The link below will take you to the Publisher’s website. On the home page, you can read about the publisher. Then click on the PRODUCTS page to see the book and information. Click on the DOUBLE GREEN ARROWS to open up the entire text plus shipping information.

www.laughinggrapepublishing.com

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Yup, it’s done. It’s complete. And I can say without a doubt that there is NO book on hypothyroid as hands-on as this one. Why can I say that? Because the book is based on YOUR EXPERIENCE and thousands like you. Because this is THE patient-to-patient book. Yes, I wrote it, but YOU wrote it, too.

Where is the STTM book available? It will FIRST be available right here on the site in approximately two weeks. It’s about 300 pages and will sell for 19.95. So keep coming back here.

Is the STTM book a copy of the website? Not exactly. Yes, you will see some things in the book that ARE on the website. That was important. But….you will also find a chapter totally on T3. You will learn some history that’s not on the website. You will get more details on adrenal support. You will have new stories of others. You will read a chapter totally written for and about doctors. And there’s much more that is not right on the STTM site…little details inserted here and inserted there.

Why did I write it? Because though the STTM website has done WONDERS to reach people, MORE is needed. There are folks out there who are NOT coming to the web, or even know to look for answers, and this book will reach them. And….it can simply be more productive to have a BOOK to refer to and a BOOK to read when you are traveling in the airplane or waiting in the doctor’s office. AND…..FINALLY, we have something to HAND THE DOCTOR when he or she doesn’t get what we are talking about…or to our family or friends when they don’t get it, either.

Get ready. I’m excited. I hope you are too.

P.S. Guess what Oprah Winfrey may be drinking daily?? Soy milk. And since soy is a known thyroid inhibitor, guess what she’s doing to her thyroid? Quoted directly from her site: Thanks to all the yogurt and calcium-enriched soymilk she consumes, she’s getting an average of about 1,100 mg of calcium daily OOPS.

To reach them, I did the book.

But…because of other thyroid books out there, I’ve been unable to convince either a publisher or an agent that I have a different focus–i.e. STTM is based on PATIENT EXPERIENCE and for that reason alone, provides a totally different focus with unique information! This website proves it!

But sadly, unless you are a thyroid patient who has lived years and years of being told….

1) your symptoms are all in your head
2) you are normal, normal, normal because a TSH lab result says so
3) your high cholesterol, aches and pains, thinning hair, poor stamina and weight gain are normal parts of aging
4) you need to fill this prescription for an antidepressant, statin and pain med to treat those “other” symptoms
5) there’s nothing wrong with your adrenals

…you won’t get the need for the book. And sadly, they haven’t.

So…this website will be providing ways for YOU to spread the word, and hopefully over time, we can reach those millions who either don’t use a computer, or who don’t get that their high cholesterol, aches and pains, thinning hair, poor stamina and weight gain ARE due to an inferior treatment and a doctor who relies solely on the TSH….and there’s a MUCH better treatment.

Right now, STTM has a flyer you can use, and coming soon: t-shirts and business cards.

If I can’t find an agent or publisher wise enough to see the need for the STTM book, they YOU will be the messenger, and we’ll help the best we can. STOP THE THYROID MADNESS!

Finally, a patient-to-patient book meant to inform you so you can enter your doctor’s office with power!

The most passionate and best informed patient revolution has begun!

Based on the experience of a large and growing body of patients worldwide along with several wise and caring doctors, this is the patient-to-patient book, chock full of practical, comprehensive and user-friendly information about better thyroid treatment, more revealing labwork, and conditions that accompany hypothyroid–all to make you far more educated and pro-active when you enter your doctor’s office. One of the most detailed treatment books you’ll ever read, and read, and read.

This “bible of thyroid treatment” contains most of what you can find on this website, and much more:

* More detail about the history of T4 use

* The history of desiccated thyroid

* An entire chapter on the lousy TSH lab (Thyroid Stimulating Hooey)

* An entire chapter on T3 and how to dose with it

* More about hypothyroid causes

* More details in two extensive chapters on adrenal fatigue

* A chapter about mental health issues with a tongue-in-cheek perspective

*An exhaustive addendum on how to interpret your saliva cortisol labs by adrenal/hypopituitary patient Bob Harvey.

* A chapter specifically for doctors

* Patient-to-patient information on dosing desiccated thyroid

* New case scenarios throughout the book

* Up-to-date resources.

294 pages. 14 chapters, 7 addendums, plus so much more.

FROM JANIE: When I created this STTM website, it was done to counter lousy advice I was seeing on the internet on certain websites–advice that was keeping patients sick.  I thought it was going to help make a huge change towards far better thyroid treatment. And it definitely has. Yet, I kept getting requests for a book version. People wanted something right in their hands to learn from, and to take into their doctor’s office. So, I finally created the STTM book.  I made sure that all that you find on this website is in the book, but I also added a great deal more, as mentioned above. And to my great relief, the feedback has been excellent. Below are just some of the comments I’ve gotten, which I hope helps you in deciding if you need the book, as well. You can read even more feedback here.

“Hi. I just wanted to email you to let you know that I got the book, and my wife is reading it. She has suffered a lot, and is crying at what you have in there.  It’s her. We are making an appointment with a new guy, a DO next door to our old one, and will know exactly what to ask for. Thanks for putting this together. Jenny says hi.  -Tom

“Janie, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your book is a godsend.  – Lorell

“All I can say is Wow and I haven’t even finished it yet. I have read four hypothyroid books and gained meaty stuff, but yours will be a classic, Janie. -Victoria

“I hope several people will send this book to Oprah!! PLEASE send this to Oprah!! It may take that many to finally get her to see the light and get this message in the media!” -Pat

“I love your website but I found your book to be far easier to browse through. Thank you. Thank you. Oh, and I had a good laugh when I looked through your Glossary.” -Michelle R.

“Janie, I took the STTM book into my appointment with bookmarks and wowed my doctor. haha I’m on Naturethroid because of it. I just have to use it again to get a higher dose to get rid of my problems. Thank you really.” -Tracey

THE REVOLUTION HAS BEGUN! Presenting the MOST COMPREHENSIVE and THOROUGH “patient-to-patient” thyroid and adrenal treatment book on the market: STOP THE THYROID MADNESS: A Patient Revolution Against Decades of Inferior Thyroid Treatment.

This bible of hypothyroid treatment contains most everything you will find on this site, plus a whole lot more, including a chapter on T3, an explosive doctor chapter, historical information on desiccated thyroid as well as T4, an entire chapter on the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hooey), how to interpret your cortisol labs, extra details in two adrenal chapters, and more!

You can order the book from the publishing website here:
www.laughinggrapepublishing.com

Though none of the below may be quite as practical as the patient-to-patient book mentioned above, these are books that we have found to still be useful in the study of thyroid disease, related issues, and correct treatments. You can also view a growing list of Recommended Websites.

Your Thyroid and How to Keep it Healthy
by Dr. Barry Durrant-Peatfield. MB BS LRCP MRCS

This is Peatfield’s Second Edition of The Great Thyroid Scandal and How to Survive It, and it filled with excellent information about the thyroid, hypo and hyper, iodine, female hormones and testosterone, and an excellent chapter on your Adrenals and how to use Cortisol when cortisol levels are low. Highly recommended by Janie.

