12/3/02 -- Understanding Thyroid Lab Tests
Michelle was frustrated. She always had trouble keeping a normal weight...[she] became so fatigued...I said, “I think your thyroid condition is under-treated.” “How could that be? My other doctors said my thyroid tests were normal!” “Unfortunately...the ‘TSH’ blood test has its limitations. It isn’t accurate for everyone...” Read Dr. Ken Woliner's facinating account of thyroid testing.

12/3/02 -- Inside Mary Shomon's Medicine Cabinet
People are always writing to me to ask "what drugs and supplements do YOU take?" While what works best for me may not work best for you, take a look inside my medicine cabinet to find out what I'm taking these days.

11/12/02 -- Clinical Chemists Issue Revised Thyroid Testing Guidelines
The National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry has issued new Laboratory Medicine Practice Guidelines for thyroid testing, and the dramatically changed new guidelines will be tremendous interest to any thyroid patient with a TSH of 2.5 or more -- as well as their practitioners! A MUST-READ!

11/05/02 -- Do You Have Autoimmune Disease Super-Symptoms?
Most thyroid patients have autoimmune disease -- Hashimoto's disease and Graves' disease -- even if your doctor hasn't diagnosed it. And if you have one of these two common conditions, did you know that you may also have symptoms and risks of other conditions? There are some very specific symptoms found in almost all autoimmune conditions. Do you have any of these"super-symptoms?"

11/05/02 -- Thyroid Arterial Embolization Is Option For Graves' Disease
Chinese researchers are using an innovative new treatment for Graves' disease that is safe, effective, minimally invasive, and an alternative to radioactive iodine and surgery. Find out more about thyroid arterial embolization now.

11/04/02 -- Your Thyroid Up in Smoke, Cigarette Smoking's Little Known Links to Thyroid Disease
A look at the dramatic but little-known connections between cigarette smoking and the development or worsening of various thyroid conditions, including hypothyroidism, Graves' disease, and thyroid eye disease.

10/27/02 -- Abdominal Swelling and Hypothyroidism
According to research reported on in the British Medical Journal, thyroid function should be checked in all patients with a condition called ascites (pronounced ah-sih-tez) -- an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Ascites, which occurs in as many as 4% of patients, can cause rapid weight gain, abdominal discomfort and distention, shortness of breath and swollen ankles. It can even cause hypothyroidism to be mistakenly diagnosed as stomach cancer. Find out more now.

10/06/02 -- Radiation Alone Does Not Appear to Improve Function in Thyroid Eye Disease
Researchers have found that radiation to the eye areas -- "orbital radiotherapy" -- is not effective as a solo treatment for thyroid eye disease and double vision.

10/06/02 -- Benign Thyroid Nodules Grow Slowly If At All
Research has shown that only 25% of benign thyroid nodules show signs of growing at all, and even then, five years is typically required for nodule growth to even be detectable by sensitive ultrasound tests. Source: May 2002 annual meeting of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)

10/06/02 -- Selenium Supplementation in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis Decreases Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies Concentrations
German researchers have found that selenium supplementation can reduce thyroid antibody levels significantly, and even in some cases return them to normal, concluding that selenium may reduce inflammation in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.

10/05/02 -- Deciphering Your Prescription
Do you ever wondered what the nearly illegible "b.i.d." and "p.o.," "p.r.n." and the other mysterious abbreviations on your prescription actually mean? They are mainly abbreviations for Latin terms that are still used when writing prescriptions. Here they all are, deciphered for you!

10/02/02 -- Soy and the Thyroid -- Key Information
The relationship between soy and the thyroid is complicated. But there's no question -- soy can impact your thyroid, and some experts believe that overconsumption of soy can damage the thyroid and trigger autoimmune disease. Find out more!

9/17/02 -- 10 Thyroid Mistakes Your Doctor May Be Making
Find out if your practitioner is making one of these key mistakes that can prevent you from achieving optimal health.

9/16/02 -- Can Basal Body Temperatures Diagnose Thyroid Disease?
Are basal body temperatures a valid and valuable way to diagnose a thyroid condition? Can body temperature be used instead of thyroid testing to make a diagnosis? Drs. Richard and Karilee Shames offer their suggestions and advice about this important question.

8/28/02 -- Doctors Answer Your Thyroid Questions
What should you do if you can't get through to your doctor? Are thyroid cysts normal? What can you do if your doctor's office won't give you your thyroid test results? What if your doctor won't provide a thyroid test? What is the optimal combination of Synthroid and Cytomel? Can your doctor fire you? What type of tests should you have to see if you have hypothyroidism, and do you need to see a special doctor? What causes an underactive thyroid? Women’s health expert and patient rights advocate Marie Savard, MD, and thyroid experts Drs. Richard and Karilee Shames, offer their advice and ideas on these questions and more.

