Articles Index

Armour Thyroid's Spring 2009 Reformulation Causing Problems

During the Spring of 2009, the natural desiccated thyroid drug, Armour Thyroid, apparently underwent a reformulation of fillers, including a decrease in the amount of dextrose, increase in cellulose, and the addition of cornstarch to the tablets. Since that time, some patients have been reporting a variety of problems with this new Armour formula, and some are choosing to switch to other drugs, including Nature-Throid and Westhroid.

Information for Thyroid Patients About Flu / Influenza

If you're a thyroid patient, or have the autoimmune thyroid conditions Hashimoto's or Graves' disease, you may have questions about flu / influenza, the risks and benefits of flu shots, and the swine flu risk posed by pork/porcine thyroid medications. These and other questions, as well as helpful resources, about flu for thyroid patients are explored.

How to Avoid Getting the Flu

If you can't get a flu shot, or don't want one, here are helpful ways to avoid getting the flu (influenza).

Cough & Cold Medicines and Decongestants: What Do Thyroid Patients Need to Know?

Cough & Cold Medicines and Decongestants: Why Thyroid Patients Need to Know? Why do some over-the-counter cough medicines, cold medicines, and decongestants say do not take them if you have thyroid disease? What can thyroid patients safely take for cold and influenza? And what natural treatments are available to help thyroid patients with cold and flu.

Do Thyroid Patients Need a Flu Shot?

Whether or not thyroid and autoimmune disease patients should or should not get a flu shot -- the influenza vaccine -- each year is always a controversial question. Here is a look at some of the considerations, from thyroid patient advocate Mary Shomon.

Top 10 Signs That You May Have a Thyroid Problem

As many as 59 million Americans have thyroid problems, and the majority are not yet diagnosed. Do you have undiagnosed hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or other thyroid condition? The top 10 signs that you may have a thyroid problem are summarized in this article, including muscle and joint pain, neck enlargement and discomfort, hair loss, skin changes, bowel problems, menstrual irregularities, fertility problems, fatigue, depression and anxiety, cholesterol and weight changes.

Hashimoto's vs. Hypothyroidism: What's the Difference?

Hashimoto's vs. Hypothyroidism: What's the Difference? A look at the autoimmune thyroid problem known as Hashimoto's disease, and the underactive thyroid condition known as hypothyroidism. What's their connection, how do they differ, and what do patients need to know? Information from Mary Shomon, patient advocate and author of a number of books and guides on thyroid disease and autoimmune disease.

Why Isn't Thyroid Disease Front Page News? And What Can We Do To Change It?

Despite affecting almost 60 million people, thyroid disease is rarely in the news. Why is the media so skittish about covering thyroid problems, and what could change that problem to help raise awareness? Thyroid patient advocate Mary Shomon has some ideas.

Dear Thyroid: An Interview with Katie Schwartz and Liz Schau

An interview with Katie Schwartz and Liz Schau of Dear Thyroid -- DearThyroid.com is a site and blog that publishes women's letters to their thyroid glands, for support, sharing, catharsis.

Endocrinologists Say TSH Normal Range is Now 0.3 to 3

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends narrowing the normal reference range for the TSH -- thyroid stimulating hormone -- test to 0.3 to 3.0. This would be a substantial change from the reference range currently in use by doctors in labs, which tends to run from 0.5 to as high as 5.0 to 6.0. It would also mean that the number of people in the U.S. who are hypothyroid could be double previous estimates.

Soy and the Thyroid

The issue of whether soy foods and supplements are harmful or dangerous to thyroid health is controversial. Here is a look at the controversy over soy, phytoestrogens, and isoflavone-rich foods and supplements, including tofu, tempeh, miso, edamame, and their impact on thyroid, endocrine, and hormonal health. Can overconsumption of soy cause hypothyroidism, or trigger a thyroid problem? A look at the issue, from thyroid patient advocate and activist, Mary Shomon.

Acacia and Lactose in Synthroid Can Cause Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities

The ingredients acacia and lactose in the levothyroxine medication Synthroid, used to treat thyroid problems, may cause allergic reactions and sensitivities in some patients who have seasonal allergies and/or hay fever, and lactose intolerance.

Is Your Thyroid Making You Exhausted?

