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Latest Update:
 | Sticking Out Our Necks | Issue #63 -- November 2002 "We're Patients...Not Lab Values! from Mary J. Shomon, Author of Living Well With Hypothyroidism, Living Well With Autoimmune Disease, and The Thyroid Diet Success Guide |
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IN THIS ISSUE: SUBSCRIBING/UNSUBSCRIBING/DISTRIBUTION To subscribe to the email version of "Sticking Out Our Necks,” using the address you wish to sign up, send an email to thyroidnews-subscribe@topica.email-publisher.com (If you have any problems subbing or unsubbing, email me at thyroidnews@thyroid-info.com and I’ll personally handle it for you) | This newsletter is located at: http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/nov2002.htm Welcome to the sixty-third issue of "Sticking Out Our Necks!" my thyroid disease news report. This newsletter is copyrighted by Mary Shomon, and cannot be legally reproduced without permission. Feel free, however, to forward a single copy to someone who might be interested in reading the newsletter or subscribing to it in the future. ON THE WEB: My Thyroid Disease Information Source and News Report home page is located at http://www.thyroid-info.com, and I also run a comprehensive Thyroid Disease site at About.com, which you can visit at http://thyroid.about.com. SEND NEWS! If you see something thyroid-related in the news or on the web, please feel free to let me know, send me a note, or forward the URL to me if it's on the web. My email is news@thyroid-info.com, regular mail is P.O. Box 0385, Palm Harbor, FL 34682, fax is: 425-977-1175 SPECIAL NEW SUBSCRIBER VALUE PACKAGE! SAVE $11! FOR ONLINE ORDERS ONLY! The best possible value for those who want the Thyroid Diet Guide, and the bimonthly print/mail subscription to the full-text “Sticking Out Our Necks” Newsletter! You’ll get:
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INSIDE MARY'S MEDICINE CABINET
People are always writing to me to ask "what drugs and supplements do YOU take?" First off, let's be clear...the optimal combination of supplements for you is the one that will work best for YOU. And what works best for me may not work best for you. I've come up with my own regimen with my physicians and health practitioners, after years of trial and error.
Most of the supplements I use are easily available at health food, vitamin and natural products stores. For certain products, I've provided additional information or links to retailers. For most of the supplements, for easy online ordering, I've provided links to Iherb.com, a reputable online herb/supplement/vitamin store that I regularly use.
| IMPORTANT NOTE I do not recommend self-management of health problems. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician or health practitioner before starting any new supplements, vitamins, herbal remedies, or other treatments. |
 | My Thyroid Medication Currently, I take Armour Thyroid. At various points along the way, I've tried and had periods of success with Thyrolar (synthetic T4+T3), and levothyroxine plus Cytomel, and levothyroxine plus time-released T3. Personally, I don't do as well on levothyroxine alone. But I personally feel best on Armour. That doesn't mean it's right for you, or anyone else. Because the best thyroid medicine for you is the one that makes you safely feel the best, and only you and your practitioner can determine which drug is right for you. For more information read my article What is the Best Thyroid Drug?. For more information on Armour Thyroid, visit their website. (Remember that Armour Thyroid is a prescription medicine, and requires a doctor's prescription.) | |
| Fighting Cold and Flu Viruses | ||
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Proboost Thymic Protein An excellent immune-enhancing supplement that has potent antiviral properties, and may be able to reduce viral antibodies. For more information, see Things That Work: Thymic Protein. Order Proboost now from Iherb.com. | |
| Sambucol Derived from the elderberry, this patented extract is a strong flu-fighter. I love this during the winter cold and flu season. I also use the Children's formula for my child when she gets winter colds. (It also tastes terrific!) Order Sambucol now from Iherb.com. | |
| L-Lysine Lysine is an excellent anti-viral, and is particularly helpful for fever blisters, herpesvirus, and colds. I start using lysine the minute I sense an oncoming virus or cold, and it helps prevent it sometimes, or at least minimize its duration. Order Lysine now from Iherb.com. | |