8/22/02 -- Free Synthroid?
Do you know about pharmaceutical company's patient assistance programs? Synthroid is just one of the thyroid drugs covered by these programs, which help low-income, uninsured, underinsured, seniors and the unemployed. Find out more about the companies and drugs that participate in these programs, and how you may be eligible.

8/17/02-- Weight Loss Breakthroughs -- Four New Studies Expand Knowledge Of Hormones, Appetite Control And Body Weight
Four studies published this month in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM) and Endocrinology, highlight the relationship between hormones, food intake, genes and weight regulation. All four studies—two basic research and two clinical research—will help scientists and physicians move closer to understanding the causes and possible treatments for obesity, which affects nearly 20 percent of adults in the United States.

8/3/02 --20 Secrets of Successful Thyroid Patients
What things do thyroid patients who feel well have in common? Over five years I've heard from thousands of thyroid patients, and discovered that people who feel the best tend to do some of the same things. Find out their secrets now!

7/25/02 -- Mainstream Docs Say All Adults Should Take Vitamins
In a landmark article the Journal of The American Medical Association has announced that all adults should take vitamin supplements to help prevent chronic diseases. This represents a radical departure from the conventional perspective that always maintained that adults get sufficient nutrition from food and that vitamins were unnecessary. What changed the doc's minds? Find out now.

7/24/02 --Synthroid Receives FDA Approval
Almost two years after the FDA's initial deadline, and five years after the initial request to submit new drug applications, Synthroid has finally received approval from the FDA.

7/24/02 -- The "Estrogen" and HRT Controversy: Different Sides of the Discussion Presented
The news may make it sound as if the medical world is in agreement in condemning hormone replacement therapy, but the truth is that the nation's leading women's hormone experts are definitely not all of one mind. Find out what some of the top hormone docs and alternative experts have to say about the study, HRT, soy for menopause symptoms, soy for thyroid patients, and safer natural options.

7/15/02 -- Are You a "Poor T4 Converter?"
David Brownstein, MD's new book can help you figure it out. In Overcoming Thyroid Disease, Brownstein outlines some fascinating thyroid information, including the diuretic and weight loss impact of Armour Thyroid, T2 and T1 and what they actually may do, the concept of "Poor T4 Converters" and how you become that way, and why thyroid hormone resistance is like insulin resistance.

7/11/02 --New Cause of Congenital Hypothyroidism Discovered
Dutch researchers reporting in the New England Journal of Medicine have found a new cause of both permanent and transient congenital hypothyroidism. Of particular interest, the findings may explain why some people become hypothyroid during periods later in life when thyroid hormone needs increase --- such as during pregnancy. Find out more now.

7/09/02 --Normal TSH and Symptoms: Should You Be Treated?
No, says Dr. A.P. Weetman, in the July 2002 issue of Clinical Endocrinology. But Weetman's "Commentary" relies on less than persuasive research, and rests on an outdated TSH reference range, and a shifting definition of what TSH level is "normal." Find out more about Weetman's controversial thoughts.

6/28/02 -- Thyroid Antibodies are Marker for Post-Partum Depression
European researchers have found that the presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies makes a pregnant woman nearly three times more likely to develop post-partum depression.

6/20/02 -- Find Doctors Who Prescribe Armour or Thyrolar
Thanks to a new database created by Forest Pharmaceuticals, you can find doctors who prescribe Armour or Thyrolar.

6/20/02 -- More States Distribute Thyroid-Protecting Pills
More states and areas are moving to stockpile or distribute stores of potassium iodide, the pills that can protect the thyroid against damage from certain types of radioactivity in the event of a nuclear accident or terrorist attack on nuclear facilities.

6/14/02 -- The Dirty Bomb Scare: Do You Need Potassium Iodide?
After the June 10, 2002 announcement of the arrest of alleged al-Qaeda member and potential "dirty bomber" Jose Padilla, interest in potassium iodide, the pill that can protect the thyroid in the event of a nuclear accident, has skyrocketed. The government just bought more than a quarter million of these thyroid-protective pills for Washington, and pills are being stockpiled and distributed north of New York City. Should you buy your own supply?

6/14/02 -- Common Questions About Thyroid Disease and Weight Loss
Thyroid patients have so many questions about diet and weight issues. Is everyone who is hypothyroid also overweight? Will treatment for hyperthyroidism/Graves' autoimatically mean weight gain? How much weight does a typical patient gain? Do you lose the weight when you get on the right thyroid drug and dosage? Find out more now.

6/14/02 -- Top Five Books for Thyroid Patients
If you had only $100 to spend, and could buy just a few books about thyroid disease to keep close at hand, what would they be? Here are the five most recommended books for thyroid patients. Buying all five could cost less than even one visit to an endocrinologist, but reading them could be worth your better health for years to come!

