Sticking Out Our Necks, October 2006, Thyroid Disease News Report, From Mary Shomon -- Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Cancer, Nodules, Weight Loss, Metabolism

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STICKING OUT OUR NECKS -- October 2006
Thyroid News for People Who Want to Live Well -- "We're Patients...Not Lab Values!"

from Patient Advocate Mary J. Shomon

Author of "Thyroid Hormone Breakthrough: Overcoming Sexual and Hormonal Problems at Every Age," "Living Well With Hypothyroidism," "The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss," "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease," "Living Well with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia," and "Living Well With Graves' Disease & Hyperthyroidism"

VIEW THIS NEWSLETTER ONLINE AS A WEB PAGE WITH CLICKABLE LINKS

This newsletter is located online at: http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/oct2006.htm
Back issues are online at http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/index.htm

TAKE THE THYROID HORMONE BREAKTHROUGH QUIZ

As many as 60 million Americans have thyroid disease, and the vast majority don't even know it yet! And, for many women, problem such as PMS, infertility, low sex drive, miscarriage, and menopausal symptoms may actually be signs of an undiagnosed or improperly treated thyroid condition. Could you have thyroid problems? Could they be causing sexual/hormonal symptoms? A good evaluation from your practitioner is essential, but to start, this interactive quiz helps you explore the more common thyroid risk factors and hormonally-related symptoms. START THE QUIZ NOW!!

ULTRASOUND AS A TREATMENT FOR THYROID NODULES: RESEARCHERS SAY IT WORKS

Check out the news from French researchers, who say that a new ultrasound beam technology can remove thyroid nodules -- without invasive surgery or a resulting scar. Find out more.

NEW STUDY SUGGESTS PERCHLORATE IN WATER, FOOD IS THYROID DANGER TO 44 MILLION AMERICAN WOMEN

You know I've been talking about perchlorate for a long time. It's the byproduct of rocket fuel production that is contaminating water supplies -- and fruits and vegetables irrigated by contaminated water -- and it reportedly has negative effects on the thyroid. Studies have said "Don't worry, it's no big deal," and then other studies said it was a big deal." Back and forth. Now, we find out that the fears are fully justified in a new, incontrovertible report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Just eating and drinking can be a risk. Find out more now.

FIND A TOP THYROID DOCTOR

The latest info on the best doctors around the world to help you with your thyroid treatment is featured in the Thyroid Top Doctors Directory! Patients provide the information!

DIAGNOSIS: HYPOTHYROIDISM - - SIX QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR

If your thyroid is underactive or nonfunctional after thyroidectomy or treatment with radioactive iodine (RAI), or if you are hypothyroid due to Hashimoto's disease, there are many questions you'll want to ask your doctor. But here are six particularly important questions that can make or break your health.

WHAT'S UP WITH SARA ROSENTHAL?

Thyroid cancer survivor M. Sara Rosenthal, who used to be a patient advocate, has shifted gears. In her new job as a bioethicist, Rosenthal has apparently abandoned the interests of the thyroid patient community, and instead, has crafted a message that seemingly reinforces negative stereotypes about patients. In her controversial article published in the September '06 issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medical Technology, Rosenthal claims that the info thyroid patients get online and in books furthers "misinformation" about radioactive iodine (RAI) scanning and treatment. What's the deal with Rosenthal's misguided theories? What do other patients have to say? And why is Rosenthal's refusing to respond to concerns from the patient community? Find out now.

IS OUTPATIENT THYROID SURGERY SAFE?

Thyroid surgery -- called "thyoidectomy" -- is often recommended for thyroid cancer patients, and people with nodules or goiter. Will your surgery be a same-day or overnight outpatient surgery, or will you end up in the hospital for a few days? And if your doctor recommends outpatient surgery, is it safe? The American Academy of Otolaryngology has some new findings that address the question.