Is Your Thyroid Making You Exhausted? A look at how thyroid disease can be the cause of fatigue and exhaustion, from Mary Shomon, Thyroid Guide, patient advocate and author of a number of books and guides on thyroid disease and autoimmune disease

Thyroid Testing: What Is a Normal TSH Level?

At most laboratories in the U.S., the "normal" TSH range still runs from approximately 5. to 5.0. But the concept of the normal reference range is still a raging controversy, and recommendations to narrow the range made several years ago are still being resisted. How many people are actually hypothyroid, if the recommended narrower range were adopted? The answer will shock you.

The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss

Weight gain, obesity, and difficulty losing weight with thyroid conditions and hypothyroidism are common. The Thyroid Diet helps thyroid patients, and those who have a thyroid condition but don't know it because they haven't been diagnosed, get diagnosed and properly treated for their thyroid conditions, and offers a comprehensive diet program, including food lists and menus -- to help lose weight and maintain the loss.

I'm Tired, I'm Frustrated, and I GIVE UP!

What do you do when you feel like you've tried everything to feel and live well with your thyroid condition, you've done everything, seen every expert and practitioner, tried every herb, vitamin and remedy, and you STILL don't feel well? when you're tired, frustrated, and you give up, what do you do when it seems like you've reached the end of your rope.

Thyroid Self-Tests / Ordering Your Own Thyroid Tests

Some patients need to be highly involved in their thyroid diagnosis and care, which is where self-tests and the ability to order your own tests can be critical tools for an empowered patient. The following is a look at some of the self-testing options for thyroid patients, including ZRT, Diagnos-Techs, Biosafe, and other tests.

Are You Letting the Clerk at the Health Food Store Be Your Doctor?

It can be risky to take the advice of health food and vitamin store staff and clerks, when it comes to what supplements to take for your thyroid disease and related symptoms. Find out why you need to be careful, and why iodine, selenium, and glandular supplements may not automatically be helpful to your thyroid condition.

Fertility, Pregnancy & Thyroid Disease Information Center

Fertility, Infertility, Pregnancy & Thyroid Disease Information Center / Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's Disease, Graves' Disease, Fertility, Infertility, and Thyroid Conditions in Pregnancy, Postpartum Thyroid Problems, Postpartum Thyroiditis, Breastfeeding with Thyroid Disease, Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Recurrent Miscarriage,

10 Creative Ways to Remember to Take Your Thyroid Pill

Remembering to take your thyroid medications and pills is one of the most essential things you can do as a patient, to ensure that you get the best results from your treatment. But sometimes, it can be hard to remember to take your medication as prescribed. Here are 10 creative ways to help you remember to take your thyroid medications.

10 Signs That You Need a New Doctor

How do you know when it's time to send your doctor packing, and find a new one? Here are 10 signs that you need a new doctor, from Mary Shomon, Thyroid Guide, patient advocate and author of a number of books and guides on thyroid disease and autoimmune disease

Hyperthyroidism / Graves' Disease and Pregnancy

Hyperthyroidism/Graves' Disease and Pregnancy: Information About Being Pregnant With an Overactive Thyroid

Hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease During Pregnancy

Hyperthyroidism -- an excess of thyroid hormone -- can occur during pregnancy. In pregnant women, hyperthyroidism is most often due to Graves' disease, but can be the result of changes in HCG levels that cause transient subclinical hyperthyroidism known as gestational transient thyrotoxicosis -- GTT -- and transient hyperthyroidism of hyperemesis gravidarum. Hyperthyroidism poses significant risks to both fetus and mother: this article looks at the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy.

Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease During Pregnancy

Diagnosing hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease during pregnancy is more complicated than diagnosing these thyroid problems at other times. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism and normal pregnancy can be similar, making identification difficult. And radioactive iodine uptake tests or nuclear scanning usually performed to diagnose Graves' disease cannot be done in order to protect the fetus. This article looks at that diagnostic approaches for hyperthyroidism in pregnancy.

Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy and Neonatal Hyperthyroidism

This article looks at the signs, symptoms, and treatments for fetal and neonatal hyperthyroidism -- hyperthyroidism in an unborn or newborn baby. The condition, also known as fetal or neonatal thyrotoxicosis, is rare, but can be serious if untreated. Women who have a history of Graves' disease, or who have active Graves' disease during pregnancy, are at risk of having a baby born with hyperthyroidism.