Dr. Peatfield entered general practice around 1962. His increasing disenchantment with the NHS impelled him to enter private practice where he was drawn to the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid problems. He was impressed with the work of Dr. Broda Barnes and was determined to improve the lot of patients with thyroid illness. He now lectures and holds nutritional clinics specialising in metabolic health.

Safe Uses of Cortisol
by William McK. Jefferies, M.D., F. A. C. P.

This one is for the “adrenal student” wanting to know more, and is highly recommended by Janie. Therapeutic recommendations and important aspects of cortisone or cortisol in patients with chronic allergies, autoimmune disorders, and chronic fatigue. I personally outlined this book extensively. Incredible gems of information.

Dr. Jefferies graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1940. He was appointed a Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine after his retirement from Case-Western Reserve University.

You can order this cheaper than anywhere else by going directly to the publisher: www.ccthomas.com/

Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st-Century Stress Syndrome
by James L. Wilson, N.D., D.C., Ph.D.

Another great book that’s easy to read about adrenal issues, which are common with hypothyroid patients. The book opens with an overview of the function of the adrenals, and how they are prone to chronic fatigue given our hyper-stressed contemporary lifestyles. It continues with information on how to tell if you have adrenal fatigue. More information and advice is given on multiple strategies for treatment, such as lifestyle, food, food allergies and sensitivities, dietary supplements, adrenal cell extracts, and replacement hormones.

Dr. James Wilson is one of the few people to hold 3 doctorate degrees and 2 master’s degrees, all from different disciplines. He received his Ph.D. in Human Nutrition from the University of Arizona, with minors in immunology, microbiology, pharmacology and toxicology. In addition, he holds degrees as a Doctor of Chiropractic and Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. His master’s degrees are in bio/nutrition and experimental psychology. Dr. Wilson was also one of the 14 founding fathers of the Canadian College of Naturopathic medicine in Toronto, Ontario. He has helped hundreds of people with adrenal fatigue regain their health and vitality during his 24 years of private practice.

The Thyroid Paradox: How to Get the Best Care for Hypothyroidism
by James K. Rone MD

I was a little hesitant to put this thyroid book on the list. Why? Because this doctor still regularly prescribes the lousy T4-only medications, is hung up on only treating when the TSH goes over 4, and is an Endocrinologist–the kind of specialty that has caused innumerable problems for thyroid patients. But a gal who wrote me about it said this: This book’s main focus is explaining all the different ways that your thyroid function can be affected and how the standard tests can be wrongly interpreted and the patient told “your tests are normal”. The author covers central hypothyroidism, human errors in medical testing, human errors in test interpretation, thyroid hormone resistance, and the fact that there may be different “shades” of normal. This book is highly worth reading for the discussion of all of these problems in a logical way. It will also support the fact that the TSH is sometimes wrong, and all the ways that it can be misinterpreted and misdiagnoses hypothyroid patients when that is the ONLY test a doctor relies on. Dr. Rone also thinks that the patient’s symptoms ARE important enough that they should never be ignored (he has hypothyroidism and has experienced this himself… that may be the reason he can think “outside of the box” more than the usual Dr.) So with that being said, it looks good in spite of its Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde tendencies. I’ll let you be the judge.

Jame K Rone is is a board-certified endocrinologist in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Could It Be B12?: An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses
by Sally M. Pacholok RN and Jeffrey J. Stuart DO

A silent crippler stalks millions of Americans and you may be one of them…is how this excellent book starts out about the common problem of a B12 deficiency. The book describes the different manifestations of low B12, including the fact that it can mimic MS or other neurological disorders, as well as cause mental illness, learning disabilities, impaired immune function, plus more. Low B12 can be a common disorder found in thyroid patients, as well. A must read for those who suspect they have low B12.

Sally, an emergency department nurse, and her physician husband Jeff worked together to produce this book since they strongly felt like low B12 has been overlooked by the general medical field and is often misdiagnosed. Sally is a strong proponent for the methylmalonic acid test rather than the blood serum B12 test to accurately detect low B12.

Your Guide to Metabolic Health , co-authored by Dr. Gina Honeyman, DC and Dr. John Lowe, DC.

This informative book outlines poor metabolic health, which includes low energy, aches and pains, depression, poor memory and concentration, anxiety, malaise….etc, and moves into good information on the two most common causes – untreated or under-treated hypothyroidism and thyroid hormone resistance. Other causes include imbalances of sex and stress hormones, nutritional deficiencies, unwholesome diet, poor physical fitness, some commonly-prescribed drugs, and man-made chemical contaminants. Most people can improve or recover their metabolic health by controlling or eliminating these causes.

Honeyman is chiropractic physician in the clinical practice of metabolic and functional medicine. Lowe is a chiropractic physician and board certified pain management specialist. Both practice individually in Boulder, Colorado.

Hormones, Health, and Happiness
by Steven F. Hotze, M.D.

In an 8-point program, Hotze describes a new model of healthcare, using bio-identical hormones and other natural treatments. It goes against the prevailing medical approach of treating individual symptoms with the familiar “anti” drugs – such as antibiotics, antihistamines, and antidepressants, and instead addresses the underlying causes of poor health.
Includes information on airborne allergies, food allergies, yeast overgrowth, low thyroid function, natural hormone replacement, treatment of adrenal fatigue, nutritionally balanced eating, and vitamin and mineral supplementation.

From Houston, Steven F. Hotze, M.D.,obtained his medical degree in 1976 from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He established a day and night clinic in North Houston which he operated until establishing the Hotze Health & Wellness Center, in Katy, Texas in 1989. Dr. Hotze founded the American Academy of Biologically Identical Hormone Therapy in 2002 to train physicians in a standardized method of treating women’s hormonal problems during and after mid life.

Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness
by Broda O. Barnes, M.D. and Lawrence Galton

The book from which much of our current knowledge sprang and developed, this classic explains the thyroid gland, how it works, and problems its dysfunction can induce. Includes detailed case histories of patients, often who were thought hopeless, whose problems were discovered to be related to hypothyroidism and were cured by Dr. Barnes’ simple effective techniques.

Broda Barnes, M.D. practiced medicine for over 35 years. His experience with patients suffering from undiscovered cases of hypothyroidism led him to write this book. Lawrence Galton is an experienced medical writer.

Hypothyroidism Type 2: The Epidemic
by Mark Starr, M.D.

A clear and understandable explanation of why so many people today are suffering from hypothyroidism, despite “normal” blood tests. Has information on the cause and successful treatment for obesity, heart attacks, depression, diabetes, strokes, headaches, chronic fatigue, and others. In Dr. Starr’s description of Type 2 Hypothyroidism, he presents overwhelming evidence showing a majority of Americans suffer this illness, which is due to environmental and hereditary factors. This book also has excellent photographs, historical references and pertinent study summaries. Dr. Starr emphatically states that laboratory testing used to diagnose hypothyroidism is completely inadequate, and current treatment for hypothyroidism is ineffective. Groundbreaking research shows how persistent environmental toxins prevent thyroid and other hormones from working properly.