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Royal Cat's Claw Extract This South American medicinal herb has incredibly potent antiviral properties, and is one of the up and coming wonder-herbs of the 21st century, as far as I am concerned. I can't LIVE without this year round, for infections, stomach upset, colds, viruses, and any time I'm feeling low on energy. I like the extract form, rather than the tea, because it's easier to take, and tastes fine. I will only use Whole World Botanicals for Cat's Claw, because their Cat's Claw is organic, and very potent. Order Cat's Claw now from Whole World Botanicals. | |
| Daily Vitamins | ||
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Daily Energy Enfusion, and B Complex Jacob Teitelbaum, MD's "Fatigued to Fantastic!®" Daily Energy Infusion is a powdered vitamin formula. When mixed with water, it makes a tasty citrus flavored drink, with vitamins, minerals and supplements that can replace 20 different pills a day! It's a comprehensive vitamin formula for thyroid, autoimmune, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients. Order Daily Energy Enfusion now from Iherb.com. B Complex In order to preseve optimal flavor, Jacob Teitelbaum, MD's "Fatigued to Fantastic!®" Daily Energy Infusion does nfot include B vitamins. The Bs -- which don't taste very good -- are instead packaged separately in a capsule that you can take with your daily drink mix without ruining its flavor. Order Daily Energy B Complex now from Iherb.com. | |
| Vitamin C Vitamin C is a basic around my house. Almost every day, I take as much as 2000 mg (2 grams), usually in a powdered form that I can just mix into my vitamin drink, or into juice. I like the crystals in powder form -- less pills to swallow or chew. Vitamin C seems to really help knock out colds and viruses more quickly. Order Vitamin C now from Iherb.com. | |
| Hair and Skin | ||
| Essential Oils I like Atkins Diet Essential Oils, which provides essential omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids through a combination of borage seed oil, flax seed oil, and fish oil. Order Atkins Diet Essential Oils now from Iherb.com. | |
| Essential Oils Enzymatic's Eskimo Oil is a fish oil capsule that is particularly fresh, with one key benefit -- no "burping up fish taste" after you take it. (Believe me, if you haven't taken fish oil, this is NOT a pleasant after-effect.) But you never get this with the Eskimo Oil. I take Eskimo Oil in addition to the Essential Oils, to make sure I'm getting enough of the healthy fish oils. Order Enzymatic's Eskimo Oil now from Iherb.com. | |
| Evening Primrose Oil Periodically, I go through periods when I have shedding or hair loss, and that's when I start taking Evening Primrose Oil daily. Usually after two months, shedding slows, slops, then hair regrowth starts up again. EPO can help prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHA, which causes hair loss. Order EPO now from Iherb.com. | |
| Other Daily Essentials | ||
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Enzymatic Acidophilus Probiotic Pearls A daily probiotic is an absolute essential for everyone, in particular autoimmune and thyroid patients who may not have optimal digestion. Everyone in my family now takes Enzymatic Acidophilus Probiotic Pearls daily. One tiny, easy to swallow pearl has billions of active probiotic bacteria that can fight infection and restore the balance in the intestinal system. For more information on the benefits of probiotics, read: More Reason for Probiotics. Order Proboost Pearls now from Iherb.com. | |
| Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) CoQ10 is excellent for heart health (and thyroid patients are at higher risk of heart disease.) Additionally, I have mitral valve prolapse, and find that CoQ10 prevents palpitations. CoQ10 brands are notoriously unreliable, which is why I will only use the Vitaline, which is clinically evaluated and highly recommended by many practitioners. Order Coenzyme Q10 now from Iherb.com. | |
| B-12/Energy Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are both important for energy, and for heart protection. Folic acid is also essential if you are of childbearing age, and may possibly become pregnant, as folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects in your developing baby. A sublingual formula of B-12 is best. My favorite brand is actually the house brand from my local Trader Joe's store. But a good brand is Advanced B-12 Complex from Source Naturals, which comes in dissolvable tablets. Order B-12/Folic Acidnow from Iherb.com. | |
