If you're in New York City, I'll be conducting a seminar on "Living Well with Thyroid Disease" at the New York Open Center on Friday, December 9th at 7 pm. The seminar will focus on how to live well with thyroid conditions, thyroid risk factors and symptoms, how to get diagnosed, conventional, alternative and integrative treatments, mind-body approaches, and vitamins and herbs. I'll also talk about the controversies, including: natural vs. synthetic drugs, T3, RAI, weight loss challenges, soy, fluoride and more. If you'll be in New York City and can make it, I'll look forward to seeing you there.

For information on how to register for the seminar, visit the New York Open Center website.

If there is only one article about thyroid disease that you read cover to cover this year, it should be this one: "The TSH Reference Range Wars: What's 'Normal?' Who is Wrong, Who is Right...And What Does It All Mean For You and Your Health?"

Right now, a battle is waging in the endocrinology community regarding the so-called "reference range" for the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test. Most practitioners rely solely on this TSH test as their supposed "gold standard" for diagnosing and managing most thyroid conditions. But, the medical community is split, over whether or not to adopt recommendations to change the reference range, making it narrower -- meaning that many more people would be diagnosable as having thyroid problems. And what this means for you is that even with the SAME test results, you may get properly diagnosed, or turned away! You may be told you have thyroid disease, or you may be told that your problems are "in your head" or that you're stressed, depressed and PMSing! You may receive proper thyroid treatment, or be underdiagnosed...condemned to chronic illness. It all depends on which camp your doctor is in... This is one of the most important issue facing thyroid patients today, and yet few doctors are even aware of the controversy and the implications for patients. Find out all about the issue, and why doctors are coming down on both sides of the controversy, and what it all means for you, your thyroid diagnosis, your treatment, and ultimately, your health.

http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/tshtestwars.htm

Weight is a constant battle for many of us, myself included. Here are 10 tips -- things that I'm going to do -- EVERY SINGLE DAY between now and New Year's -- to help keep myself healthy, and start the New Year, if not a little lighter, than at least not any heavier. I've also included a E-Book Guide, featuring handy worksheets for every day between now and New Year's Day. Read the article, then download the free E-book, and get started right along with me today!! http://thyroid.about.com/b/a/224814.htm

Terrific gift ideas for the thyroid patient on your gift list. Or, if you have a thyroid condition yourself, print out the list and send it to Santa -- or your favorite giftgiver. Let's go shopping now!

http://thyroid.about.com/od/winter/ss/gifts2005.htm

Dr. Thierry Hertoghe and the International Hormone Society's Consensus Group on Hormone Therapies have put together an excellent petition on "Thyroid Hormone Therapy of Hypothyroidism." I encourage everyone -- and especially, European patients and doctors -- to check out the petition, and sign it now online.

http://www.fsaam.com/article.php3?id_article=22

THE LATEST THYROID/HEART DISEASE NEWS FOR NOVEMBER 2005
New research just published sheds additional light on the connection between thyroid conditions and heart disease. Findings include new information about the subclinical thyroid problems, and the risk for thyroid disease, and subclinical hypothyroidism and a connection to congestive heart failure in seniors. Check out the heart disease/thyroid news now.
http://thyroid.about.com/od/heartdisease/a/nov05research.htm

THYROID DYSFUNCTION LINKED TO HEART FAILURE IN NEW RESEARCH STUDY
A new study is giving researchers hope that more aggressive treatment of hypothyroidism and borderline hypothyroidism will result in a reduction of heart disease in human beings. The discovery could also potentially lead to improvements in patients with heart disease. Find out more now...
http://thyroid.about.com/od/heartdisease/a/heartfailure.htm

CARDIAC EFFECTS OF THYROID DISEASE
Thyroid disorders - either an underactive or overactive thyroid gland - are common, even in people with heart disease. And especially if you have heart disease, the symptoms produced by thyroid disorders, even if subtle, can be dangerous. Unfortunately doctors often attribute these symptoms to something other than thyroid disease, and sometimes it's up to the patient to lead them in the right direction. Read what you need to know about thyroid disorders and the heart, here, from Dr. Rich Fogoros.
http://heartdisease.about.com/od/lesscommonheartproblems/a/thyroidheart.htm

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.

Read the 10 Tips Now!