Dr. Mark Starr is a Diplomat of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and a Diplomat of the American Board of Pain Medicine. He has studied with President Kennedy’s famous pain specialist, Hans Kraus, M.D., and Lawrence S. Sonkin, M.D., Ph.D., renowned endocrinologist at the New York Hospital-/Cornell Medical Center.

Living Well with Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You… that You Need to Know
by Mary J. Shoman

This book covers conventional and alternative approaches to treatment–such as challenging the gold standard of Synthroid as the thyroid replacement therapy of choice and new research on adding T3 to treatment.  Shoman explains everything from how to choose a thyroid specialist to how calcium, antidepressants, and a high-fiber diet affect thyroid hormone absorption. The book discusses depression, which is a typical misdiagnosis of hypothyroidism and covers infertility, as well as thyroid cancer, one of the less common causes of hypothyroidism.

Mary J. Shoman is primarily a health writer with an emphasis on thyroid. She also manages a thyroid Web site and writes a newsletter on hypothyroidism.

Overcoming Thyroid Disorders
by Dr. David Brownstein

Holistically oriented and shows how a natural treatment program consisting of natural thyroid hormone, other natural hormones, vitamins, minerals, diet modifications and detoxification can successfully treat many thyroid conditions. It includes over 30 actual cases from his practice.

Dr. David Brownstein is a Board-Certified Family Physician and the Medical Director for the Center for Holistic Medicine in West Bloomfield, Michigan. He is a member of the American College for the Advancement in Medicine and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Solved: The Riddle of Illness
by Stephen E. Langer, M.D. and James F. Scheer

Discusses how to determine if a person suffers from low thyroid function, the connection between the thyroid and the mind, how to differentiate between low thyroid function and hypoglycemia, the truth about synthetic thyroid hormone, and simple treatments to use. Highlights the relationship between thyroid disease and many conditions, such as arthritis, obesity, depression, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, sexual problems, and much more.

Stephen E. Langer, M.D. is a renowned thyroid expert. James F. Scheer has authored and coauthored over fifteen books on nutrition and health.

The Great Thyroid Scandal and How To Survive It
by Dr. Barry Durrant-Peatfield, MB, BS, LRCP, MRCS

This book is an excellent review of thyroid disease and the treatment alternatives using natural glandular extracts and adrenal supports. It should be required reading for those involved with thyroid treatment and patients themselves. The book takes you step by step through the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid illnesses and reveals how poorly modern medicine understands thyroid disease.

Dr Barry Durrant-Peatfield obtained his medical degrees in 1960 at Guy’s Hospital, London, and entered general medicine. Finding that it was becoming increasingly difficult to practice medicine and to give the care that he was taught being a doctor meant, he resigned from the National Health Service to set up a private practice in 1980. During the next 20 years he enjoyed a freedom from the narrow confines of establishment medicine and the relationship with his patients he had always felt was the basis of good medicine. During that time, he came to learn how important a role failure in the glandular systems, led by the thyroid, played in illness; and drawing inspiration from the work of Dr Broda Barnes, his special interest in thyroid illness grew. Finding out that he was affected by an under-active thyroid himself gave him a special insight into the diagnosis and treatment of the condition for which his patient’s sought his help.

The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss
by Mary J. Shoman

Even after optimal treatment, weight problems can plague many thyroid patients. This book identifies the many frustrating impediments to weight loss, and offers solutions – both conventional and alternative – to help. There is discussion of optimal dietary changes, thyroid-damaging foods to avoid, and metabolism-supporting herbs and supplements.

Mary J. Shoman is a nationally known thyroid patient advocate, health writer and thyroid patient herself. She also manages a thyroid Web site and writes a newsletter on hypothyroidism.

The Thyroid Solution: A Mind-Body Program for Beating Depression and Regaining Your Emotional and Physical Health
by Arem Ridha, M.D.

Examines the fundamentals of thyroid disease, including diagnosis and therapy, although the focus is on the significance of the thyroid in cognition and emotions. It explains the link between stress and thyroid imbalance; how thyroid imbalance affects your emotions, sex life, and relationships; and how to cope with the effects of this imbalance. Because thyroid problems primarily strike women, a whole section deals with women’s health issues, such as infertility, miscarriage, postpartum depression, premenstrual syndrome, and menopause. The book also covers lifestyle choices that affect thyroid health, such as diet, supplementation, and exercise.

Dr. Ridha Arem is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. For years he served as Chief of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Ben Taub General Hospital, and Medical Director of the Endocrine Laboratory at Methodist Hospital. Dr. Arem currently runs a practice specializing in thyroid disorders in the Texas Medical Center.

Thyroid – Guardian of Health
by Philip G. Young, M.D.

Excellent overall reference book on hypothyroidism! Examines the impact inadequate thyroid function has on individuals and the fact that hypothyroidism is frequently missed. Include history, environmental factor, and frequent clinical presentations of hypothyroidism, blood tests and their faults. Thyroid’s relationship to adrenal hormones is also discussed. Very informative is how this book goes thru all the major areas of the bodily functions such as digestion, circulation and tells how inadequate thyroid function impacts each system. Major areas include thyroid’s role in heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune problems, cancer and infections.

Philip Young MD has an unusual background. Born in Burma of missionary parents, he grew up along the Burma-China border. As a four year old he fled the Japanese occupation of Burma, walking over the hump into India, and then traveling by boat around Africa to New York in the midst of furious submarine activity. Returning to the border area, he lived in China after the Communist take over in 1949 for nine months, leaving in the midst of a local rebellion against that regime.
He graduated from the University Of Nebraska College Of Medicine in 1963 and spent a couple of years in the Navy off Viet Nam as that war was beginning to escalate. Following a surgery residency he helped start a small mission hospital in the Philippines on the island of Palawan. Returning to the U.S. in 1977, he became interested in the thyroid gland due to health problems in his own family. He has been studying the thyroid gland since 1979. Now living in Eaton, Colorado, he is largely engaged in writing.

Thyroid Power: Ten Steps to Total Health
by Richard L. Shames, M.D. and Karilee H. Shames, R.N., Ph.D.

A holistically oriented book that discusses foods, vitamins, and natural remedies that support thyroid health; how to avoid environmental and emotional triggers; and offers tips from thyroid support groups. The authors outline a step-by-step approach to healing.

Richard L. Shames, M.D., is a graduate of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. A founding member of the American Holistic Medical Association, he has served as adjunct faculty at UCSF Medical Center and Florida Atlantic University and is a general practitioner in Mill Valley, California, specializing in thyroid treatment and telephone thyroid coaching nationally via his website.
Karilee H. Shames, R.N., Ph.D., is a clinical specialist in psychiatric nursing and a certified holistic nurse. She is an assistant professor of nursing at Florida Atlantic University. A low thyroid sufferer herself, Karilee has led thyroid recovery support groups for many years and works with Dr. Richard Shames, providing national telephone consultation.

