year)

I agree. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are vague. My doc kept telling me I was depressed and needed to exercise more. I was tired, weepy, and gained a lot of weight so sure I was depressed. I requested the blood tests and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. After a few months on medication I started feeling better. I've been on it for about 12 years, have it checked yearly, and med adjusted if needed. There are lots of symptoms--google it, and then talk to your doc. (Maybe Janet's are just nags LOL)

I have a sluggish thyroid too. Been taking medicine for almost 24 years now. The doctors told me as a young woman that it was borderline low all the time-within the range as it were. I had all the classic symptoms, weight gain, hair loss, crappy nails etc., It was not until i was visiting my cousin in Baltimore and thought I was having a heart attack, that the doc finally sent me to an endocrynologist. LO and behold, she checked me and said it definately was hypothyroidism. and put me on synthroid. What a difference in my life. Got my energy back, lost the weight and feel good now. Oh and I had 4 miscarriages between my two children, which she also said was a result of the condition. So definately go get checked. It really is worth the time and the blood test.

I have hypothyroid too . Dr said I had it for years before it was diagnosed . It's no fun . Yes , do get it checked . Annie

hypothyroidism also complicates diabetes - ask me how I know..
I've also had a biopsy done because of "hot spots" (negative) but I do have occasional ultrasounds done

I had mine tested because of rapid heart rate, which is a sign of hyperthyroidism, but I had hypothyroidism. I went on med for it, a year or two later I started having symptoms again so asked to have blood level checked test showed hyperthyroidism and level changed in 2wks which usually level is very slow to change which is why it isn't caught the first test. I saw an endochrinologist and tested for diseased thyroid but everything ok. a few weeks later it was back to hypothyroid levels. Dr said I had thyroiditis an inflammation of the thyroid. I was so mad because with hyperthyroidism you normally lose weight, have excessive energy, and not hair loss. I still was fat, depressed, and losing hair. Oh well that is how life goes, the funny part was I had to have a pregnancy test before they could give me radioactive isotopes for testing. My college age daughter was with me and thought it was hilarious and had to call her dad and tease him. At that age she hated to think her parents could be having sex.

My wonderful doctor does it with my annual exam. She takes such good care of me.