YOU ARE NOT A STATISTICAL AVERAGE

Almost all research involves larger numbers of people and this allows the results to be discussed as the probability that the changes in symptoms was related to the treatment.  This does not tell any individual if the treatment will work for them except that it can be said that there is a probability [% liklihood]  that they will respond.  

So, why is this important?  Everyone of us has to discover if we will respond to a treatment and for blood levels, we need to find out what a normal blood level is for us. This is always important and yet it can be very important for hormone levels. An example is the TSH [thyroid stimulating hormone] that is used to evaluate thyroid function.  It will tell you if it is normal, meaning in the normal range.  That is a statistical average of a large number of people and your normal range may be different.  This diagnosis [hypothyroid] is a clinical diagnosis and this means that the diagnosis is made by the symptoms that you have. Then you can be treated and see if the symptoms go away.  When your symptoms are gone then you can check a blood level and find out what your normal TSH level is.  This is one reason why your input to your physician is very important.  Knowing your symptoms and researching possible diagnoses and sharing these with your physician will help your doctor take care of you.  If your physician does not listen to you, you might consider changing physicians.  Another situation where your input can make a big difference has to do with evaluating your response to medications.  It is helpful for you to know how long it usually takes for the medicine to work and what the possible side-effects are.  If you experience side-effects, that could mean that you need to have the dose lowered.

Be an advocate for yourself with your physician[s].  It is good for you and also for your physician[s].