Tears Behind Closed Doors
by Diana Holmes

This book is a examination of a serious medical problem (untreated/undertreated hypothyroidism) and is the result of the author’s untiring crusade to prevent others from going through the physical and emotional hell she had to endure. It is a positive personal account that will give comfort and inspiration. Meticulously researched and glowing with good humor and practical advice, this book serves to focus public awareness on a problem that has been neglected far too long. Diana sets the scene by telling her own harrowing story and explaining the triumphant way in which she overcame her illness.

Salt:Your Way to Health
by David Brownstein, MD

Salt: Your Way to Health is chock full of gleaming information on the clinical uses of unrefined salt, and it’s highly recommended for both patients and all health care practitioners. Dr. Brownstein not only debunks the low-salt diet = lowered blood pressure myth, he gives you clear and concise reasons for adding unrefined salt to one’s daily regimen. He shows you how an adequate salt intake is necessary for proper functioning of the hormonal system and the immune system..and that includes proper ADRENAL FUNCTION. In addition, Dr. Brownstein describes the therapeutic uses of unrefined salt helping to treat many different conditions including: fatigue, fibromyalgia, headaches, adrenal disorders, thyroid disorders and much more.

P.S. If you copy and paste anything from the below, please be professionally courteous and add where you found the below, i.e. on this page on STTM.

1) 1951 The NEW MODERN MODERN MEDICAL COUNSELOR; A Practical Guide to Health by Hubert O. Swartout, MD, DNB, Dr.PH, Review and Herald Publishing Association

Chapter 30 DISEASES OF THE DUCTLESS GLANDS, then the subheading called MYXEDEMA, and the sub area titled “WHAT SHOULD BE DONE” pg. 507

“Take thyroid extract under a physicians supervision.” Then in the last paragraph, pg. 508:
“Some convenient preparation made from the whole thyroid gland substance is the rational remedy for myxedema. It brings about remarkable improvement. The patient feels better, thinks more clearly, and looks better. There is likely to be considerable reduction in excess weight. Nevertheless, the remedy must be taken with care, especially during the first few weeks of treatment, for too sudden an acceleration of the body processes may throw too great a burden upon the weakened organs, particularly the heart. The return to normal conditions should be brought about by gradual increases in the dosage and should be spread over a period of at least several months.”

2) 1953 PHYSICIAN’S DESK REFERENCE TO PHARMACEUTICAL SPECIALTIES AND BIOLOGICALS 1954, Eighth Edition, Copyright 1953 by Medical Economics, Inc., Rutherford, New Jersey. (thanks to Mary32 for submitting this entry)

page 417, under “Thyroid U.S.P” Dosage: “1/10 to 5 GRAINS DAILY, AS REQUIRED BY THE CLINICAL CONDITION OF THE PATIENT. Uses: “Useful in patients who are on long term therapy with ACTH or cortisone to offset any thyroid depression.”

Under “Thyroid U.S.P.”: “Required daily quantity may be given in a single dose (preferably in the morning), instead of several times a day.” (from Janie–we have found the multi-dosing to be better and less stress on the adrenals)

3) 1940-41 G.P. ETHICAL SPECIALTY PRODUCTS a catalog produced by G.P. Pty Ltd., Manufacturers of Standardized Biological and Pharmaceutical Products. Laboratories and Head Office: 65 Macquarie Street, Sydney, Australia.

One of their products, called G.P. Thyroid (Standardized), is listed on pages 38-39. Composition: A specially prepared extract of selected whole thyroid gland, containing 0.1 per cent of iodine in combination. Indications: Myxoedema and other thyroid deficiency disorders; obesity; oedema. Properties: Increases basal metabolism and stimulates diuresis. G.P. THYROID is chemically assayed and each batch, before issue, is BIOLOGICALLY STANDARDIZED BY THE OBSERVATION OF CHANGES IN THE METABOLIC RATE OF MYXOEDEMATOUS PATIENTS OVER A PERIOD OF AT LEAST ONE MONTH.
Dosage and Administration: 1 or more, according to the amount of fresh substance the physician desires to prescribe. N.B. Each 1 gr. fresh of G.P. THYROID is equivalent in total iodine content to 3/10 gr Thyroideum Siccum B.P. 1932. Original Packages: Bottles of 100 tablets in the following strengths: 1/4 grain fresh gland, 1/2 grain fresh gland, 1 grain fresh gland, 1 1/2 grain fresh gland, 2 grain fresh gland, 2 1/2 grain fresh gland, 5 grain fresh gland.

There was also a tablet combining Thyroideum Siccum with Desiccated Ovarian Substance from “fresh whole ovaries”. The indications for this were menstrual and menopausal disorders; disorders arising from insufficiency of ovarian secretion, particularly when there is a tendency towards obesity. It was described as “potent ovarian substance, therapeutically intensified by the synergistic action of thyroid gland”.

G.P. Ethical Specialty Products were obtainable through all chemists in Australia, and also in Rangoon (Burma), Colombo (Ceylon), Hong Kong (China), Bangkok (Siam)and many cities in India, Java, Malaya and New Zealand, as well as London. Or direct from the Manufacturers. (thanks to Val for this contribution)

4) 1909/1935 A System of Clinical Medicine (for Students and Practitioners) by Thomas Dixon Savill. Printed in Great Britain by Butler and Tanner, Ltd.

Page 239: For cretinism aka when an infant is born with hypothyroidism, Thyroid extract, beginning with 1/2 grain doses, causes a rapid and remarkable change. The skin become soft, the general conformation normal, and if the treatment has not been too long delayed, the mind assumes its natural vigour.   For full blown hypothyroidism, called Complete Myxodema, The treatment is started with thyroid extract in very small doses–1/8 to 1/4 grain three times daily, and the dose is increased until the go and the basal metabolism becomes normal.

5) 1906 A Manual of Metria Medica and Pharmacology (for students, druggists, pharmacists, and physicians) by Lea Brothers & Co. Philadelphia and New York.

Page 663: Explains the making of Sheep Thyroid desiccated powder: Remove external fat and connective tissue from thyroid glands taken from sheep immediately after killing; cut glands across, rejecting any with cysts or are hypertrophied, or otherwise abnormal;  mince finely with healthy glands, dry at 32 -to 38 degrees C. (90-100 degrees F), powder dried product, remove all fat by treating with petroleum benzin, dry residue.  It is a yellowish, amorphous powder, slight peculiar odor, containing the active ingredients of the thyroid tissue, partially soluble in water, 1 part equals 5 parts of fresh glands, ash p.c. …plus more details.

6) 1911 TEXTBOOK OF MEDICINE (for students and professionals) by Dr Adolf v. Strumpell, D.Appleton and Co. New York and London

Page 566: Horsley, Bircher and others hereupon made the first experiments in the treatment of myxeodema in man with extract of thyroid gland (sheep, calves, etc.) At first subcutaneous injections of thyroid extract were usually employed, but it was found that the internal administration of the substance of the gland or any extract thereof had an equally favorable influence. There are already very many positive observations which show that all symptoms of myxeodema in man may be made to disappear completely in the course of a few months by the continued internal administration of the thyroid gland.  The most convenient and certain form of administration is in tablets.

