Dr. Peter Gott Has Got it Wrong on Thyroid Disease...Again!
Newspaper columnist Dr. Peter Gott has a questionable track record when it comes to talking about thyroid disease. A while back, Gott wrote in his column that Armour Thyroid is made from cows (it's not, of course), and then said that there were no quality problems with synthetic thyroid medication. (There are, and the FDA has discussed them at length). Dr. Gott has a history of putting out incorrect information on thyroid disease, but despite his spotty record, he'd straightened up a bit, and apparently done some homework on thyroid disease.
Unfortunately, however, Dr. Gott is back at it again -- and this one is a whopper.
In response to a question from a reader who complains of a number of symptoms, including fatigue and depression, thinning hair, tingling hands and feet, and cold sensitivity -- along with a TSH above 3 and low T4 -- Dr. Gott suggests that the reader may have hypothyroidism. That's actually a good call, especially with the borderline TSH -- as many doctors are not aware that a TSH above 3.0 is now -- according to the latest standards -- considered evidence of an underactive thyroid. So he got that part right.
Which makes it all the worse that he then goes on and steps right in it, saying: "Depression is not generally associated with thyroid disease..."
It's time to go back to the books, Dr. Gott, and refresh your knowledge of the basic symptoms of thyroid disease -- one of which is depression.
Let's make it easy for Dr. Gott.
He can take a look at the patient brochure from the American Thyroid Association, which says, quite clearly, "When thyroid hormone levels are too low...you’re becoming forgetful and depressed...".
And if that doesn't satisfy him, maybe he should look at the official clinical guidelines from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists -- the "go-to guys" for thyroid disease. Here, from their "Thyroid Guidelines": "The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism can include... depression..."
Sorry, Dr. Gott...but when it comes to the link between depression and thyroid disease, you got it all wrong.
Photo: United Features Syndicate
Comments
It never ceases to amaze me how some very uninformed people manage to get the distinction “M.D.” after their names.
Every bit of miss information makes it that much harder for thyroid patients to get correct treatment and to be taken seriously. Dr Gott should do his homework before putting false info out there.
I did read the article when it came out in our newspaper and almost fell off the couch. Just amazes me with what he can come up with. Sure glad I don’t go to him.
Is he a “real” Dr. like “Dr. Phil”?
My email to him bounced back - have we shut down his server? I am now faxing an article I wrote a few years ago (Myxedema Madness) that has source material (articles and pub med abstracts) about mental disorder and Hashimoto’s/hypothyroidism to him. He really should print a retraction on this one! The lack of knowledge on this issue is appalling!
I get disgusted with people like Dr. Gott who don’t have a clue just how bad Hypothyroidism can make your body feel. I wish that I could zap them into Hypothyroidism for a year and see the drastic change in their opinion. (Since I am not depressed, this is the real me writng this)!
Or you could look at what the NIMH says about diagnosing depression: ‘Certain medications, and some medical conditions such as viruses or a thyroid disorder, can cause the same symptoms as depression.’
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/treatment.shtml
MD often, and in this case, stands for MISS DIRECTED!!!
Dr. Gott’s intermitant expertise could be corrected if he were to run his words past MARY before stepping into yet another pile.
It is MARY’S misfortune to be HYPO
but our good fortune that she is!!!
We might all be lost in foggy-land without her knowledge, guidance and that very big stick she uses to beat back those who tote themselves as in the know. “Hey Doc…read MARY’S books and get it right”!!!
I am so sick of people not taking Thyroid disease seriously! The symptoms are real and the patients are sick and tired of being sick and tired! I was diagnosed as Hypothyroid 10 years ago. My new insurance won’t cover my medication. Nice, huh? Recently, I have packed on 25 lbs (that took me a year to lose for my wedding,) been depressed which is unlike me, exhausted beyond belief, etc. Got my Thyroid tested, TSH read 7.4. My Dr. made a miniscule adjustment to my medication, so now….I wait 6 weeks for restest and to feel better. Meanwhile, I walk around in a fog, forgetting things, downing coffee just to stay awake!Doctors need to get the facts about Thyroid disease that affects so many of us before they start popping off misinformation!
When are M.D.’s going to take thyroid disease seriously. It took me four years and many Dr.’s later to find out I had the disease. Someone like Dr. Gott could really help pt.’s with thyroid problems because of his popularity. Dr. Gott should be a trend setter in the medical profession and start learning more about the disease and educating us instead of thinking were depressed or crazy!
Another cruel person who has not done their homework. I was a victim of many Dr’s who waited till I had thyroid cancer to do something. Mr. Gott I would never refer to you as Dr. Rhe problem seems to be with you and your profession.
