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

Important Things You May Not Know That Can Dramatically Impact Your Health

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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