7) 1932 THE PRACTIONERS LIBRARY OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY D.Appleton-Century and Co. New York and London

Page 1020: It has been proposed to treat mxyedematous patients with 2 grains of desiccated thyroid daily, by mouth, until the metabolic rate is normal, and then to determine the amount required as a regimin to maintain the correct level.  (Thanks to Melissa for #4-7)

OLDER MEDICAL RESEARCH

1) 1957 THE RELATION OF THYROID GLAND ACTIVITY TO THE INCIDENCE OF DENTAL CARIES IN THE RAT research by David Bixler, PhD and Joseph C. Muhler DDS, PhD. Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind. J DENT RES 1957; 36; 880 Also found here: http://jdr.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/36/6/880.pdf

Summary of this study: “Previous experiments have shown that the ingestion of a cariogenic diet (from Janie: a high-carb diet which will cause dental cavities) containing desiccated thyroid will significantly reduce the incidence of dental caries in the rat. In this experiment the importance of the amount of food consumed daily by rats on such a regime was considered. Under ad libitum feeding conditions, desiccated thyroid added to a cariogenic diet significantly reduced the dental caries incidence when compared to a control group receiving the same diet without thyroid. When control animals receiving a nonthyroid-containing cariogenic diet were pair-fed with animals receiving the same diet to which desiccated thyroid had been added, the thyroid-fed animals again demonstrated a significant decrease in caries incidence. These results indicate that differences in food consumption which may result between experimental groups is not an important factor in explaining the anticariogenic action of desiccated thyroid.

And…as we were going over my extensive labwork, which he does for new patients, and as I was lamenting the way too many doctors put their patients on the lousy statins (when all they need to do is treat hypo CORRECTLY), he stated, with a sigh of dismay and humility, something to the effect of: We doctors are simply too busy to keep up with the latest good information that patients are finding out far ahead of us.

I nearly fell off my chair!! He was honestly and humbling admitting that patients are finding out good information far ahead of doctors! i.e. he was NOT dissing the internet; he was NOT dissing that a patient could actually be more informed than him; he was not dissing information that goes against the Big Pharma Con Job .

This doc is a keeper.

p.s. Think your doc is open-minded enough to read the STTM book?? You can have the publishing company send one directly to your doctor. Click on the SEND A BOOK TO YOUR DOCTOR.

Yesterday, I had the first of two book signings. It was announced in the paper, and I wasn’t sure what the turnout would be. I shouldn’t have wondered. It was a great turnout. People are GETTING IT that there is SOMETHING WRONG with their treatment. Around me stood several women, all still on T4 (Synthroid, Levoxyl, et al), and ALL suffering. All but one woman had weight problems. Several had rising cholesterol. Some admitted to being on anti-depressants. Some obviously had adrenal fatigue. And ALL were being told by their doctors that their thyroid treatment was now “normal”. Where can I go beat my head against the wall?????? They were eager to get the book and the knowledge it contained to change their lives!

So far, the book has been sent to Norway, Iceland, Belgium, UK, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, Australia and Canada, besides all over the US. The STTM website started the wheel to turn, and the book can only move it faster. And add it to other thyroid books which had begun to mention the truth (Broda Barnes being the first) as well as other groups and websites—we’ll eventually knock some SENSE and SIGHT in doctors, don’t you think?

The Stop the Thyroid Madness book, the bible of correct thyroid and adrenal treatment, by patients for patients, can be ordered here.

P.S. I live near one town which serves a population of nearly 35,000 people, and near another of over 4000 people, and there are plenty of doctors around here. Yet, there is not ONE doctor in this area that “gets it”. I sympathize with YOU if you are in the same boat.

And you’re left to wonder: is she, and are others, on Armour, Naturethroid, Westhroid?? Have they found out about the superior treatment of desiccated thyroid over a T4-only treatment with Synthroid, Levoxyl, et al?

Other celebrities with hypo include Kim Alexis, Linda Ronstadt, Kim Cattrall, Kelly Osbourne, Oprah Winfrey and others. We can only hope that one day, someone will figure out that desiccated thyroid is a superior treatment, and help us spread the word. So far, Oprah has let us down. Maybe…maybe…someone with the ability to spread the word will step up to the plate.

p.s. Prefer a book to a website? STTM is now in book form, with even more information than you can find on this site, and waiting to be in your hands.

Until recently, I thought our thrust and determination to change the Big Pharma, zombie-doctoring medical system in the treatment of hypothyroid would be like the hare. We’d get the attention of the mass media through our great determination, shout the message of a FAR better thyroid treatment, and create huge change.

But I think I was wrong. Change has occurred, but we have been doing it like the tortoise…slow and steady.

Slowly but steadily, we are seeing more and more doctors starting to “get it”, even if they still have a way to go. Slowly but steadily, folks are finding out why they have less stamina than others, or depression, or rising cholesterol, or fibromyalgia, or thinning hair in the face of the dogged “normal” diagnosis…all due to an inadequate medication called T4, aka Synthroid, Levoxyl, Eltroxin, et. al. and a lousy lab called the TSH.

Slowly but steadily, folks are finding out about desiccated thyroid to treat their hypothyroid, and cortisol to treat their adrenal fatigue.

Even the STTM book has been like the tortoise. Literary agents didn’t get it, nor did huge publishing companies. I finally stopped counting, but I bet I had over 200 rejections. They all thought it was simply “another” thyroid book. So the fruition of the STTM book came out of true sweat and tears, and a lot of cuss words as I squirmed through my frustrations. Yet, the STTM book–a PATIENT-TO-PATIENT book of which I was only the messenger, is not only a steady seller like the tortoise was steady, but sales keep growing every month, reviews are excellent, and lives ARE changing. How can you criticize a message, whether the STTM site or the book, that is based on the positive and critical experience of thousands of patients around the world!!

Change IS happening! Like the tortoise, we’re winning the race and creating change, bit by bit, whether it’s via STTM, various internet thyroid groups, other good books, or just word of mouth. We’re all a part of it. But we can’t be complacent, because it’s truly obvious by blogs and websites I read that there’s still a huge body of hypothyroid patients still suffering on T4 who need to find out what WE have found out. But it will happen, bit by bit.

And worse (anybody identify with this?), she’s been told she is NORMAL for 14 years!!! Why? Because the TSH lab result said so. Talking about it brings her to tears.

I sent her to a MUCH better and hopeful doctor.

In 2006, the World Health Organization defined health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. So…if you stuck “normal” in front of that definition of health, as ignorant doctors so routinely tell us we are, it means that we have the symptoms expected of one who is in complete physical, mental and social well-being. THEN WHY DON’T WE FEEL THAT WAY?????

Yessirree, somewhere along the medical perspective timeline, the ability to pay attention to CLINICAL PRESENTATION ran right down the sewer. And with that loss has come HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of patients worldwide with the schizophrenic diagnosis of “normal” with raging symptoms thanks to ink spots on a piece of paper called the erroneous TSH range. Exactly why this website is necessary, as is the book and YOUR demands for better treatment.