SIX BEAUTY-SAVING SECRETS FOR THYROID PATIENTS

As if it's not enough to have to deal with thyroid disease, sometimes we thyroid patients struggle with additional beauty challenges, especially with our hair and skin. But after my own 10+ years since diagnosis, and a lot of trial and error, I've found six things I just can't live without...

DO YOU HATE BROCCOLI? IT MAY BE YOUR THYROID TALKING!

George Bush senior made no bones about hating broccoli, and interestingly, he was found to have a thyroid problem. Now, scientists are reporting that if you dislike certain veggies -- including the ever-present broccoli -- it may be due to your genes...actually, particular genes that detect antithyroid toxins. Find out more.

WHAT IS THE "OPTIMAL" TSH LEVEL FOR YOU?

If you are hypothyroid and want to lessen your chance of heart disease, what Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) should your doctor target? Researchers have some thoughts.

THYROID CANCER RATES ON THE RISE

While most cancers are on the decline, new research has shown that thyroid cancer is on the rise. How does it compare, and just how common is it? Find out now.

COULD YOU HAVE THYROID CANCER OR NODULES? TAKE THE "NECK CHECK" NOW!

Do you have thyroid nodules or lumps, ones that could be causing symptoms, or even be cancerous? While it's not good news that thyroid cancer is on the increase, one thing you can do is a home self-test called the "Thyroid Neck Check." Find out how to do it now.

GET YOUR FREE ISSUES OF THE PRINT NEWSLETTER

If you aren't subscribing to the print edition of "Sticking Out Our Necks," then you are missing out on special in-depth stories and additional news that you won't find at my web sites. The newsletter, which is 12-pages and comes out every other month, and is delivered in hard copy right to your mailbox, is the only independent, patient-oriented newsletter that accepts no advertising, and is not linked to drug companies or organizations associated with pharmaceutical companies. That means you get unbiased patient-oriented information to help you live well.

I'm running a very special opportunity for new email newsletter subscribers. If you order a print subscription by November 15, 2006, you'll get the current September/October issue as a FREE GIFT, plus, one free extra issue. That's TWO FREE ISSUES!

The September/October edition is a special 16-page issue, and includes a number of helpful articles, including:

Ultrasound Therapy Proves Promising in Thyroid
Treating Graves' Disease During Pregnancy Is Safe
Ultrasound Best Test to Detect Recurrent Thyroid Cancer
Accurate Technique for Identifying Thyroid Cancer
Eating Protein Boosts Hormone That Staves Off Hunger
Want to Keep the Weight Off? Weigh Every Day
Brown Seaweed-- Fat Fighter

If you're interested, you can order by phone, fax, mail or online. Get info on how to sign up now.

But please remember this special offer of two free issues is good only if you order by November 15, 2006, so order now!

CONSTIPATION: THE THYROID SYMPTOM NO ONE WANTS TO TALK ABOUT

One reader complained to me that I never write about constipation. It's not necessarily a topic any of us really loves to chat about, but it's obviously time to address the issue openly, given that it's far too common in people with hypothyroidism. So I've taken a look at constipation, as well as conventional, alternative and herbal approaches to help thyroid patients.

INTERACTIVE QUIZZES: COULD YOU BE HYPOTHYROID OR HYPERTHYROID?

Could your thyroid -- your master gland of metabolism and energy -- be underactive? Is it slow? Low? If you're hypothyroid, you may not even be diagnosed yet -- most aren't. Instead, you suffer symptoms and don't even realize that they're related to your thyroid. Or, you're told you're stressed, depressed, lazy or getting old. This interactive quiz, Could You Be Hypothyroid, helps you identify most common risks and symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Or...you're jumpy, anxious, losing weight, can't sleep and your heart is racing. Could you have an overactive thyroid -- hyperthyroidism? Take this helpful interactive quiz, Could You Be Hyperthyroid, to explore risk factors, signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

WHAT IF YOUR SYNTHROID DOESN'T WORK?

It's a common dilemma. You've been diagnosed as hypothyroid, your doctor gives you a prescription for Synthroid, and now it's four weeks -- or six or eight weeks -- later, and you don't feel a bit different than the day you started taking your pills. "My Synthroid's not working!!" you declare. But don't jump to conclusions until after you've read this article.