| Weight Loss Help The ephedra- and stimulant free- Awe Slim Liquid Diet Support from Now Foods is a pleasant tasting liquid vitamin formula that features hydrolyzed collagen, Super CitriMax™, l-carnitine, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), l-arginine, l-ornithine and aloe vera. I find that it helps keep weight loss on track, and provides the right amounts of CLA and additional minerals helpful for optimal blood sugar and weight loss. I take it every night. Order Aweslim now from Iherb.com. | |
| Sleeping Help For those nights I can't sleep, or when I'm getting overtired and need to really get a good night's sleep and catch up on restorative sleep, I used to take Ambien, but now rely on Jacob Teitelbaum, MD's Revitalizing Sleep Formula, Enzymatic Therapy. The supplement features valerian and several other herbs, but doesn't leave you groggy in the morning. (Note: a very small percentage of people find valerian stimulating instead of sleep inducing.) Order Revitalizing Sleep Formula from Enzymatic Therapy now. | |
UNDERSTANDING THYROID LAB TESTS
by Kenneth N. Woliner, M.D., A.B.F.P.
Michelle was frustrated. She always had trouble keeping a normal weight, but after having her second child two years ago, she couldn’t shake the extra forty pounds she gained. Michelle became so fatigued that any amount of exercise seemed impossible. Previously, she would do Spinning classes three times a week, but now, she had not made it to the gym in six months.
“I haven’t given up,” she protested. “They still take their dues out of my checking account every month.”
Michelle’s skin got so dry and oily that her face broke out in acne. Her moods took a turn south, and that led to binge eating in front of the TV. When her primary care doctor wanted to put her on anti-depressants, Michelle found her way to my office.
After taking a detailed history and performing a complete physical exam I said, “I think your thyroid condition is under-treated.”
“How could that be? My other doctors said my thyroid tests were normal!”
“Unfortunately, they only did one type of test. Despite being called ‘ultra-sensitive,' the ‘TSH’ blood test has its limitations. It isn’t accurate for everyone...”
Read the rest of Dr. Ken Woliner's interesting account of his approach to thyroid diagnosis, testing and treatment...
THYROID HISTORY
If you'd like to learn about thyroid treatment and medication going back to the 1800s, check out Edna Kyrie and Elisabeth Klaar's excellent "Thyroid History" site. Edna and Elizabeth have has spent countless hours investigating the history of thyroid treatment, and transcribing historical documents and studies that illuminate the study of thyroid disease over more than 100 years. It's a tremendous resource for thyroid patients and practitioners.
Visit the site at http://www.thyroidhistory.net.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE NEWS ROUNDUP
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Pregnancy Hormone May Treat MS
http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#pregms - Epstein-Barr Virus Linked To Risk Of MS
http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#ebvms - Actress Teri Garr Has Had MS for 20 Years
http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#garr - Exercise May Boost Mood In Fibromyalgia
http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#exfms - Vaccine Developed For Sjögren's Syndrome
http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#sjog - Autoimmune Thyroiditis And Type 2 Diabetes
http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#thydiab - Fish Oil And Diabetes -- News Updates
http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#fishoil - Nuts May Lower Risk Of Diabetes
http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#nuts - Antibiotics For Rheumatoid Arthritis
http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#antib - Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked To Intestinal Bacteria
http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#rabact - Breastfeeding Reduces Lupus Risk
http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#lupus - E. Coli May Trigger Crohn's Disease
http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#ecoli - South American Herbs And Autoimmune Disease
http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#herbs
THYROID DISEASE, HYDROCARBONS AND FLUORIDE
I received the following fascinating letter which I wanted to share with readers.--Mary
Mary,
I have written you several times about my condition and the great job you have done on your site. I wanted to update you on my issues that may serve as a help for others...