6/11/02 -- Endometriosis: Common, Overlooked and Linked to Thyroid
Endometriosis is frequently overlooked, and now researchers have found a strong link to autoimmunity and thyroid disease. If you're a thyroid patient with painful periods, infertility, pelvic pain, or abdominal tenderness and bloating, find out whether you may be suffering from this common condition.

6/1/02 -- Thyroidectomy for Graves' Disease
According to the Australia New Zealand Journal of Surgery, total thyroidectomy is now replacing partial thyroidectomy as the standard treatment for Graves' disease in that area.

5/29/02 -- Fats That Heal: Fats That Kill
Dr. Udo Erasmus, founder of the nutritional oil ""Udo's Oil," and an expert on the use of power of essential fatty acids has some advice for thyroid patients regarding the effects of essential fatty acids on thyroid hormone receptors, inflammation, weight loss, and what he views as the optimal diet for thyroid patients. Find out more.

5/24/02 -- A Rapid Cure for Toxic Multinodular Goiter?
Researchers have found what they call a rapid "cure" for the potentially dangerous condition known as toxic multinodular goiter, which can sometimes cause thyrotoxicosis. Find out about this potentially promising treatment, and how quickly it can work.

5/24/02 --Radiotherapy Alone Does Not Appear to Improve Function in Thyroid Eye Disease
Researchers report that radiotherapy to the eyes does not appear to be an effective treatment to improve function and reduce double vision in thyroid eye disease patients.

5/24/02 -- Benign Thyroid Nodules Rarely Grow
Researchers have found that benign thyroid nodules rarely grow, and annual ultrasounds are not necessary.

5/24/02 -- Hypothyroidism Common After Treatment For Head And Neck Cancers
Researchers have found that hypothyroidism is more common than reported after treatment for head and neck cancers.

5/08/02 --Dr. Siegel's Thyroid Cookies? For Real?
Dr. Sanford Siegel was featured the recent "Woman's World" "Thyroid Cure" article, along with his supposed recipe for "thyroid-boosting diet cookies." Before you consider baking a single cookie, you need to find out the real story, and Dr. Siegel's definitive opinions on whether they can actually help you lose weight!

5/08/02 -- Video-assisted Thyroid Removal?
Are you a candidate for video-assisted Thyroid Removal, which typically leaves a scar of less than one inch, even for complete removal of the thyroid? Explore this cutting-edge technique.

5/08/02 -- Thyroid and Your Blood Pressure
Thyroid hormone balance has a critical role in maintaining blood pressure, but what few people know is that chronic hypothyroidism is a risk factor for hypertension -- HIGH blood pressure. Find out more now.

5/01/02 -- Complications After Total Thyroidectomy
Researchers have determined that one particular complication is the most common in people who have had a total thyroidectomy. Find out more about the post-op complications and risk factors.

4/26/02 -- Breaking News: Estrogen, Menopause and Thyroid
With researchers discovering that the benefits of estrogen are overrated and the dangers underreported, it may be time to focu on your thyroid, says thyroid experts Richard & Karilee Shames.

4/26/02 -- Chernobyl -- 16 Year Anniversary
Today, April 26, 2002 is the 16th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, and various concerns -- including thyroid health problems -- still plague the Ukraine, and other areas that were downwind of the world's worst nuclear disaster. Find out more about the Chernobyl crisis 16 years later.

4/16/02 -- Yoga and Thyroid Disease
A look at the role of yoga in healing various thyroid conditions, including the various yoga poses that can help and even heal the thyroid.

4/2/02 --When To Get A Second Opinion
Drs. Richard and Karilee Shames, authors of Thyroid Power, share their thoughts on when you should have a second opinion for your thyroid care, and how to know when the time is right.

3/21/02 -- A Lab’s Normal Thyroid Levels May be Abnormal for You
Researchers have finally documented what patients have known – each person has his or her own “normal” thyroid function and being with a lab’s normal range does not necessarily mean your thyroid is normal for you.

3/21/02 -- Can Red Wine and Grape Juice Help Thyroid Cancer?
Researchers have found that the antioxidant that makes red wine healthy may have a role in fighting thyroid cancer.

3/21/02 -- Pregnancy Ups Incidence and Size of Nodules
What happens to thyroid nodules during pregnancy? A great deal, according to new research that looks at this important issue for the first time.

3/21/02 -- Thyroid Cancer in Young People
Researchers identify the most effective thyroid cancer treatments for young people, as well as the prognosis for thyroid cancer patients under 20.

3/14/02 -- Does Overt and Subclinical Hypothyroidism Complicate Pregnancy?
Researchers have looked further at the connection between both overt and subclinical hypothyroidism, and successful pregnancy, and have some surprising findings to share that are important for every woman who is considering pregnancy while hypothyroid.