I was schizophrenically normal for over 17 years. My relative has been for 14. How about YOU?

I can remember a few people the past year who proclaimed fervently that Armour was being discontinued because of the shortage.  And I chuckle about it.  Hopefully, my previous posts helped calm that fear.

But in case you haven’t heard, those larger sizes are back!  And you can keep track of what’s going via the Forest Pharmaceuticals customer product availability hotline: 1-866-927-3260  As of today, April 19, they state that the one grain tabs (60 mg) and 1 1/2 grains tabs (90 mg) are on backorder, and will catch up with production on April 20th, tomorrow as I am writing this.  We’ll see.

Unfortunately, the new formulation has made Armour lacking in sweetness, and it’s almost impossible to do it sublingually.  Sad. Maybe another pharmaceutical will get the hint. In the meantime, if you swallow your desiccated thyroid, make sure to avoid calcium, iron and estrogen at the same time. And if you’ve been doing it sublingually, and have to switch to swallowing, you may need a tad more.

Remember: if you have any issues with natural Armour desiccated thyroid in the treatment of your hypothyroidism, you can always ask your doctor for a prescription switch to Naturethroid or Westthroid, both fine FDA-approved, US Pharmacopeia standard prescription desiccated thyroid.

Janie

Want to be informed of my posts? Curious what I am raving about as a Thyroid Patient Activist? You can sign up for a Notification at the bottom of the links to your left.

P.S. If you haven’t bought the Stop the Thyroid Madness book yet, wanted to tell you that numerous patients are emailing me, stating they find the book even easier to refer to than this vast website (plus it has more details and information).  So if you want the ease of referral, the book may be the way to go.

But we now have another duhhh entry: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has reported that long-term levothyroxine replacement therapy in young adults is associated with cardiovascular abnormalities. Another finally. We as patients have already known that for years! We’ve experienced what Synthroid, Levoxyl and all other T4-only medications have done to our hearts! I watched my own mother have to have an angioplasty because of her long-term use of Synthroid…and we have NO heart disease or problems like this in our family history!

So yes, you will see the announcement that a new page is going to be created here on STTM which will highlight journal entries and medical announcements which only support what patients have been experiencing and trying to tell their doctors for a longgggg time. lol. And your contributions to this new page will be welcomed.

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The new page is here: www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/medical-research Check this page often, either to send me new research which supports what we already know, or to find meat to give your rigid doctor.

***You can order the STTM book here, which is a complete patient-to-patient book on far better thyroid treatment. It’s YOUR book!

Know someone who you think has hypothyroidism but they have a “normal” diagnosis? Send them to the above page.

Know someone who’s on T4 who might listen to a new idea? Send them to the above link.

Know someone who has had problems with desiccated thyroid and threw in the towel? Send them to the above link.

*If you’re afraid of the newly formulated Armour, check out the post below about Naturethroid.  Below that, read about the Royal College of Physicians in the UK, desiccated thyroid in Denmark, Germany and Italy, and why you may need Potassium.

*Want to be informed of my blog posts? Curious what’s on my mind? Use the Notifications on the bottom left of the links.

*Have you read the STTM book?? It can be much easier to refer to than this website!

We have never had any mandatory or voluntary recall of any of our thyroid medications due to inconsistency in dosages. Our formulation and preparation is able to stabilize the T3 and T4 hormones through its entire expiry period (3 years from manufacturing) providing additional assurance to both physician and patient alike in quality and consistency of our strengths.

Kudos for RLC Labs and Naturethroid! Patients whose lives have changed ten-fold thanks to desiccated thyroid need a good product. (And we’re going to hope down the line that “someone” will create desiccated thyroid in a sublingual form.)

P.S. If you don’t know what has happened to Armour and patient experiences with it, scroll down.

*Want to be informed of these blog posts? Curious what’s on Janie’s mind? Just use the Notifications to the left and below the links.

*SALE! Stop the Thyroid Madness T-shirts are now 50% off just because I like sales. A great way to spread the word about our patient revolution for the superiority of desiccated thyroid over T4-only meds. You’ll also see funny bumper stickers. Also…when you order the STTM book and request it,  you get a Calvin peeing on….(you’ll see) bumper sticker for FREE, and it’s a hoot.

Yes, I write on the same site, yet had no idea he was going to do this…

You can also see my response to his review, on his blog, here: http://jeffreydach.com/2009/02/06/stop-the-thyroid-madness-by-jamie-bowthorpe.aspx#Comment

Humble thanks, Dr. Dach.  With the shared experiences of thousands of hypothyroid patients around the world, I climbed a steep mountain to get that book out–a labor of love and the firm commitment to educate patients because of a medical community which has been keeping us sick.  Stop the Thyroid Madness!

Earlier today, Rhea was in the one-operator beauty salon at the same time as my 90 year old mother-in-law: one getting her gray hair dried while the other got her grayer tresses rolled. And as conversations go in beauty salons, it turned to personal topics (which can range from one’s marital happiness to whether Mrytle’s boobs are real or expanded.) And one of those topics was about Rhea’s hypothyroidism as well as her daughter’s.

And of course, my very doting mother-in-law mentions the STTM book written by her daughter-in-law, Janie, and hands her a copy from the car. Long story short…Rhea wants me to call her.

The phone conversation went into the fact that she used to be on Armour, but then listened to a local doctor several years later who switched her to Synthroid–”a far more stable medication”. (not) Since she switched, she says she’s felt terrible for years, and has recently returned to Armour, and with the vast information in the book, understood now how she needed to raise.

And then came the shocker: THE DOCTOR WHO PUT HER ON ARMOUR WAS BRODA BARNES.

My eyes got as big as fiesta dinner plates and I exclaimed “THE Broda Barnes??” “Yes,” she replied. “I saw him in Loveland, Colorado and he was a darling man.” She proceeded to tell me that when doctors entered the room back then, you stood. And she remembers his wife being there, and being just as sweet as he. She recalled him saying that when he was in medical school, he was disappointed when the professor assigned him to study the thyroid gland. “Such a little puny gland”, he thought. “But today, 50 years later, I still have so much to learn about that little gland.”

For those who don’t know the name of Broda Barnes, he was the father of the desiccated thyroid movement and an authority on the thyroid. Even back then, he knew of the superiority of desiccated thyroid treatment like Armour, and prescribed it. He also wrote the classic Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness. His book and legacy kept the idea of Armour and desiccated thyroid alive all these years later when we, as patients, were paying attention.

Rhea is now up to 4 grains Armour and feeling much better, and may have to go a little higher before she’s optimal. Thank you, Rhea, for giving me and anyone reading this a little peek into the wonderful Broda Barnes.

As I am writing this,  I’ve been struggling for about a year.  I’ve done a total of 13 weeks of IV antibiotics.  It’s helped but I’m still having health issues.  I’ve recently started to suspect that some or most of my remaining symptoms may be Thyroid/Adrenal related due to low body temperature/fatigue etc.  I just did the tests that the STTM book reccomended.  Thankfully I have a doctor who prefers dessicated thyroid over T4 only drugs.  I have clear adrenal fatigue shown by the 24 hr saliva test. Also I am hypothyroid including very high thyroid antibodies, which indicates the hashimotos disease.  I do not believe I have a new “disease”.  The lyme has most likely attacked my thyroid.

