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Book Review of Living Well With Hypothyroidism

Mary Shomon’s Book on Underactive Thyroid Glands

Sep 8, 2009 Jim Lowrance

Mary Shomon, one of the world's top authors on thyroid disease subjects, covers hypothyroid conditions and their treatments in this informative book.

This book contains two strong endorsements given by MDs at the time of publication of the book and many more doctors who added their endorsements for the book after its initial print and reprints. It is one of, if not the best, source of balanced information covering all aspects of hypothyroidism that is available. (A special thanks to Mary Shomon for providing a free revised, 2nd edition copy for review.)

Everything about Hypothyroidism

Mary gives detailed information in the first segment of the book (Part I), in describing what hypothyroidism is and what places a person at risk for developing an under-active thyroid gland. She also gives an extensive list of signs and symptoms, caused by hypothyroidism and includes a symptoms check list that helps readers determine if they might be suffering from thyroid dysfunction, so that they can seek a definitive diagnosis. Medical tests that are used to detect low-functioning thyroid glands are discussed in-depth, so that the reader understands how a diagnosis of the condition is arrived at.

Diagnosis and Treatment

In the following two segments of the book (Part II and III), Mary dedicates more pages than in any other segments, to educate the reader on the subject of diagnosis and treatments for hypothyroidism. Rather than strictly addressing conventional medical treatments, which are given the most attention, she also covers aspects of alternative treatments, including herbals and natural supplements. She includes cautions in regard to these type treatments as well and encourages readers to become thoroughly informed about any supplements they may decide to take to aid in gaining better all-around health.

Also included are facts regarding challenges patients sometimes face in receiving definitive diagnoses which can sometimes be difficult if the correct testing is not ordered or if the normal values range a doctor uses, excludes early, developing cases of hypothyroidism. The TSH test for example is given important attention in these pages, as well as other things that have caused some controversy in some medical circles, such as disagreements over when treatment for earlier onset, mildly-detected cases of hypothyroidism should begin being treated.

Patient Challenges and Concerns

In this segment (Part IV), Mary gives detail to some of the potential challenges that face treated hypothyroid patients, including problems that can occur with weight gain and difficulty losing weight. She also points out the possibility that patients will have continued difficulty with specific symptoms, such as fatigue and depression, which may need to be addressed additionally after best possible treatment for hypothyroidism, has been administered. How pregnant women are additionally challenged and presented with additional risks from an under-active thyroid gland is also a subject in this segment, as well as how it can affect the development of affected infants and children.

Living Well in the Present and Future

Lastly, Mary dedicates the last two chapters to inspiring patients for gaining the most out of their treatment, through being proactive in finding the best possible doctor to partner with. She includes important points about helping a doctor to determine the best possible treatment option for them, self-educating and helping educate others about their hypothyroidism and seeking all avenues for gaining improved health and coping with thyroid disease. All of the information in these final chapters offers a suggested plan, with options, that can help a patient find their own path toward living well with hypothyroidism.

Mary is also founder of the Thyroid-Info Website.

The copyright of the article Book Review of Living Well With Hypothyroidism in General Medicine is owned by Jim Lowrance. Permission to republish Book Review of Living Well With Hypothyroidism in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Mary Shomon