I am a 46 yr old chemical engineer with a 24 yr history of working in oil refineries and chemical plants. In 1998, I came down with full blown hypothyroid symptoms, but only had a TSH of 4.9. I have no autoimmune issues with my thyroid. After many changes in doctors, I continued taking thyroid medication which resolved most of my symptoms. My job required regular contact in the refinery, and my family noticed the gasoline smell when I came home in the evening. I also noticed some loss in stamina after working in the HF (Hydrofluoric acid) alkylation unit (makes high octane unleaded gasoline components). I continued to have periodic health issues until leaving the refinery in 2000 and moving.
After moving my new doctors cut back my thyroid medication because my TSH was 0-0.2 even though I had no outward signs of hyperthyroidism. My condition began to worsen with more lost time from work (office environment), and a pulmonary embolism in 11/2000. I was able to get more blood testing from my new doctor, which consistently showed lower end of normal ranges of T3 and T4 with a suppressed TSH (I was taking a dosage of thyroid hormone of only 70% of the AMA's guideline replacement by body weight, but my TSH would go to 0-0.1). They also showed that adrenal and testosterone were also in the low-normal or below normal with the controlling pituitary hormones also in the low end of normal. I arranged a pituitary stimulation test (TRH, CRH, GNH) in 2001, but it showed relatively normal response. Being an engineer, I plotted my lab results of primary and secondary hormones and treated it like an engineering control problem. It indicated that my body's control point was low for all hypothalamic controlled hormones. I had a brain MRI done that showed no brain tumors or lesions. I went to several endocrinologists and they all wanted to either cut or eliminate thyroid hormone usage. I also went to Mayo, and got the same response.
Finally, I saw an alternative MD and a neurologist this year after more job loss time. They suspected that hydrocarbons had affected my brain. A SPECT scan of my brain confirmed that brain activity (frontal lobe - analytical, motivational area) and hypothalamic activity was also likely low. A thyroid uptake scan also showed little activity, and cold nodules. I am now being treated with Armour thyroid, Cytomel, Cortef (cortisone), Ritalin, and Celexa. I have discussed raising my thyroid level back up (always feel cold and mild hypo type symptoms). They are pursuing it. I am on the verge of long term disability, and hopefully will be able to completely resolve before job loss.
I wanted to bring this up, because when I was feeling better and felt I had some answers/help for others, I noticed similar complaints from others on your website. I feel that hydrocarbon (toluene) and fluoride exposure triggered my symptoms. However, because it affected brain-hypothalamic activity, TSH was next to useless a test and resulting in undertreating the thyroid affects. I have seen some of your articles about the T4/T3 levels and heartily agree. There may be others like me that have exposure to either fluoride or hydrocarbon that have tertiary hypothyroidism.
IDENTIFYING PEOPLE WITH 'PRE-DIABETES' CAN HELP PREVENT THE DISEASE AND ITS COMPLICATIONS
Now that clinical research has demonstrated that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced by more than half by altering diet and increasing physical activity to promote weight loss, it's more important than ever that people with "pre-diabetes" be identified.
"It is estimated that 16 million Americans, including an increasing number of young people, have pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis," said Alan Moses, M.D., chief medical officer at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
"People who have pre-diabetes are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 10 years if they don't lose weight and increase physical activity," he said. But the good news is that studies have shown that people with pre-diabetes can reduce their risk by 58 percent if they lose a modest amount of weight and do 30 minutes of physical activity such as walking daily.
People who should be screened include overweight adults age 45 and older and those under 45 who are overweight and have one or more risk factors, including the following:
- family history of diabetes
- low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides
- high blood pressure
- history of gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds
- are African-American, Native American, Latino, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
- have polycystic ovary syndrome
"Be sure to ask for your exact blood sugar test result. Some doctors may not be familiar with new guidelines for diagnosing diabetes. They may tell you that you have pre-diabetes, when you have actual diabetes," Dr. Moses said.