I believe that there is a good chance that a lot of these folks on forums have lyme going on in the background.  I say that because I am one of the lucky ones who knows they have lyme without a doubt.  I don’t know to what degree it is still there but it is still a factor.  As I read the STTM book and website it really did explain a lot to me about what the lyme has probably done to my body (ie. messed up my thyroid and adrenal system).  Thyroid and adrenal treatment will most likely help my symptoms which I very much need right now, but it doesn’t address the underlying issue.  Lyme Disease.

As far as anyone being fearful that Hydrocortisone will suppress the immune system because it is a steroid:  I’m about to start hydrocortisone low dose here very soon.  Hydrocortisone is the biological equivalent of the exact hormone cortisol my body is lacking.  I don’t see how bringing my cortisol levels up to the appropriate levels they should be, will suppress my immune system.  Too much of course could suppress them.

I had lyme when I was 11 years old.  It was diagnosed quickly and I was treated with about 30 days of tetracycline.  I got better and have lived a pretty normal life.  I am now 28.  I recieved a cortisone shot a year and a couple months ago for a dislocated shoulder which triggered a lyme relapse.  I got sick the next day and have never been right since.  Cortisone shots are a mega dose of cortisol.  Far too much than your body ever puts out on its own.  In those high amounts it does suppress your immune system.  That’s how the lyme got the open window to rear it’s ugly head again.  I believe the Cortisone shot was the beginning of my adrenal fatigue because my brain probably sensed the high cortisol from the shot and started to reduce its production of cortisol in my adrenals which has ultimately lead to my current situation of low cortisol.  I would not ever let a doctor give you a cortisone shot now that you have been exposed to the lyme bacteria.

“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating.” —Kofi Annan

• STTM book: if you’d rather not be tied down to a computer, plus want more detail, the Stop the Thyroid Madness book is boss! The only patient-to-patient book on the market, and it’s changing lives.
• Audio Shorts: listen to Janie explain what this patient revolution is all about concerning the TSH lab test, T4 meds, desiccated thyroid, adrenals, etc.
• T-Shirts and Bumper Stickers: a way to spread the word. Wear the T-shirt to your doctors office, or splash the humorous bumper stickers on the car. T-shirts now 50% off!
• Janie’s Blog: read what Janie has to say about a variety of STTM subjects and make your own comments. Sign up with the Newsletter notification–lower left of links on blog.
• STTM’s Facebook group page:  a great place to talk to others, post on the Wall, exchange ideas, and get a message from Janie a few times a month.
• STTM’s Twitter:  One little sentence here & there to which you can respond with the same.
• Talk to others: Need feedback? It was always patients-talking-to-other-patients which turned T4 like Synthroid on its head & started the revolution for better thyroid care.
• Physicians group: Are you a legally qualified and licensed practitioner of medicine with an active practice? This is your group. (Patients need to use the Talk to Others link above)

What is going on is this: about a year ago, something went wrong in the production of the higher grains, i.e. they didn’t work. Those who had been on Armour awhile and picked up their new prescriptions had their hypothyroid returning!

And when a Pharmaceutical makes a mistake, they have to jump through hoops with the FDA to correct their manufacturing problem, and it takes a lot of TIME to get back to producing their product.

What stopped being produced this year, as a result of the problem, were the 2, 3, 4 and 5 grain tablets (120 mg, 180 mg, 240 mg. and 300 mg). Everyone was now forced to use the smaller amounts, and the increase in demand put a great strain on quantity in your local pharmacies.

Forest now predicts that the larger sizes will return in “late 2008″. So we’ll see. One gal has reported that some of the larger sizes did return to her pharmacy this week, but I’ll need confirmation before saying it’s a fact.

What do you do in the meantime? Call pharmacies to see what they still have, and expect to drive farther to a pharmacy which still has them in stock. Because many still do. If you don’t find any close enough with Armour, you can get your doctor to write out a prescription for Naturethroid or Westhroid, both quality desiccated thyroid products and very available.

To keep up with the latest from Forest about Armour availability, just call 866-927-3260 for a recorded message (which will be a repeat of some of the information you have read right here.)

p.s. Think your doc is open-minded enough to read the STTM book?? You can have the publishing company send one directly to your doctor. Click on the SEND A BOOK TO YOUR DOCTOR.

And in my mind, these individuals deserve praise and recognition. They are just as important in their direct one-on-one influence and helpfulness as those of us who gained public recognition.

Where are these people? They are those who own and/or moderate and/or contribute often to thyroid forums, such as Deborah and her mods on Real Thyroid Help, and Pam and others on Low Carb Friends.

For helpful Yahoo groups, there is Linda aka Topper of The Thyroid Support Group,  Sam and her mod Darla of the Thyroidless group, Valerie Taylor and her excellent and patient mods Diane and birrdyy of NTH Adrenals and RT3/T3 group,  Darla, Linda, Meleese and Pat of NTH,  Jan Nathan with her Texas group plus other state groups.

There are many who voluntarily helped others in the last few years who aren’t as active anymore, but still deserve praise.

And there are many other individuals who own, moderate, or give helpful feedback to patients on forums and yahoo groups I could mention, but I don’t know their names or am just drawing a distracted holiday blank.  I also noticed several thyroid cancer groups.

So, if you want to recognize an individual who has helped you and others but is less publicly well known, use the Comments below and give 1) their name, 2) what group or forum if applicable, and 3) specifically how they helped you on your path in finding a much better thyroid treatment protocol and good health.

