Book by Pamela Wartian Smith, MD, MPH, MS
$18.95, 356 pages, 6 x 9-inch paperback, ISBN 978-0-7570-0533-6

Imagine learning that many of today’s most common health issues can be caused by one common problem – a dysfunctioning thyroid gland. This butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck is responsible for producing key hormones that regulate our metabolism, heart rate, growth, reproductive functions, and more. Research estimates that one in 20 people has a thyroid problem, with the majority of sufferers being women. 

To make matters worse, many who are affected by thyroid dysfunction are unaware that they even have a problem and typically go undiagnosed for years, if at all. In the meantime, they experience a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain or loss, forgetfulness, sleepless nights, irritability, and more. And over time, by missing the root cause of these problems, each of these symptoms can have a devastating effect on a person’s life, but it doesn’t have to be this way. 

Written by best-selling health author Dr. Pamela Wartian Smith, What You Must Know About Thyroid Disorders & What to Do About Them, Second Edition, enables readers to identify common thyroid problems and seek the treatment they need. Written in easy-to-understand language, this updated edition begins by explaining how important the thyroid is in regulating the body’s metabolism – this is the chemical process that occurs within the body that breaks down our nutrients, eliminates our body’s waste products, and maintains all of our life functions. It is the thyroid hormone that plays such a vital role in controlling the functions of the heart, brain, liver, lungs, kidneys, and intestines. The book then goes on to discuss the most common thyroid-related disorders and symptoms, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune dysfunction, celiac disease, thyroid cancer, mood swings, and excess weight gain. 

Each discussion features an overview of the disorder that can help readers to determine if they may be suffering from the problem. This includes hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, and other disorders associated with these various thyroid issues. It then explains the disorder’s cause, common symptoms, and diagnostic tests, as well as providing both conventional and alternative treatment approaches. A handy resource section is also included to point the way to further support. 

While there are literally hundreds of drugs and over-the-counter medications designed to alleviate these symptoms – and while many do work, unfortunately, most miss the underlying cause. The facts show that many of these health problems are related to thyroid dysfunction, and so many individuals suffer needlessly – even though help is available. What You Must Know About Thyroid Disorders & What to Do About Them, Second Edition, allows readers to take the first important step on the road to diagnosis, elective treatment, and wellness.

About the Author

Pamela Wartian Smith, MD, MPH, MS, is a diplomate of the American Academy of AntiAging Physicians and director of the master’s program in medical sciences, with a concentration in metabolic and nutritional medicine, at the University of South Florida School of Medicine. An authority on the subjects of wellness and anti-aging, Dr. Smith is also director of the Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Regenerative, and Functional Medicine. Currently, she is the owner and director of the Center for Healthy Living, with locations in Michigan and Florida. Dr. Smith is also the best-selling author of What You Must Know About Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & So Much More

Introduction

All the hormones in the body are a symphony. Much like an orchestra, required to play in tune, your hormonal symphony must be in tune throughout your life in order for you to have optimal health. Your thyroid gland is more important than you might think. You probably are aware that you have a thyroid gland, but chances are that you may not know the major role it plays in the complex workings of your body. The thyroid gland regulates most everything that occurs in your system. It is, in fact, the conductor of the wonderful symphony that occurs daily in your body. Commonly, it is not until you experience a thyroid dysfunction that you start understanding not only the importance of your thyroid, but also the complexity of how your thyroid affects your well-being. The fact that you are reading this book indicates that you may suspect that you or a loved one has a thyroid problem, or that a specific thyroid issue has already been identified. If that is the case, I believe you’ve come to the right place. My goal in writing this book is to provide you with an overall understanding of the function of the thyroid gland, the important role the thyroid hormones play in keeping your bodily functions in tune, and the influence the thyroid gland has on your other bodily systems. Just as significant, this book will also offer a closer look at the various problems that arise when the thyroid malfunctions or is not operating optimally.

This book is divided into 18 chapters. Chapter 1 looks at the role the thyroid gland plays as part of the endocrine system – that is, the group of organs and glands responsible for the production of your body’s hormones. The text then focuses on the many functions carried on by thyroid hormones and what may occur if they are not at peak levels. Furthermore, just as important is the information contained in this section on how to maintain a healthy thyroid. 

In the following chapters we examine specific thyroid disorders. Chapter 2 discusses hypothyroidism, the condition that occurs when the thyroid is underperforming. In Chapter 3, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid, is explored. Chapter 4 examines hyperthyroidism, a condition created when the thyroid produces elevated levels of thyroid hormones. Chapter 5, Graves’ disease, the most common form of hyperthyroidism, is reviewed. Likewise, in Chapter 6, provided is information on the lesser-known forms of hyperthyroidism as well as the various disorders caused by, or associated with, hyperthyroidism. Within each of these chapters you will learn about risk factors, causes, and signs and symptoms. You will see how a diagnosis for each disease process is derived, and the treatments used for these thyroid disorders. Whenever possible, a prognosis will be provided, in other words, what the likely outcome will be.

The next chapters deal with the most common and serious health disorders created as a result of thyroid dysfunction. Chapter 7 covers thyroid hormones and your memory; Chapter 8, thyroid hormones and your mood; Chapter 9, thyroid hormones and your heart; Chapter 10, thyroid hormones and hypertension (high blood pressure); and Chapter 11, thyroid hormones and digestive health. In addition, Chapter 12 looks at the thyroid gland and kidney disease; Chapter 13, thyroid and its role in reproductive health; and Chapter 14, thyroid and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which is now becoming a common disorder in most industrialized countries including the United States. Moreover, Chapter 15 examines the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and weight gain, Chapter 16 explores thyroid health, diabetes, and insulin resistance, and Chapter 17 reviews Covid-19 and thyroid gland function. As you will discover, the role played by the thyroid hormones interacting with the heart, brain, kidney, liver, digestive system, and other organs is critical to your well-being.

In Chapter 18, thyroid cancer is discussed by first explaining what thyroid cancer is. Its risk factors and symptoms are also elucidated. Because I have found patients can be overwhelmed by not only the situation, but also the medical jargon thrown at them, I will explain the terms commonly used to describe the test, characteristics of the cells, the stages, and the treatments provided. I will then discuss each of the most common thyroid cancers. For every single one, I will include risk factors, causes, and signs and symptoms. In addition, I will describe how each is diagnosed, its standard treatments, and its prognosis. By the end of this book, as you will come to see, although relatively small, the thyroid gland plays many vital roles in the human body. Through its release of hormones, it helps regulate heart rate, breathing, digestion, body temperature, weight, mood, memory, and so much more. It is my hope that the information in this book will provide you with all the important facts you may be looking for to achieve and maintain optimal health.