SEVEN THYROID DIET SECRETS

Weight loss frustrations seem to never end for some thyroid patients. When you're hyperthyroid, aren't you supposed to automatically lose weight? Shouldn't a thyroid patient be able to lose weight without exercising? Is there something your doctor is doing that may actually be causing you to gain more weight? Do you know how much fiber and water you really need to help lose weight as a thyroid patient? And if you were only going to do one exercise, what should it be? Get the jump on your diet with these seven thyroid diet secrets!

EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE TSH THYROID TEST

If you have a thyroid problem -- or even suspect you have one -- there is almost no way to escape the almighty TSH test. TSH stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, and this is the test that conventional doctors consider the "gold standard" for diagnosing a thyroid condition, and in particular, for diagnosing hypothyroidism. But do you REALLY understand the TSH test, what it's measuring, what the numbers mean, and how it affects your health? Find out now.

RADIOACTIVE TREATMENTS CAN TRIGGER AIRPORT SECURITY...EVEN WEEKS AFTER TREATMENT

The last thing you want on your vacation is to end up strip searched at the airport. But that's exactly what happened to a man who had radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for hyperthyroidism, and then ended up being detained, strip searched and extensively interrogated at the Orlando, Florida airport. And this was SIX weeks after his RAI treatment. If you're having RAI -- or ANY medical treatment involving radioactivity -- this could happen to you -- unless you're prepared.

WHAT IS AN OSTEOPATH?

I hear it all the time. Readers write to say that osteopaths can't treat thyroid disease, because they're "just like chiropractors." Actually, there's a lot most people don't know about osteopathic physicians -- known as DOs -- and this article tells all.

SALIVA TESTING FOR THYROID EVALUATION

Saliva testing is becoming an increasingly more talked about testing option for thyroid disease Popular integrative practitioners Drs. Richard and Karilee Shames have explored the topic of saliva testing for thyroid and hormonal evaluation, and explain why they are increasingly using these tests in their own practice. Read it now.

BOOKS TO HELP YOU LIVE WELL

When you need help with thyroid disease and related health issues, one of my books may be a good starting point for your journey back toward living well. Most of my books are available at your local bookstores or online. I also have information about all the books listed at my online bookstore. And my bookstore also has links to my favorite online retailer, Iherb.com, where you can get many of my books at a great $8 price!

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
Living Well With Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know
Living Well With Autoimmune Disease: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know
Living Well With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know

Mary's Thyroid Bookstore

CAN I HELP YOU ONE-ON-ONE?

If you don't have the time or energy to surf for information, don't want to or can't read and research at the web sites, can't read my books or participate on the forums, or you simply must have a chance to talk to a live person -- and soon -- I understand. I unfortunately can't offer detailed or customized advice or ideas by email, but I can help by doing a personal phone session with you. In a one-on-one telephone coaching consultation, we' can brainstorm your thyroid questions, help understand lab test results, and I'll share ideas and resources with you on where to get more help so you can feel and live well. You are invited to set up a phone consultation -- usually, I can schedule your session in the next several days. One important reminder -- since I'm NOT a doctor, I cannot offer specific medical advice, give you a diagnosis, or provide medical counsel. But I can and will listen, guide you to resources, experts, information sources and more that can help you in your effort to live well and feel better! Find out more about phone consultations or book a consult now.

NOTES FROM MARY

Hi everyone,

If I've been a bit slow in getting my email newsletters out, it's hopefully for a good reason. I've been putting the finishing touches on my new book, which is coming out in just a few weeks, on November 7, 2006. The book is called: Thyroid Hormone Breakthrough: Overcoming Sexual and Hormonal Problems at Every Age and it's being published by HarperCollins.