So far I have been lucky. My general practitioner offered me a script for some anti-depressants when I was first diagnosed in July. I turned them down but I can absolutely see now, in retrospect, that my moods and mental state were linked to my wacky thyroid.
I wish more people would get informed before they start blabbering, especially those that have such a large audience.
Thank you Mary for keeping me clued in and doing what you do.
What’s more maddening is that whoever had him on the payroll is letting him off the hook … getting paid to not to his homework. Is that UNited Features Syndicate? Perhaps we should start a letter writing campaign to them. Surely they can find a doctor who’s at least not lazy when it comes to checking facts. Thank God he’s not my doctor.
first of all, please excuse the length of this comment, but that article ruffled my feathers today and I feel I have been repressing a bit lately so here goes…
having hashimotos myself, which took over 2 to 3 years to properly diagnose, even though 5 years later, the dose changes almost every time I get my blood work done – and boy my body lets me know how it feels about that!
i feel everyone’s pain and yes we are not making these symptoms up, just look at the number of symptoms of the countless numbers of patients and they really outweigh the doctors who think we are making everything up.
but with all of our doctors we had before labs and meds and all of our doctors we have now, you realize that it is going to be an endless battle, but you read, vent, try to do one day at a time, vent, (oops, said that already!) you count your blessings you have mary with her marvelous website, and you just try and deal but most of all you fight and that is what we are all doing and we all should be proud of ourselves.
i remember that in the very beginning I started out with the all these clueless HMO’s docs and i heard everything from,”if you got off the couch, quit eating and exercised you wouldn’t be depressed and overweight”, or how about “you just have a “fat” neck”, which i responded with the fact that it wasn’t fat 6 months ago. we all have those stories and i totally agree with #5 “kate,” i would love to zap dr. gott and all my idiot docs into hypo for a year, let them have the bad insurance, expensive labs, work two jobs, live paycheck to paycheck and drive a car that breaks down a lot, i could go on couldn’t i? we all could.
and another thought i do love oprah but come on…with her money, her connections, her constant weight problems and for God’s sake she has dr. oz glued to her side (bob greene is on the other side) did anyone bother to do a blood test on the poor woman!!! and she thinks everything is okay now, it is all under control, little does she know but they call it a disease for a reason, she will soon find out, that even oprah can’t snap her fingers for this problem.
before I go on, quick question to #6 “cindi” where can I find the article you wrote?
finally…
what kind of dr. is gott? maybe he and dr. phil can co-host a talk..er… i mean a reality show together. here are some titles, maybe you can think of some:
“doctor or no doctor” or “who wants to be a doctor?” or better yet “the real doctors of know-it-all county!”
of course “we (the patients)” could just have them on our reality show, like…”the biggest loser” or “you are the weakest link” “goodbye!”
bye!
april
I have seen such ignorance among the medical profession regarding thyroid disease, and this Gott fellow is a prime example. When I was first diagnosed with this disease, I went to some silly doctor who told me that once I started taking thyroid meds, all the extra weight I had accumulated would melt off. Wrong! It wasn’t until I found a doc who would let me add Cytomel to the mix (I had to do the research myself because my original docs were too podunk) that I started to truly feel better. I am very careful about the docs I go to now…I don’t want to end up with some ignoramus like Gott.
Dr. Gott has unwittingly pointed out a reason why medical care (and esp. in the USA) is so expensive, and why there are too many people who suffer with long-term chronic illness. That reason is “incompetence”.
Leanne Turpin Refvik - sorry to hear about your insurance, don’t know if you have a kroger near you, but they just started $4 generic meds, check out this link http://www.kroger.com/generic/ there were quite a few for thyroid.
good luck!
I personally experienced the symptoms of memory loss and depression when I was put on generic Synthroid a few years ago. As a result of the generic drug my T4 levels were not properly controlled — there is much research on this. My doctor refused to do the blood test needed to check my T4 levels, but was quick to write a prescription for anti-depressants. I finally convinced my gyno to call for the blood test -even though she tried to tell me it was menopause. We found that I had a T4 level above 10. I do best when it is near 0.3. Obviously I switched doctors, but not before writing a bound thesis with all the research I had found on-line about the link between the symptoms of depression (including memory loss) and hypothyroidism. I shared this info with my old doctor and my new doctor. I can thank a friend for making a passing comment to me about the link, which led me to do the detailed research and on the road to recovery.