Source: Joslin Diabetes Center, Nov. 22, 2002
SEVERAL MEDICAL STUDIES SUGGEST SOLUTION FOR THE 'HOLIDAY BULGE' -- CLA COULD AID IN REDUCING UNWANTED BODY FAT
With the holiday season drawing near, Americans concerned about maintaining their waistline are once again faced with increasing body fat during this time of feast. However, a series of studies conducted on a dietary supplement called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may aid many as they make their weight resolutions for 2003.
Recent studies published by the American Chemical Society, The Journal of International Medical Research, The Journal of Nutrition, The International Journal of Obesity, and Lipids concluded that subjects taking conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) experienced body fat reduction, while increasing lean muscle mass. Studies have indicated that CLA acts to prevent fat from being deposited into the body, thereby reducing body fat mass. These results could prove to be a welcome breakthrough for those looking to fight the annual occurrence of holiday fat gain.
"CLA can be an extremely safe and effective way to assist in keeping off unwanted body fat during the holiday season," said Delbert Dorscheid, MD, PhD, of the University of British Columbia. "People typically increase their intake of calories during this time of year. By using CLA, one can increase lean tissue mass and indirectly spur their metabolism to store less fat."
Conjugated linoleic acid is the common name for a group of fatty acids found in dairy products and meat. CLA has largely been removed from our diets over the last 50 years, due to changes in livestock development and feeding practices. Lately, CLA has received a considerable amount of attention from the media and the scientific community, due to its apparent metabolic and chemoprotective properties in animals, as well as some similar, initial results in humans. Some of the effects seen in animals include reduced body fat content, improved serum lipid profiles, decreased aortic lipid deposition, and improved glucose control that delays the onset of diabetes.
Jennifer Reiger of Schaumburg, Illinois has been using CLA for two months and has found that it has helped her maintain her lean body mass when time has not permitted her to follow her exercise routine. "It's a great relief for me not to have to worry about missing a workout, or eating that slice of pie this holiday season," said Ms. Reiger. "There will be many instances during this time of the year when it just won't be possible for me to get to the gym. Fortunately, body fat gain will be one less seasonal stressor, since I will be taking CLA."
The CLA used in all studies was Tonalin® CLA, manufactured by Natural, Inc. Additional human studies on the body fat reduction aspects of CLA are anticipated in 2003.
Source: Newswire, November 14, 2002
THYROID TOP DOCS UPDATED
The Thyroid Top Docs list has just been updated, with hundreds of new practitioners added. The list features practitioners by station and country, around the world. Check out the list to see if the right doctor, holistic expert or thyroid/autoimmune disease practitioner for you might have been added!
Find a doc now, http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/index.htm
TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT? YOU NEED "A WEIGHT OFF MY MIND: THE THYROID/AUTOIMMUNE DIET NEWS!"
If you're not receiving the free email newsletter, "A Weight Off My Mind" -- the thyroid and autoimmune diet newsletter, you are missing newsletters jam-packed with information about weight loss, metabolism, thyroid disease's impact on weight, and much more!
Here are some stories covered in the November issue:
- Atkins Diet May Actually Work, Say Studies
- 10 Tips For Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain
- Low-Carb Ways To Eat Yourself Thin....For The Holidays
- Low-Carb Sweets, Treats?
- No Harm In Nibbling? Those Calories Add Up!
- Dieting And Exercising Too Difficult- Compared To What?
