Is it Thyroid?? one way to find out

[Gabes-Apg]

based on what I have read on the various discussions here, unless your TSH is out of range, then detailed testing of Thyroid is covered by medicare/bulk billing - this is the same in Aus.

My doctor asked would I be willing to pay the $45 for a urine Iodine level test. With my TSH having been 'in range' for the past 4 years of testing she is not allowed to request the test be bulk billed. Given how many people here in MC world have thyroid issues I agreed.
Sure enough - my iodine levels are 'moderately deficient'
(the levels being, not iodine deficient, mild iodine deficient, moderately deficient and severely deficient)

My doctor and I discussed the results and the medical system and concluded that like many things (Vit D3 comes to mind) only when the patient is severely deficient, do the symptoms become bad enough for the doctor to be able to request the test on the medical system. For anyone with multiple issues by the time they are severely deficient it is twice as hard to correct the issues.
Sadly, the system is what it is, and wont change any time soon.

Interestingly.... now that we have a test showing moderate deficiency, the doctor will be able to order the test in 12 months time on the medicare system

Anyone concerned about their thyroid, if finances allow, it might be worth considering the outlay for the urine iodine test.

I did a quick search and found this USA based lab https://store.zrtlab.com/elements-and-thyroid
the Iodine test is $80. I am sure there are other providers and you can maybe find a cheaper option. Or maybe if the doctor orders it and you pay it might be cheaper... (not easy for me to search for this stuff via an aussie IP address)