Wow! haven’t read the article as I am in oz, but sure do know what everyone is talking about, especially April 14. I went on for years and years with numerous conditions and complaints, where I live the general answer to any medical condition was that you had a virus and maybe you should go lose twenty kilos and then you will feel better. My endo here doesn’t take me seriously either, so I went interstate to another endo who said that after having radioiodine it had basically ruined all my hormone levels so he put me on Livial which has been really great. when I got back home my endo was trying to call me as I was bordering on toxic thyroiditis and needed to come in straightaway!!! the guy I saw interstate apparently trained under her but they both had conflicting diagnosis? go figure!!! I believe I went through a state of almost thyroid storm, but no one beleived me, the endo here screamed at me (yes screamed ) that there was nothing wrong with me, that is why I went interstate. so I drank loads of herbal teas and took valerian, I still went to work but I can asure you that when I look back, only about 3 months ago, I don’t know how I did it. So now I am on thyroxine 50mg only been about a month so far, so here is hoping, but I don’t rule out anything happening again it most likely will. Did a lot of research on the web and found Marys web page and have bought her books, I live in australia as you can see and the confusing thing is if we are all human and all on the same planet how come our TSH etc, are all different, because if I went overseas and had a blood test ???????? I read the books but am mindful of the differences in these levels, so I am really pissed off with the medical profession as well, I though they all went to the same school, Angi
I saw the letter as well & laughed. Isn’t it a typical response we hear so frequently. I would love to read the article Cindi(#5)wrote on Myxedema Madness. Cindi, can you share, Mary, can it be printed on “our” website? Thanks.
I’ve been to several doctors about my underactive thyroid. Ask them about Cytomel and you’d think your asking for Morphine. I’ve had little success with Synthroid. Armour puts me in a nasty mood. I tried Cytomel and it works the best for me. Why do very few doctors prescribe it to their patients?
I too, suffer with hypothyroidism. I thought I was the only one with recurring symptoms that never seem to stay in control. I thought it was my crazy life, but I’m slowly realizing that unregulated and uncontrolled thyroid hormones are my crazy life.
I too, had to do some research on hypothyoidism and came up with cytomel, as hope for some kind of “normalcy” for my life. Cytomel has made a difference, whether I’m on a proper dose, or not, I don’t know. My doctor was offended that I came in with a book showing him my research, I had done. He asked if I had read the disclaimer in the front, or the back of the book. I felt he was arrogant about my findings and dismissed me as one who THINKS she knows more than he did. To appease me he did prescribe me cytomel 25 mg. once daily. Oh, did I feel good!!!! To Good!!! I called the doctors nurse and told her all my symptoms, she told me to only take half. That is what I take now 12.5 mg daily. I tried to wean myself down a little more and found after a week, or so, I could hardly walk, for the pain. That is what cytomel has done for me, it has taken the physical pain away. I’ve not gone back to the doctor, I feel I’m not looked at as a sane person, it makes me uncomfortable. I am now waiting for my insurance to kick in, so I can see a endocrinoligist. If there is some good reading I could do to help me I would appreciate any help. Thanks for letting me sound off. Jill
Fortunately when my thyroid went on the blink during menopause, my gyno didn’t hestitate to put me on Synthroid, so I didn’t have deal with the endless appeals to get something done. Even if the tests had showed normal I think my gyno would have started me on meds anyway….he was of the old school in that regard.
However, even though it seemed to help to a degree, I was never really free of the annoying list of symptoms that we are all familiar with. But I didn’t know there was any alternative and thought I had to be a good girl and follow what my MD was telling me. I could kick myself for all the years I didn’t have the presence of mind to do some research, but in all honesty, I wasn’t on the internet then and so finding appropriate web sites for information wasn’t an option. So here I went on my UN-merry way dealing with the frustrating symptoms (even while taking Synthroid)and thinking that I had no choice but to tolerate it. After all, my doctor knew best, he told me everything was fine….blood tests normal etc. etc. so I was to continue on the same dose. This went on for about fifteen years!!! How could all the various MD’s I went to during that time all agree that my blood work was normal when I clearly did NOT FEEL normal! Oh, but that didn’t matter, remember they knew best! Finally, I found a doctor who practiced Integrative Medicine and he started me on Armour Thyroid. Voila!! What a difference, and I felt like I was human again. Sadly however that was not to last because the insurance companies realized this doctor (lovely, sweet man that he was) was not following their protocol and prescribing all kinds of meds and doing every conceivable test to show that he only practiced ‘Alopathic’ medicine! They withheld his insurance re-imbursement checks for so many months at a time, that they succeeded in putting him out of business. Of course that meant I had to find another doctor. Ha! Easier said than done!
