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!
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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? 
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. 
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 