1. STTM is a “desiccated thyroid-only” site – narrowly focused. Yup. You got it exactly right! This educational patient-to-patient website is purposely and positively narrowly focused about the fact that 1) natural desiccated thyroid is a far superior treatment,and 2) patient experience shows that with repeated testimony of these patients…and has for decades. We are also focused on the fact that nearly all thyroid patients have lingering symptoms, sooner or later, due to a the inadequate treatment with T4-only meds, and the use of the faulty TSH lab. Stop the Thyroid Madness is a patient-to-patient site with the goal to educate patients on successful things we have learned so you can take the information into your doctor’s office and press for change.
2. Some information on STTM is dangerous and scary. I couldn’t agree more! ANY health website could be dangerous…if it’s taken out of context by changing one bit of educational information on the site to mean something else, or even more importantly, if you choose not to use a good doctor to help you with this information. STTM was, in fact, created to inspire and educate you only, and to take that information into your doctor’s office to discuss and press for change in your treatment if you agree with it. That’s why you will see all over the website and the STTM book to do what it takes to find a good doctor to work with.
3. The information on STTM is not based on solid clinical research and scientific study. That’s absolutely correct.  Instead, it’s based on solid patient experience. And that’s because solid clinical research on what we have found out has not been out there, nor did doctors  have enough knowledge to help us.  Patients were forced to figure a lot of the information themselves via internet research, patient groups, and experience…and our experience has been profound in creating the compiled information you will find on this website.  Here you will find a small but growing list of true research we have found since this patient movement began. When the day comes that the medical establishment learns to LISTEN to clinical presentation sitting right there in their offices, we will REJOICE!!
4. STTM is a self-treatment site. Absolutely not. STTM was created as patient-to-patient information site with the purpose of giving you solid patient-experience information which you need to take to your doctor’s office for far better treatment.  Because doctors are not going to change their love-affair with T4 meds like Synthroid, Levoxyl, levothyroxine, Eltroxin, or their worship of the TSH test, unless you the patient bring far better information into their offices, one-by-one.  Do some patients use STTM to self-treat? Wouldn’t surprise me, just as they use many other websites and books to do the same. All we can do is continually encourage anyone to do what it takes to find a good doctor, whom you can then take the info on STTM or the book to your appointment and make your relationship with your doctor a TEAM – your knowledge, your body, and what your doctor can contribute based on his knowledge.
5. STTM looks non-professional: That could be.  Janie is not a website designer–only adding the content rather than the design. And she has had to improve on removing so many CAPITOL LETTERS when trying to underscore something, and instead use italicized words. lol. But none of that changes the fact that the patient-to-patient information presented on STTM is constantly changing lives.
6. STTM is a “fringe” website: That may definitely be the observation of doctors who hold firm to the TSH lab test and T4 meds, or a patient who wants to follow the crowd. But patients all over the world would challenge anyone to call treatment with desiccated thyroid a ‘fringe’ treatment, which is what STTM is about. 

What about the “nutty creator” of this site? Here is a page specifically about Janie: who she is and who she is not in response to the actually “nutty” comments made about her.

Postscript: what may be the most accurate about STTM is that there is more good information to come! There is always valuable and cutting-edge insight out there which patients are learning in order to best treat our hypothyroid, our adrenal fatigue, and other related conditions. And as we hear them, we’ll add them.

This coming Thursday, January 7th, Dr. John C. Lowe DC,

Dr. Lowe has been highly respected by thyroid patients for years for the excellent information he has disseminated about better thyroid treatment on his website drlowe.com.  In fact, he’s one of a handful of doctors that I mention with gratitude in the Acknowledgements of the Stop the Thyroid Madness book.  His website and wise understanding played an empowering and self-educating role in the early movement by patients for better thyroid treatment with desiccated thyroid and better labs.  You can read his own written biography here.

Mark your calender and set your cell phone alarm: the Community Call starts at 9 pm Eastern, 8 pm Central, 7 pm Mountain and 6 pm Pacific.  You can log on anytime within 15 minutes before the call starts and participate in the Chat box. That same box will be right there during the entire call.

The entire live audio chat with Janie and Dr. Lowe will come right on your computer, so remember to turn your audio up.

Additionally, those who log in can also choose to call in and ask Dr. Lowe direct question. Don’t miss this great opportunity!

The Stop the Thyroid Madness Talkshoe page: http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=62603&cmd=tc

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See the blog post below for a very insightful Guest Blog Post by Amy about her role as an Undercover Thyroid Advocate. Below that, you can read how I was wrong about what it was like to be thyroidless, and several great comments.

Connection? Pretty obvious, isn’t it.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that appears on the skin chronically due to an immune system going awry. It results in red scaly patches with a white dead-cell buildup. You can often see it hand-in-hand with Hashimotos. And Rosacea is another skin problem, though not autoimmune, that causes a redness of the skin, including the cheeks and nose, or the forehead and chin.

I personally had rosacea on my nose for years—my romantic “clown nose”.  But just like the mother’s son and daughter with psoriasis, my rosacea eventually went away, as well, after I had started on desiccated thyroid and raised it high enough to remove my hypo symptoms.

Chronic skin disease is just another reason to be adequately treated with desiccated thyroid.

*Below, you’ll find a post about T4 and depression–a very common connection with poorly treated or undiagnosed hypothyroidism, as well. Under that is information on how to do desiccated thyroid sublingually. And on June 2nd, comments continue to come in about the newly formulated Armour.

*Prefer having all this website in book form with more info? Many do, and you can decide by going here.

“We have amply supply and so do the distributors for compounding pharmacists”, underscores Soejoto when I chatted with him today.

He also added in response to the recent shortages:  “We didn’t spare an expense to push it along”.  i.e  “American Laboratories have caught up with all backorders, with the exception of one major company which has tight specifications, but they should be caught up by the first quarter in 2010″, explained Soejoto.

So what about specific rumors we keep hearing??

1. My compounding pharmacy said they weren’t able to get it. Kenny explained that a small compounding pharmacy often can’t afford the minimum order that American Laboratories requires, nor does the smaller pharmacy want that much, which is an 110 lb drum of powder.  So, says Soejoto, they need to contact their distributor, who is the middle man between a compounding pharmacy and American Laboratories. “The distributor for compounding pharmacies, “ explained Kenny, “will buy the larger amounts, make smaller packets, and then sell those to the compounding pharmacies”.
2. American Laboratories can’t be the only North American makers of powdered thyroid because my compounder told me a different name. The different name you heard is the middle man mentioned above–a distributor for the thyroid powder to the compounding pharmacy. But that distributor got their supply from American Laboratories.
3. My regular pharmacy said there is a supply issue for the brand I wanted. Again, Kenny explains there is no supply issue–they have plenty. Any pharmaceutical company that makes desiccated thyroid has to have ongoing credit worthiness and documentation before AI can sell to them. Also, we are simply experiencing continued demand being greater than supply, and it can take time to catch up.  i.e. there may be more to the story than you hear under any comment about a supply issue problem.

In conclusion, Kenny Soejoto said they simply got into trouble from the growth of interest in desiccated thyroid the past few years, and they are much better prepared. Even Europe is inquiring more about it, he said. And my response to him?? Get ready, because you are doing millions of potential thyroid patients a HUGE favor by making it,  and we’re going to continue to spread the world about natural desiccated thyroid. 

Check out posts below about other important issues, including more from Erfa, plus the problem of cellulose in compounded and regular desiccated thyroid.

*HO HO HO! Have a STTM book sent to someone  you care about as a CHRISTMAS or HOLIDAY present. A card will be included, and the book will be in an envelope with a red bow!! Save money the more you buy!

1) The audio clips below by Janie briefly explain each of the subjects underlined. Just click on the underlined words. Each audio is 3-4 minutes long.
2) You can underscore the audio by reading about it all.
3) All the information on this website, plus more detail, is in book form.

If you have never been diagnosed with hypothyroidism (and told “You are normal”), yet you wonder…

Why the TSH lab test and it’s dubious “normal range” belongs in the trash!!

All about T4 meds like Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothyroxine, Eltroxin, Oroxine, etc and why they suck

What is Natural Desiccated Thyroid like Naturethroid, Westhroid, Armour, Thyroid-S about?

Listen if you have ever had problems with desiccated thyroid!

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Hot Flash Free! An interview with Janie as a Thyroid Patient Activist