Books On Thyroid

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.