Common Myths
Answers to common questions about common myths.
Questions on this page
- “My hormone is slightly high, so I definitely have a hormone disorder.”
- “A normal TSH means every thyroid hormone is normal.”
- “High PTH always means a parathyroid tumour.”
- “Low vitamin D means I should take the highest-dose supplement.”
- “One low testosterone result means I need testosterone treatment.”
- “A high prolactin always means a prolactinoma.”
- “One cortisol test can tell me whether I have Cushing syndrome.”
- WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
“My hormone is slightly high, so I definitely have a hormone disorder.”
Not necessarily. Mild abnormalities may need confirmation and clinical correlation.
“A normal TSH means every thyroid hormone is normal.”
Usually TSH is an excellent screening test, but certain situations require FT4, T3 or other evaluation.
“High PTH always means a parathyroid tumour.”
No. Vitamin D deficiency, kidney disease and other causes can increase PTH.
“Low vitamin D means I should take the highest-dose supplement.”
No. Excess vitamin D can be harmful.
“One low testosterone result means I need testosterone treatment.”
No. Diagnosis requires appropriate symptoms, properly timed testing and evaluation of the underlying cause.
“A high prolactin always means a prolactinoma.”
No. Many other conditions and medications can raise prolactin.
“One cortisol test can tell me whether I have Cushing syndrome.”
Usually not. Appropriate dynamic or timed testing may be required.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
Consider an endocrinology consultation if you have:
- Persistently abnormal HbA1c or glucose
- Abnormal TSH, FT4 or T3
- High or low calcium
- Persistently abnormal PTH
- Significant vitamin D deficiency with bone symptoms
- Unexplained high prolactin
- Low testosterone or abnormal reproductive hormones
- Abnormal cortisol or ACTH
- Abnormal IGF-1
- Unexplained sodium or potassium abnormalities
- Multiple abnormal hormone results
- Hormone results that do not match your symptoms
- An abnormal endocrine test that remains unexplained
Remember: an endocrine test is a piece of the puzzle—not the diagnosis by itself.