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Hypothyroidism from Hashimoto's thyroiditis is usually treated as a lifelong, irreversible disorder, but spontaneous remissions have been reported. Until now, the only way to detect remission has been to discontinue thyroid supplements, observe the patient, and perform serial measurements of thyroid function. This study describes a quicker approach. Ninety-two patients with hypothyroidism and positive thyroid antibody tests received thyroxine for 1 to 8 years in a dose that did not totally suppress serum thyroid- stimulating hormone. In a two-hour test, thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) was administered without discontinuing thyroxine therapy. In 22 patients, TRH induced an increase in serum T3 and T4, indicating a responsive thyroid glan…