If you have a thyroid condition ad are thinking about getting pregnant, you are pregnant, or you're breastfeeding, you need my "Thyroid Guide to Fertility, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Success." The Guide, just updated in Fall 2005, features 30 pages of in-depth information on how to get pregnant, maintain a healthy pregnancy during thyroid problems, weather post-partum thyroid problems, and even deal with the breastfeeding problems that some people have along with thyroid conditions. You can order online, by phone, fax, or mail.

Ordering information is online.

Take our new poll, which asks the question: Which Thyroid Drug Works Best -- and Safely -- for You?" Is it Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid, Armour, Cytomel, Thyrolar, Generic Levothyroxine, Other Desiccated Thyroid Brands, or something else not mentioned? More than 1000 people have already voted, so cast your vote, and see what people are saying! The results might surprise you!

VOTE NOW!

Can you think of a better gift this holiday season than the gift of health? Iherb.com, my favorite online vitamin/herb/nutrition store, is continuing their wonderful deal on my books.

You can get four of my popular books:

• Living Well With Hypothyroidism, New 2nd edition published 2005
• The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss, 2004
• Living Well With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, 2004
• Living Well With Autoimmune Disease, 2003

DR. STEVEN HOTZE VS. THE ENDOCRINOLOGISTS: THE BATTLE OVER HYPOTHYROIDISM DIAGNOSIS AND ARMOUR THYROID
Dr. Steven Hotze, author of Hormones, Health and Happiness, has declared war on the conventional thyroid community -- and the drug company that largely funds it -- by writing, and saying publicly in interviews that hypothyroidism is vastly underdiagnosed, that blood tests don't tell the complete story, and that Armour Thyroid is preferable to Synthroid or other synthetic thyroid drugs. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists has fired back, by attacking Hotze's appearance on CBS's Early Show. Things are heating up, and the war is just getting started. I've laid out the controversy for you in an in-depth article, where you'll also be able to watch Dr. Hotze's TV appearance yourself, read the various letters, and weigh in on this issue of importance to all thyroid patients!
http://thyroid.about.com/od/drstevenhotze/a/hotze.htm

MARY SHOMON'S LETTER TO MICHAEL BASS, SENIOR EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, CBS EARLY SHOW
http://thyroid.about.com/library/hotze/blbassletter.htm

MARY SHOMON'S LETTER TO DR. LAW AT AACE, 11/18/05
http://thyroid.about.com/library/hotze/bllawletter.htm

BILL LAW/AACE'S RESPONSE OF 11/23/05
http://thyroid.about.com/library/hotze/bllawletter2.htm

MARY SHOMON'S 2ND LETTER TO DR. LAW AT AACE, 11/25/05
Since Bill Law's 11/23/05 letter did not actually address any of my questions, I've written again, specifically outlining the questions he needs to answer. Read the 11/25/05 letter now.
http://thyroid.about.com/library/hotze/bllawletter3.htm

LATEST REVIEWS

My book "Living Well With Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism has been out since early Fall, and is getting good reviews from patients and practitioners.

Internist and cardiologist Dr. Rich Fogoros gives the book a 5-star rating, saying "Read this book if you or a loved one has hyperthyroidism."

Hers is the only book I've seen that gives a completely balanced view of radioactive ablation therapy versus drug therapy versus "natural" and alternative therapies. And her discussion of the best way to administer thyroid hormone is also clear, balanced, and in every way excellent. If you have hyperthyroidism, you MUST read this book. I especially urge you to read the section on treatment before you decide on a form of irreversible treatment such as radioactive iodine therapy...

If you want the latest weight loss news for thyroid patients, sign up for "A Weight Off My Mind" email newsletter. Just send an email to diet@thyroid-info.com with "Subscribe" in the subject, and I'll get you on the list. Or drop by my Thyroid Diet site, http://www.goodmetabolism.com

*	Email Address:

Some people with Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism can develop a potentially life-threatening condition known as thyroid storm. Find out about the risks, symptoms and treatments for this rare, but dangerous condition now.

http://thyroid.about.com/od/hyperthyroidismgraves/a/thyroidstorm.htm

QUIZ: IS YOUR THYROID MAKING YOU FAT?
Could your thyroid be making you gain weight, or sabotaging even the best efforts to lose weight? Take our quiz, and find out whether or not you may be one of the millions of people who are struggling with extra pounds, thanks to an undiagnosed, untreated, or undertreated thyroid condition.
http://thyroid.about.com/library/quiz5/blthyroidquizi.htm

