Kate Lemmerman, MD: The best medication is the one that the patient feels best on and that yields the best overall lab values. I find that for the majority of my patients that is Armour thyroid, but for other patients it is Thyrolar or a mix of Levoxyl and Cytomel, Armour and Cytomel, or just Cytomel. Each patient is unique and deserves the time to help them find what works best for them.
Mary Shomon: What is your favorite kind of patient to work with? Are there some things you'd like to see more patients do, or things that would help ensure a productive visit for your patient and you?
Kate Lemmerman, MD: I love to work with patients who are willing to work with all aspects of their health. I can only recommend things, I can't make a patient engage in a healthier lifestyle. So if a patient is willing to work on their diet, exercise and sleep patterns -- I find this last one to be very important for thyroid patients -- then it is much more rewarding to work with them. And it is helpful for patients to come with a list: Things they have tried that have not worked for them, things that have helped, even if not completely. Previous lab reports are very helpful, even if they have been told that their levels were "normal" by another physician.
Mary Shomon: Here's a question you probably didn't expect: Do outspoken, opinionated patients who are constantly asking questions -- patients like me, for example -- drive you crazy?
Kate Lemmerman, MD: I actually love having well-informed patients, the kind who ask tough questions and bring information they have read to the visit. We all learn by challenging ourselves, and many of my patients, you included, have spurred me to read more, think more deeply, and come up with better solutions than the ones I was taught in medical school.
Mary Shomon: Finally, as a doctor, if you had just one piece of advice for thyroid patients, what would it be?
Kate Lemmerman, MD: Get informed. The more you know, the more you can make sure you are getting the best treatment for yourself.
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About Kate Lemmerman, MD: Integrative physician Kate Lemmerman, MD is a graduate of Princeton University and Rush Medical College in Chicago, Illinois and did her residency in family medicine at the University of Connecticut. She was trained in acupuncture at the University of California's Los Angeles School of Medicine Extension and serves as a clinical preceptor for students at Georgetown University School of Medicine, in Washington, DC. She is also trained in osteopathic manipulative medicine. Dr. Lemmerman is in private practice in Alexandria, Va., with Steinmetz Medical Associates.
Mary Shomon, About.com's Thyroid Guide since 1997, is a nationally-known patient advocate and best-selling author of 10 books on health, including "The Thyroid Hormone Breakthrough: Overcoming Sexual and Hormonal Problems at Every Age," "The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss," "Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know," "The Thyroid Guide to Hair Loss," "Living Well With Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism," "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease," and "Living Well With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia." Click here for more information on Mary Shomon.
Source: Mary Shomon interview with Kate Lemmerman, MD, of Steinmetz Medical Associates, July 10, 2007