I can't tell you how many times I've heard from women whose doctors were recommending infertility treatments -- you know, the $10,000 a month in-vitro fertilization treatments -- but NO ONE HAS EVER CHECKED THEIR THYROIDS! Or the women who can't breastfeed, and drive themselves crazy taking herbs, pumping around the clock, and feeling utterly inadequate -- and NO ONE HAS EVER CHECKED THEIR THYROIDS! Or the women who are exhausted, gaining weight, losing their hair, and having erratic periods, and simply because they're in their 40s, are told they're "perimenopausal" and sent on their way -- and NO ONE HAS EVER CHECKED THEIR THYROIDS! And let's not forget the millions of women who are suffering from a low sex drive. I hear from many of them. They have tried all the advice -- ranging from sexy lingerie, to therapy, to testosterone cream -- and NO ONE HAS EVER CHECKED THEIR THYROIDS!

The book offers hope to the millions of women struggling with common "female" problems -- everything from PMS, to low sex drive, to fertility problems, difficult pregnancies, or menopausal symptoms. Doctors may say that nothing that can be done, or prescribe the Pill or hormone replacement (is it even safe?), or even expensive fertility treatments, surgery, or something invasive and irreversible, like a hysterectomy.

What doctors are not saying is something so important, and I felt it deserved its own book.

As a woman, the thyroid is CRUCIAL to healthy sexual and reproductive hormonal function.

And when the thyroid slows down, you may develop a variety of problems. Do any of these sound familiar?

Early or late puberty
PMS
Irregular, heavy or painful periods
Low sex drive
Infertility
Recurrent miscarriage
Severe morning sickness in pregnancy
Premature birth
Post-partum depression
Difficulty breastfeeding, low milk supply
Post-pregnancy weight problems
Perimenopause and menopausal symptoms

What many women -- and many doctors -- don't know is that EVERY ONE of these problems can be caused by a thyroid dysfunction.

Of course, millions of women -- in fact the majority of women who have a thyroid problem -- don't even know it...they're undiagnosed! And those of us who ARE diagnosed often don't get proper treatment, so we suffer hormonal symptoms as well. Meanwhile, doctors ignore the thyroid, and instead prescribe hormones, antidepressants, fertility treatments -- even surgery -- that may actually be unnecessary.

To help you explore the issue, start by downloading my FREE EBOOK, "How to Make a Thyroid Hormone Breakthrough." In the ebook, I've shared guidelines that will help you find out if you have a thyroid condition, and what steps will help you get back on track to rebalance your hormones. My ebook also features a detailed "Risks and Symptoms Checklist" you can take to your doctor to help you get diagnosed and treated. Download it now, free -- it's in handy PDF format -- and you're on your way to a healthier you!

Then, find out more by reading the book's introduction for free -- along with the table of contents -- online.

Explore links from the book, my favorite supplements for hormone balancing, a special interactive quiz, and much more online at the book's website, www.thyroidbreakthrough.com.

And don't forget -- if you pre-order Thyroid Hormone Breakthrough now from Amazon.com (and they have the book discounted at $10.17, a nice savings off the $14.95 list price), you won't be charged until the book ships, and you'll have one of the first copies delivered right to your door, hot off the press, November 7th!

Pre-Order Now

I hope that you will find Thyroid Hormone Breakthrough helpful. Many of the approaches that I learned about and explored in writing this book are the ones that I'm now using -- and LOVING -- as I approach my 45th birthday. I'll look forward to hearing what you think about the book, so please feel free to drop me a note!

Live well,

Mary

"Sticking Out Our Necks" email edition is published regularly by Mary Shomon. Please invite your friends to subscribe! Send them a copy with your recommendation. "Sticking Out Our Necks" is copyright 1997-2006 by Mary Shomon. All rights reserved.
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Mary Shomon
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Sticking Out Our Necks and the contents of this website are � Copyright Mary Shomon, 2006. All rights reserved.
Mary Shomon, Editor/Webmaster, P.O. Box 565, Kensington, MD 20895-0565.

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 or changing any aspect of your medical treatment, diet or fitness regimen. Please see our full disclaimer.