Ten Things Your Doctor Won't Tell You About Your Thyroid Condition

1. Synthroid is only one brand of levothyroxine, it's not FDA-approved yet, and it's usually more expensive than its competitors.
Find out about the FDA-approved, less expensive alternatives -- drugs your doctor isn't likely to explain.
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2. Treating patients who have elevated thyroid antibodies but normal TSH levels may help prevent full-blown hypothyroidism.
Researchers have found that use of preventative thyroid drug treatment in patients who test positive for Hashimoto's antibodies but who have a normal TSH may slow or even prevent full-blown Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.
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3. You can get a thyroid blood test without your doctor's approval, prescription or markup -- in fact, you don't even need to have a regular doctor.
A new company called HealthCheckUSA offers a full range of thyroid tests, at prices less than most labs and doctors' offices -- and without your doctor's prescription or approval required. Find out how you can order your own TSH and other thyroid tests yourself, and have the results mailed to you.
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4. Thyroid disease is not always as "easy to treat."
It's a popular myth among physicians that thyroid disease is extremely easy to diagnose and treat, and hypothyroidism in particular is completely solvable by "one little pill a day." Find out more about this.
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5. Panic attacks and heart palpitations may actually be your first signs of hyperthyroidism.
Panic attacks, anxiety and heart palpitations may be due to hyperthyroidism.
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6. Sometimes, you should definitely get a second opinion about your thyroid nodule.
Dr. Barry M. Shmookler, a surgical pathologist, has some important advice regarding when and how to get a second opinion on your thyroid nodule diagnosis.
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7. Muscle and joint pain are fairly common symptoms that accompany thyroid conditions, and there are things you can do to treat these complaints.
There are a variety of muscle and joint-related symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, including carpal and tarsal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and more -- but there are also a variety of treatments to help.
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8. If you're losing your hair, you don't have to just "live with it" -- there are a variety of things you can do to help.
There are ten practical things -- both alternative and conventional -- that you can do to slow or stop hair loss associated with thyroid disease.
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9. Having a thyroid problem after pregnancy is common, and may be the reason you're having trouble losing weight, or are unusually tired.
Thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism frequently develop after having a baby. Here are some frequently asked questions, as well as the answers to help understand post-partum thyroid conditions.
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10. Being exhausted is not "normal" for women, people your age, people with thyroid problems, etc.
There are various solutions -- including herbal, vitamins and supplements -- to deal with tiredness related to hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, including one obvious treatment many people overlook.
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