Thyroid News from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
The latest issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism has been published, and it's worth checking out to explore some of the latest thyroid-related news and information:If a woman is breastfeeding and has excessive iodine intake, this may cause hypothyroidism in her infant. (See abstract.)
After thyroid cancer, thyroid patients who have had withdrawal of levothyroxine -- versus use of recombinant TSH (Thyrogen) -- have similar rates of tumor recurrence and persistence. This suggests that for many thyroid cancer patients, use of Thyrogen, rather that withdrawal -- which causes hypothyroidism and resulting symptoms -- may be preferable. (See abstract.)
More Information
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Thyroid Cancer a Risk After Childhood Cancer
The International Journal of Cancer recently reported on research coming out of the British Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (BCCSS). The study looked at the risk of thyroid cancers in children treated for other cancers.88% of thyroid cancers developed after exposure to radiotherapy that occurred in or around the thyroid gland. The risk of thyroid cancer was highest after Hodgkin's disease and Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Patients treated with radiation therapy for childhood cancer had a greater than fourfold increased risk of developing thyroid cancer, according to the researchers.
Overall, the research showed that childhood cancer survivors are 18 times more likely to develop thyroid cancer than members of the general population.
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Source: Taylor Aliki J. et. al. "Risk of thyroid cancer in survivors of childhood cancer: Results from the British Childhood Cancer Survivor Study," International Journal of Cancer, Volume 125 Issue 10, Pages 2400 - 2405, Published Online: 18 May 2009, Issue November 15, 2009 Abstract
Rockefeller Center Display Reminds People to "Check Your Neck" for Thyroid Cancer
EHE International and the Light of Life Foundation for thyroid cancer have arranged for a window display at Rockefeller Center throughout November to remind Americans to "Check Your Neck" for thyroid cancer. The display features images from the Light of Life Foundation's public awareness campaign.In a press release, the Light of Life Foundation president and founder Joan Shey, said: "Awareness is the key to early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer. It's appropriate that as we head into winter and begin to wrap our wool scarves around our necks that we think about checking that vital organ that keeps our bodies regulated."
According to the press release, "Purple scarves, the symbol for LOL, will be prominent in the window display as will butterflies, which are a symbol of the thyroid."
The window display, located at 10 Rockefeller Plaza, may be viewed by the public from November 2, 2009 - November 30, 2009.
More information about the Light of Life Foundation is available online.
WANT TO DO A THYROID NECK CHECK?
Here's how to do a Thyroid Neck Check yourself.
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Obesity Not Caused by Thyroid, Claims Uninformed Green Bay Health Company Executive
Jeff Mason, who runs a health care system in the Green Bay, Wisconsin area, exemplifies the typical uninformed attitude about thyroid disease and the connection to weight loss, in his guest article at the Green Bay Press Gazette, titled "Pay for nature, not nurture." Mason asserts that "The reality is that very little obesity in the U.S. is actually caused by thyroid or other medical problems."
Currently, we have an estimated 60 million Americans with thyroid problems. The vast majority of them have yet to be diagnosed, much less treated. Since undiagnosed and untreated thyroid problems can cause weight gain and obesity, to cavalierly dismiss thyroid problems as Mr. Mason has done -- not to mention, to oversee health care systems that provide lackluster treatment at best of those thyroid patients who have already been diagnosed -- is uninformed and irresponsible -- yet far too common.
Last I checked, Mr. Mason's credentials -- FACHE (Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives) -- do not qualify him to be diagnosing thyroid conditions, or determining whether thyroid disease is a contributing factor to weight gain.
It'd be interesting to see how quickly Mr. Mason would change his tune if he, like many thyroid patients (not to mention others with metabolic and hormonal issues, including diabetics) found himself working out many hours a week, eating 1,000 calories a day or less, and gaining weight every day.
