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Mary Shomon's Living Well With Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism

About.com Rating 5

By Richard N. Fogoros, M.D., About.com

Updated: November 25, 2005

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As for treating the hypothyroidism (low thyroid) that results when you ablate the thyroid gland, it turns out that using T4 alone (the typical approach used in the U.S.) often is not the best option. Many patients do much better with a combination of T3 and T4.

Mary's book is superb in dealing with all these aspects of treating hyperthyroidism. Hers is the only book I've seen that gives a completely balanced view of radioactive ablation therapy versus drug therapy versus "natural" and alternative therapies. And her discussion of the best way to administer thyroid hormone is also clear, balanced, and in every way excellent.

If you have hyperthyroidism, you MUST read this book. I especially urge you to read the section on treatment before you decide on a form of irreversible treatment such as radioactive iodine therapy. This therapy might indeed be the best thing for you - but please check out all the options before you agree to it.

In America, the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions is no longer something that is dictated by the doctor and passively acceded to by the patient. Patients who approach health care in this way are asking to become the victims of covert rationing, or of medical tradition or dogma that is not really supported by objective facts. Patients who want to do well in our sometimes dangerous health care system will inform themselves to the fullest extent possible - sort of like a Mary Shomon - and negotiate the therapy that's best for them.

And if you have hyperthyroidism I can't think of a better way to empower yourself than to read Mary Shomon's book, Living Well With Grave's Disease and Hyperthyroidism.

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