| The November issue is online at:
http://www.thyroid-info.com/dietnews/11nov.htm
Be sure not to miss one valuable weight loss tip! If you haven't subscribed, sign up now, so you don't miss any more valuable diet and weight loss information relevant to thyroid patients. Sign up by sending an email to weightoffmymind-subscribe@topica.email-publisher.com or sign up here. |
DATA ON THALOMID IN THYROID CANCER PRESENTED AT CHEMOTHERAPY FOUNDATION SYMPOSIUM
Warren, N.J., Celgene Corporation announced that Kenneth B. Ain, M.D., Director of the Thyroid Cancer Research Laboratory at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, presented interim data on Thalomid (thalidomide) in rapidly progressive, radioiodine-unresponsive metastatic follicular or papillary thyroid cancer and medullary thyroid cancer at the 20th annual Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium earlier in November. The clinical data demonstrate that 13 of 17 evaluable patients (76 percent) with follicular or papillary thyroid cancer and two of six evaluable patients (33 percent) with medullary thyroid cancer experienced a plateau or a decline in total tumor volume. In addition, mortality in patients who experienced either a plateau or decline in their tumor volume was delayed compared to patients who had progressive disease (approximately 8 months compared to approximately 3.5 months).
"These interim study results suggest that further investigation of THALOMID in aggressive metastatic thyroid cancers is warranted," said Dr. Ain. "Patients with these advanced carcinomas need effective treatments because there are currently none available."
Dr. Ain initiated this Phase II study to evaluate THALOMID in patients with metastatic follicular or papillary thyroid cancer and metastatic medullary thyroid cancer whose tumor burden had increased by at least 30 percent in the last year. Dr. Ain plans to enroll a total of 25 patients with metastatic follicular or papillary thyroid cancer and 25 patients with medullary thyroid cancer in the study.
Patients received 200 mg/day of THALOMID for two weeks and then were gradually dose-escalated to a maximum dose of 800 mg/day. Patients were assessed for treatment response every two months for a total treatment time of one year and treatment was continued, past each assessment point, as long as there was evidence of disease inhibition or regression. Dr. Ain defined treatment response by a decline or plateau of tumor volume as measured by digitalized CAT scans.
Adverse events reported during the study were consistent with those in THALOMID's label. The most commonly reported grade one or two adverse events were peripheral neuropathy, sedation and constipation. Four percent and nine percent of patients experienced grade three sedation and grade three infection respectively.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer affects the gland responsible for producing hormones that control heart rate, body temperature, energy and blood calcium levels. It is diagnosed in 14,900 women and 4,600 men in the United States each year.
Different cancers develop from the various types of cells in the thyroid, which is primarily composed of follicular cells and C-cells. Papillary carcinoma, which develops from the follicular cells, is the most common thyroid cancer, occurring in more than 80 percent of patients. Follicular carcinoma is the second most common thyroid cancer, occurring in about 10 percent of patients. Medullary carcinoma, the only thyroid cancer that develops from the C-cells of the thyroid gland, is the third most common thyroid cancer and is diagnosed in about 5 to 8 percent of patients.
Celgene Corporation, headquartered in Warren, New Jersey, is an independent biopharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases through gene and protein regulation. For more information, please visit the Company's website at http://www.celgene.com.
Note: Thalidomide is contraindicated in pregnant women and women capable of becoming pregnant. Even a single capsule taken by a pregnant woman can cause severe birth defects or death to an unborn baby. To minimize this risk, only prescribers and pharmacies registered with the System for Thalidomide Education and Prescribing Safety (S.T.E.P.S.®) distribution program may prescribe or dispense THALOMID® (thalidomide). Other adverse drug reactions known to be associated with thalidomide therapy include: peripheral neuropathy, a common, potentially severe side effect that may be irreversible; drowsiness/somnolence; dizziness/orthostatic hypotension; neutropenia; hypersensitivity reactions; and increased HIV-viral load. Physicians should consult full prescribing information about these and other adverse reactions prior to initiating treatment with THALOMID.
THALOMID (thalidomide), manufactured by Celgene Corporation, received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance on July 16, 1998 for the acute treatment of cutaneous manifestations of moderate to severe erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) and as maintenance therapy for prevention and suppression of cutaneous manifestation recurrences.
Source: Celgene Corporation, November 2002
ENDOSCOPIC THYROID SURGERY
In Japan, endoscopic thyroid surgery has recently become a common procedure, mainly due to the cosmetic benefits. Research has shown that many tumors can be safely removed via the video assisted endoscopic surgery.