Sadly, Mr. Mason's guest column exemplifies the lackadaisical, blame-the-patient attitude that many health care managers and physicians have about diagnosing thyroid problems, especially in people who are overweight. Poor diagnosis and treatmen tof thyroid disease is one direct cause of the nation's increasing problems with obesity, depression, and heart disease. Mr. Mason should spend more time looking at the implications of failing to diagnose and treat thyroid disease properly, and less time pontificating about personal choice.
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Bring on the Flow: New Book Tackles Myths, Mysteries and Cultural History of the Menstrual Period
I'll be doing a review of this terrific new book myself soon, but I wanted to tip off readers to the publication next week of a must-read book. It's called Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation, and it's by Elissa Stein and Susan Kim. Women with thyroid disease know that menstrual period irregularities are common with thyroid conditions. We don't talk about it much, however, because of the taboos and discomfort out there talking about menstruation in general. (Thyroid disease also faces a number of taboos, so put thyroid disease together with menstrual problems, and you can end up with a total communications blackout!)
Which is why I'm so thrilled that Elissa Stein has written this book! Says Elissa: "Flow tells you where it's at about menstruation: what it is, what we've been told and how we've been sold, and what we should definitely know. It's the most natural of cycles with the most unnatural of histories. It's a funny, fascinating, and occasionally scary story of big business, advertising, feminism, gender roles, medicine, religion, world culture, and above all, good manners . . . in which every single female, young or old, will recognize her story."
To get you started, holistic gynecologist/blogger-writer Rebecca Elia, M.D. has done a terrific interview with Flow's Elissa Stein. Rebecca's interview will give you a good feel for what Flow is about!
You can compare prices for Flow on Pricegrabber, which finds the best prices at your favorite online bookstores.
Want to know more about Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation and its author Elissa Stein?
Here are some great online resources:
- Flow: Official Website
- Flow: Youtube channel (Note: don't miss the terrific series of sassy videos for the book!)
- Flow: Facebook page
- Elissa Stein's Blog
- Follow Elissa Stein on Twitter
Image: Elissa Stein
Thyroid Support on the Web
One of the most amazing things about the Internet is the ability to connect with people, around your town, your state, the country -- or even the world -- who share similar interests. And for many thyroid patients, the Internet can be a terrific resource to connect, find other patients for support and information, and a friendly voice who understands what you're going through.If you're interested in thyroid support online, there are a number of places you can start. First, we have eight thyroid support forums right here at the About.com Thyroid site. Your starting point can be the main About.com Thyroid Disease Forum features hundreds of active discussions each day, on a broad cross-section of thyroid-related topics.
We also have a number of other specialized thyroid support forums here at About.com, including the following:
- Thyroid Diet and Weight Loss for Thyroid Patients: Support Forum
- Thyroid Disease Support Forum for Patients in the United Kingdom and Ireland
- Hyperthyroidism & Graves' Disease: Support Forum
- Thyroid & Hormones, Fertility, Menopause Support Forum
- Thyroid Cancer Support Forum
- Discuss Top Thyroid Doctors & Thyroid Support Groups
- Alternative Medicine for Thyroid Disease
Some people prefer a listserv format for support, in which case, you might want to join:
- The Thyroid Listserv on Yahoo -- which covers all facets of thyroid disease, diagnosis, treatment and support
- Save Natural Thyroid Listserv on Yahoo -- is an online support listserv for patients and practitioners interested in protecting the right to natural thyroid drugs
For those who prefer Facebook for support, here are some resources:
- Thyroid Patients Global Support Community -- a Facebook online thyroid support community
- Facebook: Save Natural Thyroid -- a Facebook support group for patients and practitioners interested in protecting the right to natural thyroid drugs
- Facebook: Mary Shomon -- Mary Shomon's Facebook page, where many thyroid patients share their stories, experiences, and questions as part of the thyroid community
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Weight Loss for Thyroid Patients: Webinar on Wednesday, Nov 4, 2009
I'll be joining weight loss expert, Jena la Flamme - founder of the Jena Wellness Center in Manhattan -- for a webinar this coming Wednesday November 4, 2009, to talk about weight loss for thyroid patients. I'll be talking about how thyroid problems can get in the way of losing weight. And Jena is an inspiration when it comes to helping us learn healthy new ways to eat, new ways to think about food, and most importantly, how to think about and treat our own bodies to successfully lose weight. Sign up for this free call now.
