Articles Index

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.

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.

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.

Lithium and Thyroid Disease
Thyroid problems are a common side effect of the drug lithium, which is a treatment for bipolar disorder. Lithium therapy can cause a goiter -- an enlarged thyroid -- as well as hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis, and hyperthyroidism.

Women's Thyroid Levels Linked to Risk of Alzheimer's Disease
Researchers have discovered that women with low or high levels of the hormone thyrotropin, also known as Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, or TSH, have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The findings were reported in the July 28, 2008 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, and are explored here by Mary Shomon, thyroid patient advocate.

Cold Hands, Cold Feet, Sluggish Thyroid?
A feeling of cold in the hands and/or feet -- or sensitivity to the cold -- is a common complaint in people with hypothyroidism. But while thyroid treatment resolves these symptoms in some patients, others should be evaluated for Raynaud's syndrome, in which blood flow to fingers and toes is blocked, causing tingling, pain and other symptoms.

Winter Blues
What do you suggest to beat the "Winter Blues?". Winter begins the mood swings, the hibernation effect and the lack of everything. I try really hard to be upbeat and positive but I slowly fall into the abyss... Mind-body columnist C. Geraghty explores some thoughts.

Winterize Your Thyroid
It's that time of year when much of the country is up to its neck in freezing cold weather, and pockets of snow, ice, and cold have taken hold all around the nation. Surviving the cold weather season means it's time to pay attention to some tips that can help you "winterize" your thyroid, and enjoy better health during these colder months.

Constipation: The Thyroid Symptom No One Wants to Talk About
Constipation is a problem that can be particularly troublesome for people with hypothyroidism -- an underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism slows down many of the body's systems, including digestion and elimination. And unfortunately, chronic constipation can result. Here is a look at conventional, alternative, and herbal approaches to constipation that can help thyroid patients.

Checklists You Can Take To Your Doctor
Risks and symptoms checklists you can take to your doctor, including checklists for thyroid disease, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia.

Hashimoto's Encephalopathy
Latest information on Hashimoto's encephalopathy, also known as steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis -- SREAT -- and nonvasculitic autoimmune meningoencephalitis -- NAIM. These conditions all feature steroid-responsive encephalopathy that is associated with autoimmune thyroid problems and other autoimmune diseases.

Hemochromatosis and Hypothyroidism
Hemochromatosis -- also known as genetic iron poisoning or iron overload disease -- is an inherited disorder that results from excessive iron absorption from food, and is more common in hypothyroidism.

Thyroid Hormone May Treat Multiple Sclerosis
In a study published the Nov 16, 2004 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers reported on studies that looked at use of thyroid hormone as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis.