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Is It Your Thyroid?

Stressed out, run down, exhausted? Weight issues? Feeling blue? Losing hair? These could be signs that your thyroid is out of whack. Take this interactive quiz to find out.

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Thyroid Disease Spotlight10

With Thyroid, One Size Does Not Fit All

Monday May 20, 2013
As a thyroid patient advocate for almost two decades, when it comes to thyroid advice, one thing I've probably said the most is "one size does not fit all." So what does that really mean when it comes to thyroid issues? I've explained it in a new editorial, that talks about the prevalence of "one-size-fits-allism" regarding thyroid disease as a concept, as well as diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease. Find out why, whether you're talking about the most conventional endocrinologist, the most holistic practitioner, or bloggers, books and celebrities, when it comes to thyroid disease, one size does not fit all!

About Mary Shomon | Thyroid Forum | Twitter | Facebook

Photo: istockphoto.com

Should Thyroid Patients Self-Medicate?

Monday May 20, 2013
This editorial started a bit of a firestorm among patients when it first ran. And it's still a hot button for some patients. Because the question is, whether patients should medicate themselves to treat thyroid problems, and in particular, an underactive thyroid/hypothyroidism. When I say "self-medicate," I mean buying prescription thyroid hormone replacement medication without a doctor's prescription, and then taking that medication without a doctor's oversight. Should patients do this? Here are my thoughts about this controversy.

About Mary Shomon | Thyroid Forum | Twitter | Facebook

Photo: istockphoto.com

Needle Phobia: When a Fear of Needles Poses Dangers to Your Health

Sunday May 12, 2013
While none of us like to get shots, or have blood taken, some people suffer from needle phobia, which can be so severe that that it causes sufferers to avoid anything related to needles. Needle phobia can have serious, even deadly consequences, because patients may categorically avoid all procedures that involve needles, such as lab testing, injections, vaccinations, even dental work. For thyroid patients -- who need regular blood testing for diagnosis and treatment -- needle phobia can be a huge impediment to treatment.

Learn more about needle phobia in this informative new Q&A with patient advocate Geri Rybacki, Executive Director of the Coalition for Better Thyroid Care. Geri successfully worked with a thyroid support group member who had severe needle phobia, helping her obtain long-overdue bloodwork and treatment. As a result, Geri is focusing efforts on increasing awareness of this overlooked but common phobia, the problems it can cause -- including to patients with thyroid conditions -- and what can be done by practitioners, patients, and their friends/families/advocates -- to help sufferers of needle phobia.

About Mary Shomon | Thyroid Forum | Twitter | Facebook

Photo: clipart.com

Thyroid Patients: Could It Be Perimenopause?

Tuesday May 7, 2013
You're a woman over 40 with a thyroid problem, and you're tired, gaining weight, moody, and losing hair. Do you need to optimize your thyroid treatment, or could it be perimenopause. (And what IS "peri"menopause anyway?) Take a look at the signs and symptoms of perimenopause, and how to tell the difference from thyroid issues.

About Mary Shomon | Thyroid Forum | Twitter | Facebook

Photo: istockphoto.com

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