Image: Jena La Flamme
Is Your Thyroid Making You Fat? Dr. Kent Holtorf Explains How Thyroid Patients Can Lose Weight With Hormone Balance
Are you a thyroid patient who has tried to lose weight, but you haven't found the solution that works for you? Do you feel like you could eat almost nothing, and exercise all day long, and you still wouldn't lose a pound? Have you tried popular diet plans and actually gained weight following them to the letter? (I did!! The group leader keep telling me I must be cheating! How frustrating!) Are you convinced that your metabolism changed dramatically after your thyroid went haywire, but you don't know to possibly do to fix it? Dr. Kent Holtorf has worked with patients just like us, and he has some truly groundbreaking advice that can transform an unsuccessful and frustrating diet into healthy weight loss and balanced hormones!
In this incredible interview, you'll find out about thyroid resistance, insulin resistance, leptin resistance and hypothalamic resistance and their effect on your ability to lose weight. Find out about reverse T3 and leptin testing, and the use of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), diabetes medicines like Byetta, Symlin, and Glucophage (metformin), and T3 thyroid treatment that can help thyroid patients finally achieve weight loss success!
Read this exciting interview with Dr. Holtorf now!
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Thyroid Surgery Safe in People over 65
A new study found that thyroid surgery does not cause more complications in people over 65, versus younger patients.With an aging population, the need for thyroid surgery in older patients is on the rise, but there are often concerns about surgery in older patients.
Study author Melanie Seybt, MD and colleagues found no difference in the rates of complications from thyroid surgery -- mainly vocal cord paralysis, and hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) -- affecting patients over 65, versus younger patients.
With an increasingly aged population, more people over 65 may require thyroid surgery as a treatment for thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. The study's author's concluded that "thyroid surgery in elderly patients is safe and no more dangerous than surgery in youthful patients."
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Source: Archives of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery 2009;135[10]:1041-1044.
What Thyroid Patients Need to Know About the Flu
When it comes to questions about the regular old seasonal flu, and this year's newest strain, the H1N1 Flu (aka, "swine flu") I turn to our About.com Cold and Flu Guide, Kristin Duda, for some terrific coverage of the issues. If you're interested in finding out more about the flu, I strongly recommend you visit Kristin's site for the latest information, including the following: Is the H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine Safe? -- Now that the vaccine is starting to become available around the country, many people believe that it isn't safe. What's the story?
All About the Swine Flu Vaccine -- Information on the vaccine, and recommendations regarding who should get it.
Your Complete Guide to Swine Flu -- Kristin has put together "Everything you need to know about the H1N1/Swine Flu Pandemic."
Just for Thyroid Patients
There are several specific articles of interest here at the About.com Thyroid site that present flu/influenza information for thyroid patients.
Do Thyroid Patients Need a Flu Shot? -- Whether or not thyroid and autoimmune disease patients should or should not get a flu shot -- the influenza vaccine -- each year is always a controversial question. Take a look at some of the considerations.
Swine Flu and Desiccated Porcine Thyroid Medication From Pigs -- A look at whether there is any potential risk of H1N1 ("swine flu") from the natural thyroid drugs that are made from desiccated porcine thyroid -- derived from pigs.
Cough & Cold Medicines and Decongestants: What Should Thyroid Patients Take for Cold and Flu? -- Why do over-the-counter cough medicines, cold medicines, and decongestants say "Do Not Take If You Have Thyroid Disease"? And what CAN you take for cold and flu?
But ideally, if you can, find out How to Avoid Getting the Flu.
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