Though finally one day, out of desperation, I decided to go to a local Family doctor. I had made an appt. and as I sat there in the examining room he didn’t waste any time reeling off a list of ‘vaccinations’ I should be taking as preventive measures. I told him I was there to get my thyroid checked and wasn’t interested in all kinds of poisionous vaccines. Ooops! I should have known that would hit a raw nerve, and he responded by giving me a stern look and proceeded to lecture me on the benefits of getting all those shots. Finally out of sheer frustration I just told him; ‘look doctor, I’m not interested in all this preventive stuff, I just want my thyroid treated and if you don’t want to be my doctor, then fine, just tell me now and we’ll end this.” He immediately backed off when he saw I was not one to be pushed around and I guess he was thinking…’well wait a minute, maybe I can eventually re-program her into seeing things my way and drum some sense into this old lady’s foggy brain’! Little did he know I was thinking the same about him:) I was determined that I would not be intimidated and when I showed I was not going to bend….he actually softened! I told him I wanted to continue with the Armour as that was best suited for me but that I should have another test run to see if the dose needed to be adjusted. I should have know it would be a repetition of all the other years….”your blood work came back just fine, everything is normal, so just stay on the same dose.”
Why did I think it would be any different! So here I am, let’s see, almost twenty years later and still dealing with the symptoms of Hypothyroidism that is not being correctly monitored. What am I to do? I can’t seem to find an Alternative doctor who will take medicare ins. and so I have to deal with the regular MD’s. I am at my wits end because I have another appt. coming up and I fear it’s going to be a repeat of last time. I am really fed up with the medical establishment in general and feel that for the most part, doctors are only interested in the business end of it and not the patient’s well being.
Of course we all know there are exceptions but I have only found one in all these years. My area is apparently not receptive to Holistic, Alternative or Intergrative medicine that much because it’s predominately geared to Alopathic medicine and the site of a large teaching hospital. The alternative doctors unfortunately don’t take insurance so there lies the rub!
Oh well, thanks for letting me spout off.
I did read a good book recently by the way! Infact Mary endorsed it. It’s titled, “Thyroid Power, 10 steps to Total Health” by Dr. Shames. So now I’m thinking I have some issues going on with Adrenal Fatigue as well. I also have Mary’s book and am looking forward to reading that.
Thanks for letting me get all this off my chest:)
My whole family seems to be plagued with thyroid problems. Like everyone else I am having problems finding a competent doctor. I would be very much interested in creating a citizens group or be involved if one exists with which we can take our concerns to congress. It appears to me that the medical community needs to be held accountable for their poor performance in the handling of thyroid related diseases. Why acountable? Because our tax dollars go towards hospitals. medical student loans, medical universities. and drug reasearch. I would be willing to put money towards an effort to present the consumers issues that need to be addressed as well as personal time. I believe we have two sets of doctors (psychiatry and medical) overseeing the same issue which is deliterious and dangerous. Please let me know if a group exists and I would be very happy to get politically involved. Too many people are being seriously affected by this and it is time to rectify it.
Yes, I wrote to Dr. Gott last year because several readers wrote with symptoms of hypothyroid and he had some very unintelligent answers. He drives me nuts. We used to have Dr. Donahue’s column and he was much more educated… Dr. Gott does not understand thyroid, because most docs don’t.. What they learned in med school is what they know.. 10 yrs ago, 20 yrs ago, 50 yrs. ago.. No refresher courses for them, and they need one! Every one of us suffering with thyroid disease can help in a small way by talking to others about it and educating our local docs…
Oprah will soon find out, you don’t cure a thyroid problem… the latest magazine trash at the grocery store the other day, had that headline on the cover.. How Oprah cured her thyroid problem and no longer has it. RIGHTTTTTTT.. It often takes someone affected by it, to raise a stink. Her day is coming…
Does anyone know how to write to Dr. Gott? I cannot find any address at all and our local paper publishes none. He is wrong on another issue, the shingles vaccine, and I wish to inform him.
Thanks!
I think Dr. Gott needs more medical schooling.
He is wrong about thyroid disorders and all the problems that come with it.
I have had hashimotos for 9 yrs. now and about 6 months ago broke out in hives at any given time. swelling from the lips to all body parts.
My endocronologist said my hives was not from my thyroid, and my levels were normal….he was wrong also! After being on many meds and Xyzal for hives (works great!) then benadryl,I decided to see an allergist. My allergist is the one who checked thoroughly into my problem. He ruled out food, and medicine allergies, then said it was probably caused from HIGH ANTIBODY LEVELS IN THE BODY! Bingo….he got it right. He raised my level of Synthroid because he said people with Hashimotos should have lower readings of TSH. After a total of 6 mos. with hives, they are all gone, and Thank You to Dr. Knaur for listening and helping me. My endocronologist will get an earfull for not thinking to check my antibody levels….when you get your routine bloodwork done, please ask them to check your antibody levels also…they should only be in the low 30’s…
Thank you for the opportunity to post my message!