QUIZ: COULD YOU HAVE A THYROID PROBLEM?
Do you have factors that put you at higher risk of developing a thyroid problem? Do you have the common symptoms seen in thyroid patients? Find out in this helpful interactive quiz. Answer the questions, and get a rating that will help you assess your own likelihood of having a thyroid problem. http://thyroid.about.com/library/quiz2/blthyroidquiz.htm

QUIZ: HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THYROID DRUGS?
Whether you're hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, or dealing with thyroid cancer, how much do you really know about the drugs you take? Take our quick quiz now and find out! http://thyroid.about.com/b/a/213855.htm

Jump into the Thyroid Diet program with various supplements featured into my Thyroid Diet book -- the supplements that have helped me and many others as part of an overall weight loss program. The "Thyroid Diet Startup Package" includes Evening Primrose Oil, Hoodia, a complete Lean for Less Starter Package with Lean for Less Original, Carbo Regulator, Fat Regulator and Water Regulator, and CLA Tonalin. The entire package costs only $80.00 at Iherb.com, a major savings from health food stores and other online sources. Iherb Phone orders: 1-888-792-0028 (1-626-358-5678)

Order Online From Iherb.com

Wondering if I've already written an article about a topic of interest? Pop over to my search page, and see what I have, at both the thyroid.about.com and thyroid-info sites.

http://www.thyroid-info.com/search.htm

The thyroid hormone replacement drug, levothyroxine, has been found to reduce by half the risk of colorectal cancer. These findings -- the results of research project done by a joint US-Israeli team -- were announced at a meeting of the American Association Cancer Research - Prevention Branch. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.

http://thyroid.about.com/b/a/215427.htm

Is your doctor doing everything possible to help you get your thyroid condition diagnosed and properly treated? You may think so, but many patients struggle with thyroid disease, continuing to experience chronic and debilitating symptoms, yet are being told that there's nothing else the doctor can do to help. The reality? Your doctor may be making some far too common mistakes in your diagnosis and treatment -- mistakes that could be preventing you from feeling and living your best. Take a look at these ten common mistakes many doctors make, and make sure you don't recognize something YOUR doctor is doing!

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/doctors/a/10mistakes.htm

Since I became a thyroid patient advocate in 1996, a week doesn't go by that I don't receive a frantic email from a fellow thyroid patient asking about Armour Thyroid. This week was no exception. One reader wrote: "Dear Mary. When I went to fill my prescription for Armour Thyroid, the pharmacist said I should talk to the doctor about getting on Synthroid, because Armour is going off the market! Help!!! What should I do!?? Is this true!?" In this week's "Is That So" column, I tackle this rumor, and explore why it seems to pop up regularly. Read it now.

http://thyroid.about.com/od/isthatso/f/armour.htm

And don't miss the other "Is That So" columns, where I debunk the myths, "conventional wisdom" and popular but unproven dogma of thyroid disease.

• SYNTHROID IS THE BEST THYROID HORMONE REPLACEMENT DRUG -- IS THAT SO?
• ALL THYROID PATIENTS SHOULD TAKE IODINE -- IS THAT SO?
• RADIOACTIVE IODINE IS THE ONLY TREATMENT FOR HYPERTHYROIDISM -- IS THAT SO?

If you don't have the time or energy to websurf, read and research, and want someone to talk to -- now -- then book a phone consultation with me. In a one-on-one telephone coaching consultation, we'll brainstorm your thyroid questions, and I'll share ideas and resources with you on where to get more help so you can feel and live well. We can usually schedule your session for a convenient time in the next 48 hours! Find out more, or book your consultation now.

http://www.thyroid-info.com/consult.htm

Recently, I asked my website's readers to share stories about the most infuriating thing a doctor has said to them. I started out by sharing my own saga, which involves Synthroid, hair falling out so much that I wanted to buy stock in Drano, and a doctor who thought that people who research health issues are pains in the neck that he referred to as "Petit Papier" women (women with the little papers!) Needless to say, there are many other frustrated Petit Papier patients out there, and my post has launched a very active discussion on my forums. You can view all the responses -- or share your own story -- online at my thyroid forum now. But here are a few memorable highlights!! See if you recognize things YOUR doctor may have said to YOU along the way!

http://thyroid.about.com/b/a/216038.htm

Can you have a nodule, thyroid lobe, or goiter removed and end up without even a scratch on your neck? According to the latest news you can, using a new bloodless surgical technique called endoscopic axillary (underarm) thyroidectomy. Find out more now about this state-of-the-art approach to thyroid surgery.

