Book Review: Thyroid Power
Posted on: December 6, 2005 | Posted in: Book Reviews
by Richard & Karilee Shames
Richard and Karilee Shames are husband/wife medical professionals, who specialize in treating patients with symptoms of hypothyroidism. This book is full of case history references to their own patients, and to Karilee’s personal experiences as a hypothyroid patient herself. One of the central assertions of the book is that hypothyroidism manifests in each patient differently, leading to highly individual results on various thyroid function tests, and widely differing responses to different types of thyroid medication.
The case histories presented describe some patients who tested ‘normal’ on multiple thyroid function tests, but who manifested a large number of hypothyroid symptoms, and other patients who presented only one or two typical symptoms, but who’s test results were severely abnormal. Other patients were already diagnosed and on medication for hypothyroid, but sought out the Shames’ medical help because their treatment was not eliminating their symptoms.
Each case presented illustrates on of the many intersting pieces of medical information in the book. “Thyroid Power” is a treasure-trove of information about all the different tests and treatments available for hypothyroid conditions. You’ll learn which tests are most commonly used to diagnose hypothyroidism, contrasted with which tests are most accurate, as well as which medications are most widely prescribed, and why alternate medications work better for many patients. There is even a special section of the book for medical professionals, presenting citations to various studies and papers supporting the points presented in the book.
The Shames’ have a couple somewhat controversial beliefs about treating hypothyroidism, but their case histories and research information presented in this book may be just what you need to convince a reluctant doctor to consider more unconventional treatment for your case.
For instance, they support the idea of “trial runs” of thyroid medication even in cases where testing shows values within normal range, on the rationale that if the medication brings relief of apparent hypothyroid symptoms, the patient must have suffered sub-optimal thyroid function for their individual case, despite showing ‘normal’ test values. They also suggest that in some cases, medicating to the point of TSH suppression (where the pituitary no longer produces significant amounts of thyroid stimulating hormone) is acceptable if that is the only way to bring about symptom relief for the patient.
Overall, their philosophy is to use symptomology as the primary measure of a patient’s well being, rather than succumbing to what they call the “tyranny” of test results; but they provide ample information about the tests themselves to give you ammunition if you’re faced with a doctor who dismisses the possibility of thyroid dysfunction on the basis of one or two test results.
They also provide information about a number of other conditions who’s symptoms may mimic or exacerbate hypothyroid, so if you’re NOT suffering impaired thyroid function, you’ll have leads to follow in tracking down what your real problem may be. There is a whole chapter devoted to adrenal insufficiency, and a lot of information about autoimmune disorders and chemical sensitivity. It was good to see this additional information, to know that they weren’t in any way trying to push everyone into a (possibly inaccurate) hypothyroid diagnosis.
The book also features a lot of advice about complementary treatment options such as homeopathic remedies and recommended dietary supplements for thyroid insufficiency and general autoimmune issues. There is surprisingly in-depth information about water fluoridation and other potentially aggravating environmental issues thyroid patients should be aware of.
This is definitely THE book to buy, if you suspect hypothyroidism in yourself or a loved one, but have been ‘blown off’ by your doctor because one or two test results came out within normal range; or if you’re currently being treated for hypothyroidism, but feel your medication isn’t bringing enough relief from your symptoms. You can take or leave the reccomendations for specific dietary supplements at the end of the book… the basic medical information is MORE than worth the cover price.
Buy Thyroid Power from Amazon.com
technorati tags: hypothyroidism, hypothyroid, thyroid, thyroidpower, health, medical, mivox