3/08/02 -- Hashimoto's vs. Hypothyroidism: What's the Difference?
Some people use the terms "Hashimoto's" and "hypothyroidism" interchangeably, but that's not correct. Hashimoto's is a disease -- hypothyroidism is a condition, and while they're linked, there's a lot to learn about their differences.

3/08/02 -- Synthroid Lawsuit Update
Many people have been contacting me to find out the latest status on the Synthroid lawsuit. When are payments coming? Can you still get in on the suit if you haven't filed yet? Find out now.

3/08/02 -- Smoking Increases Risk of Goiter
Researchers have found that in iodine deficient people, smoking greatly increases the risk of developing an enlarged thyroid, known as a goiter.

3/08/02 -- Treating Subclinical Hypothyroidism Reduces Heart Risk
If you are subclinically hypothyroid, here's another reason to seek treatment for your thyroid condition -- a reduction of as much as 31% in your risk of dying from a heart attack. Find out more now.

2/26/02 -- Levoxyl's Reformulation: What You Need to Know
The Levoxyl that was approved by the FDA in May of 2001 is quite a different formulation than the Levoxyl that was being sold prior. If you have noticed a difference in your Levoxyl, or in your health since receiving reformulated Levoxyl, there is some critically important information you need to know.

2/26/02 -- Thyroid Drug Websites
From Armour Thyroid to Westhroid, and all the drugs in-between, this directory links to the manufacturers of all the key thyroid drugs, including thyroid hormone replacement and antithyroid drugs.

2/17/02 -- Breast Cancer/Iodine/Thyroid Linkage Explored
The connection between breast cancer, iodine and thyroid disease -- as well as the cutting-edge thyroid and iodine theories of Canadian Dr. David Derry -- are presented at the new web site for the Breast Iodine Thyroid Effectiveness Society (BITES). The site also offers up-to-the-minute reporting of Dr. Derry's legal battles.

2/14/02 -- Studies Show Thyroid Disorders are Inherited and Often Hidden in Some Populations
Three new studies published in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism demonstrate the widespread prevalence of thyroid disease in the United States.

2/12/02 -- Research Reveals Millions of Thyroid Patients Undiagnosed
New research finds vast underdiagnosis of thyroid disease in the U.S., and undertreatment of current thyroid patients. Findings underscore urgent need for patient self-education, says advocate.

2/11/02 -- TSH, T4, and Antibodies in the U.S.
The prevalence of thyroid disease, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid antibodies, in various populations, is assessed in this groundbreaking research. Also, researchers finally reveal the average TSH level for someone without a thyroid condition!

2/11/02 -- Guarding our Nation’s Thyroid Health
Iodine intake, the role of screening, and the need for more effective thyroid diagnosis and treatment is discussed in this editorial by Dr. John Dunn.

2/8/02 -- Armour Thyroid Launches Website
Forest Pharmaceuticals, manufacturer of Armour Thyroid, has launched a new website featuring information about the natural desiccated thyroid drug. Included in the frequently requested equilvanency chart that converts dosages of levothyroxine to Armour.

2/8/02 -- Choosing the Right Thyroid Drug For You
Drs. Richard and Karilee Shames, authors of Thyroid Power, take a look at how to choose the right thyroid drug for you. They believe that patients on levothyroxine who don't feel well may wish to consider changing to a competing brand.

1/25/02 -- New Study Connects Mother's Thyroid Disease to Infants' Birth Defects
According to new research, women with thyroid disease are at more risk than previously thought of having infants who have birth defects, including abnormalities of the heart, kidney or brain, and other defects such as cleft lip and cleft palate.

1/25/02 -- Avoiding the "Tyranny of the Test": Your Optimal Dose of Thyroid Medicine
Thyroid expert Dr. Richard Shames says that when confronted with what may be unfair "tyranny of the TSH test," you have a number of options, any of which migh boost you to 90-100% of your prior full function. Start your exploration of these alternatives now.

1/16/02--Alcohol May Harm Thyroid Function in Mother, Fetus
According to animal research reported on in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, alcohol consumption changes thyroid function and reduces the levels of thyroid hormone in both the mother and fetus, suggesting links between thyroid function and alcohol-related birth defects.

1/16/02--The Neck's Generation: Link Between Genetics And Thyroid Disease Needs Exploration
In honor of Thyroid Awareness Month, the American Assn. of Clinical Endocrinologists reveals findings of surveys that show, among other data, that ""more than three-fourths (76%) of the population do not know that thyroid disease runs in families."

1/1/02 -- Thyroid Predictions for 2002
After five years of covering the thyroid world, I thought I'd start off the New Year with my predictions...about Synthroid, RAI, weight loss, alternative medicine, the demise of good doctors, and the people who inspire us.