Rethinking Hypothyroidism

"Rethinking Hypothyroidism . . . offers an accessible overview of the treatment of hypothyroidism, and makes the case that the current approach is failing many patients. . . . Bianco's book goes to exhaustive lengths to help readers understand why some recommendations in the clinical guidelines are flawed; it details the history of the clinical characterization and treatment of hypothyroidism, starting with Napoleon Bonaparte and leading all the way up to the present; and provides scientific evidence supporting the claims and complaints of millions of patients over the past fifty years." * Endocrine News * "A landmark book [that] offers comprehensive hypothyroidism information for all. . . . Importantly, this book is not a textbook, rather it is a source meant for patients, patient advocates, and physicians. . . . I will encourage my patients to read this book, and I wouldnt be surprised if patients start asking their clinicians about its text." -- Elizabeth A. McAninch, Stanford University Medical Center * Clinical Thyroidology * Bianco explains why treating hypothyroidism isnt always as simple as it seems. . . . About 15 to 20 percent [of patients] continue to suffer despite treatment. Some feel infuriated when the doctor tells them that their normal TSH levels mean they are fine. They dont feel fine. They still feel exhausted, confused, and miserable. Researchers, including Bianco, have begun to recognize that people who do not convert T4 to T3 efficiently may suffer from residual symptoms of hypothyroidism. . . . For too long, patients have heard that their residual symptoms are psychological in nature." -- Terry Graedon * People's Pharmacy * "A former president of the American Thyroid Association and a consultant to pharmaceutical companies, Biancos a longtime member of the medical establishment, so it was a surprise to find that this booka combination of detailed medical science history, patient user manual, and professional memoiris unflinching in its analysis of why hypothyroidism now needs to be rethunk." -- Deanna Isaacs * Chicago Reader * "This book, released recently, has been highly anticipated and celebrated in the thyroid world. Rethinking Hypothyroidism: Why Treatment Must Change and What Patients Can Do looks to address why the standard treatment for hypothyroidism, T4-only synthetics, is letting many thyroid patients down, as well as why using the TSH test alone is contributing to this issue. Bianco calls for change, as a traditionally trained doctor who sees the error of his ways and now promotes the use of more comprehensive thyroid testing as well as a wider range of treatment options. . . . It is a very informative book and confirmed what a lot of us are already feeling, but coming from a doctor in the thyroid field, it feels very refreshing and I do think its a valuable book. Many thyroid patients appreciate that a doctor has announced 'We may have got thyroid treatment wrong' with this book." -- Rachel Hill * Invisible Hypothyroidism * "The book is important because it is based on solid documentation and emphasizes that it is necessary to actively listen to the patient and recognize their symptoms. Take the book to your doctor and let him read it (or keep it!). It is a good starting point for a renewed review of your medical history." * stofskiftesygdom.dk * "Written by one of the leading experts on the topic, this book is a must-read for both healthcare providers and patients who struggle with hypothyroidism. Dr. Antonio C. Bianco is a clinician-translational scientist who has established his career exploring the pros and cons of different thyroid hormone replacement options. In this work, he provides his unique perspective on the diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism, toward the goal of improving the health of those with one of the most common chronic medical conditions globally."

Antonio C. Bianco, MD, is professor of medicine and a member of the Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition at the University of Chicago, where he runs a laboratory funded by the National Institutes of Health to study thyroid hormones. Bianco is also a former president of the American Thyroid Association.

Preface Introduction Part One: The Crisis 1: Treatments and Controversies 2: Pharmaceutical Companies and Their Influence 3: Dogmas and Guidelines Part Two: The Science 4: How the Thyroid Gland and Its Hormones Work 5: How T4 Transforms into T3 Part Three: The History 6: Natures Cures 7: Pioneering a Purer Treatment 8: Dangers of Untested Treatments Part Four: The Patients 9: Those Left Behind 10: TSH Isnt a Magic Bullet 11: Missing Clues and T3 12: There Is More to Hypothyroidism Than Just Low T3 Levels Part Five: The Treatments 13: Understanding Combination Therapy 14: Embracing Options 15: The Promising Future Epilogue Acknowledgments Notes Index