Source: Nippon Geka Gakkai Zasshi 2002 Oct;103(10):708-12 [Article in Japanese]
THYROID SURGERY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS
Because few patients over 75 have thyroid surgeries, Austrian researchers looked at the potential dangers of thyroid surgery for the elderly and found that surgery in patients 75 and older can be performed with low risk.
Source: Arch Surg 2002 Nov;137(11):1243-8
COMPLICATION RATES AFTER OPERATIONS FOR BENIGN THYROID DISEASE
Turkish researchers set out to evaluate the safety of total thyroidectomy or lobectomy for people with benign thyroid conditions, and found that total thyroidectomy or lobectomy are safe.
Source: Acta Otolaryngol 2002 Sep;122(6):679-83
TSH SUPPRESSION AND THYROID NODULES
Researchers reporting in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that suppressive levothyroxine therapy is effective in reducing the size of solitary thyroid nodules.
Source: "Effects of thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression with levothyroxine in reducing the volume of solitary thyroid nodules and improving extranodular nonpalpable changes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial by the French thyroid research group." J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2002 Nov;87(11):4928-34
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READ THE FULL TEXT OF THESE MEDICAL RESEARCH STORIES You can read the full text of this issue's medical research summaries in the November/December issue of "Sticking Out Our Necks" print edition. You can read more in-depth versions of these various news stories in the November-December issue of Sticking Out Our Necks. To sign up for your subscription - and to receive as a free gift your 8-page 2002 Thyroid News Roundup - see http://www.thyroid-info.com/subscribe.htm. A one year subscription is only $25. Order securely online now, with Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover, or via mail/phone/fax (Visa and MasterCard only). For information about subscribing see http://www.thyroid-info.com/subscribe.htm or call 1-888-810-9471.
Free Special Report When You Order Now! If you are not receiving the Sticking Out Our Necks bimonthly print newsletter, you are missing out on essential thyroid news. But...there's still time to order your subscription and receive the September/October print issue. Subscribers also receive the free 8-page "2002 In-Depth Thyroid News Roundup Report," which features 45 news reports on thyroid disease, with research references. Some of the important news stories included in that special report include:
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STOPPING HRT? GET YOUR THYROID TESTED!!
One of my readers wrote with an important reminder for everyone who may have been on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) but has stopped, or is planning to stop, based on the recent research findings linking HRT to breast cancer, among other findings.
Don't forget that the estrogen in HRT (and the Pill, for that matter), can bind to thyroid hormone and make it less effective, so in some cases, doses need to be adjusted based on starting and stopping estrogen-based drugs.
The reader writes: "As a Hashimoto's patient, it was quite a surprise to find my TSH moved to the hyper range within months of stopping HRT. I had forgotten about the relationship between TSH levels and hormone replacements."
So, if you stop taking HRT, plan on having a thyroid function test within 6 to 12 weeks of stopping, to ensure that you are on the proper dosage of thyroid medication.
MARY SHOMON'S "THYROID DIET SUCCESS GUIDE" -- NEWLY REVISED, NOV. 2002!
 | Thousands of people have already ordered their copies of the "Thyroid Diet Success Guide," and people are reporting that the low-glycemic approach featured in the guide is helping them slowly and safely lose weight. And now, I've just updated the guide for 2003!! Just a few of the key features in the newly updated and revised 35-page Guide include:
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- Weight Loss Secrets for Thyroid Patients
- The Thyroid/Weight Loss Connection - Some Theories
- How To Lose Weight With Hypothyroidism
- Stevia for Sweetening
- Nuts for Nuts: Can They Help your Diet?
- Weight Loss Success: How I Lost 25 Pounds in 12 Weeks
- Choosing a Good Protein Bar
- How Much Weight Do You Need to Lose?
- The Ultimate Thyroid Exercise Program
- Seeing Results with Weight Loss and Exercising
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Overview