http://thyroid.about.com/od/cancergoiternodules/a/armpitsurgery.htm

With the temperatures plummeting this time of year, many of us tend to hibernate inside our homes. But, hibernating is for bears. As humans it's important to stay active through all four seasons. Yet, a poll of 5,000 people found that 30 percent get no exercise at all during the winter months. Certified personal trainer Lynn Bode has some suggestions to help you stay active, even when it's frigid outside.

http://thyroid.about.com/b/a/141176.htm

The email edition is free. The print edition is subscription-based, for a fee. Next, I try to get the email edition out monthly, but things are so busy, it's sometimes delayed. The print edition goes out every other month without fail. The email edition features blurbs that highlight my online articles, for the most part. The print newsletter is all-inclusive...all the stories, citations, references and information are included in each 12-page issue. The print edition also includes in-depth, advance and specialized stories that you won't always see online.

Each newsletter is filled with information to help you improve your health, resolve symptoms, and live well with your thyroid condition. You'll find the latest thyroid news, interviews and articles you won't find on the Internet, information about little-known drug recalls, and the latest research released, along with many other features. You'll never having to worry about whether key health research on thyroid disease has come out and you missed it. Think how great it would be to know that every other month, you're going to get 12 pages of the latest findings about thyroid disease, delivered to your mailbox, and all you have to do it sit back and read.

Heidi from Asheville, NC is a subscriber, and recently wrote to me: "For the first time since my diagnosis in 1999, I feel like my old self again. Mary, if it wasn't for you, I would still be settling for a life of under treated Hashimoto's disease. Instead, I am enjoying high levels of energy...What joy I experience when some of my friends and family don't recognize the new me."

Lauren from Milwaukee, WI wrote, saying: "There is so much information that you gave this reader and follower more her money's worth."

Alison in London, England said: "You have given me the confidence to fight for feeling well, a valuable service to anyone, and, surely, a human right. I am now slim , my TSH is rock bottom of range and I have never had as many compliments from people - I look and feel 10 years younger than I did 18 months ago. I know I'm one of the lucky ones, but it isn't ALL luck: I've followed your advice and it's paid off."

Some of the things you'll find in recent issues of Sticking Out Our Necks... (You might want to grab your highlighter and see how many of these powerful articles you wish you could read right away):

• Optimum Time and Conditions for Thyroid Blood Tests: When to Test, Should You Fast?
• TSH Above 2.5 During First Trimester of Pregnancy Suggests Thyroid Problem
• Sexual Symptoms in Men with Thyroid Conditions
• Thyroid Cancer Survivors Need More Frequent Recurrence Tests
• Do You Need Preventive Thyroid Treatment? Treating Antibodies When TSH is Normal
• How to Do A Thyroid Neck Check
• The Role of Fiber in Weight Loss With Hypothyroidism
• Slight Fluctuations in TSH: Can They Affect Weight?

• Weight Gain During Treatment for Hyperthyroidism
• The Armour Thyroid Recall
• Routine Health Screenings: What Tests Should You Be Getting?
• Feeling Fat, Fuzzy or Frazzled: Book Review and Author Interview
• Graves' & Hyperthyroidism Risks/Symptoms Checklist
• One Test Can Predict of Future Thyroid Cancer Metastases
• Celiac Disease: The Common Condition You've Never Heard Of, and How Treating it Might Cure Your Thyroid Problem
• Are You Taking Counterfeit Thyroid Medication?
• The Thyroid-Urticaria/Hives Connection

Any one of these articles could literally make a huge difference in whether you continue to suffer, or start enjoying better health today.

How much does it cost? A subscription for one year is only $25! ($35 non-US). It's a tiny investment compared to the health improvement potential it has for you. Or, if you know a special thyroid patient, the newsletter makes a great gift!

And, if you order in the next 10 days, you'll also get a special free gift -- a valuable 24-page mega-issue of the newsletter, crammed with information, including:

• Major Warnings About Popular Thyroid Drug Levoxyl
• Vision Risks to Infants of Mothers With Thyroid Problems
• The Latest Thyroid Cancer News
• RAI for Kids with Hyperthyroidism: Safe or Dangerous?
• Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy and Breech Birth Risks
• The Fibromyalgia/Hypothyroidism Connection
• Fifteen Ways to Fight Heel Pain
• Thyroid Problems Increase Preterm Delivery Risk
• Hypothyroidism/Glaucoma Connection

So...surf on over to the Online Newsletter Order Form and sign up now.

Better health is just around the corner!

I wish you a happy and joyous holiday season, and I'll see you in the New Year!!

Live well,

Mary