Depressed, overworked, or just feelin' old are common enough complaints. But when disparate symptoms such as joint pain, weight gain, and foggy-headedness join the ranks, it's time to think thyroid. As the "throttle" for the body's energy hormones, the thyroid affects every organ and cell; when it's in trouble, any variety of ailments--physical and mental--can occur. Trouble is, physicians are more likely to treat each symptom independently, with pill upon pill, rather than search for a root cause. Bolstered by 25 years of treating patients with low thyroid condition, husband-and-wife team Richard L. Shames, M.D., and Karilee H. Shames, R.N., Ph.D., ably explain the physical and emotional profiles of those diagnosed with the disease, why the proverbial deck is stacked against them, and how each patient can forge an effective path of treatment.

"Consider Thyroid Power a long, personal visit with a caring, prevention-oriented practitioner," state the authors. The journey begins with thyroid basics: how this little hormone-producing tissue operates, signs that things are amiss, how other illnesses compound the problem, and how to determine one's risk for hypothyroidism. Next, the Shameses discuss the labyrinth of diagnostic and treatment issues a patient must endure. Helpful and harmful supplements and environmental factors, repairing the immune system (the origin of thyroid troubles), and a rich, sensitive exploration of holistic healing nicely round out this valuable resource. A brief section titled "Show This to Your Doctor," penned by Richard, perfectly crystallizes the book and provides an effective tool for initiating a patient/physician dialogue. --Liane Thomas


From Library Journal
Richard Shames, a physician, and his wife, Karilee, a Ph.D.-prepared registered nurse, have written "a step-by-step approach to healing low thyroid," a condition they feel affects far more people than is generally recognized. In ten steps, the authors outline the different kinds of thyroid disease, its manifestations, how it can be diagnosed, and the variety of ways it can be treated. The style is very readable and includes Karilee's personal account of dealing with low thyroid. A number of appendixes (though they are not so named) collect information on topics discussed throughout the book a glossary of terms, resources, the kinds of tests, etc. The authors refer to numerous studies and other books that are included in both the notes for each chapter and in a "Further Reading" section. This book will complement other consumer health titles such as Ridha Arem's The Thyroid Solution (LJ 6/1/99) and Beth Ann Ditkoff and Paul Lo Gerfo's briefer The Thyroid Guide (HarperResource, 2000). Recommended for consumer health collections. Mary J. Jarvis, West Texas A & M Univ., Canyon Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
Fatigue; weight gain; depression; arthritis; high cholestrol; low sex drive; skin, digestive, and female problems; abnormal blood pressure -- all may be symptoms of low thyroid, one of the most misdiagnosed disorders in America. Thyroid Power can help you determine whether you're one of the millions who suffer from low thyroid. It discusses food, vitamins, and natural remedies that support thyroid health;explains how to avoid environmental and emotional triggers; and offers tips from thyroid support groups. By following this clear 10-step program and working with your health practitioner, you can channel the incredible power of your thyroid into greater health and well-being.


About the Author
Richard L. Shames, M.D., is a graduate of Harvard College 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 Boca Raton, Florida, and Mill Valley, California, specializing in thyroid treatment.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
This illuminating look at a dysfunction that afflicts many and yet remains under-diagnosed aims to help those who suffer from an underactive thyroid identify the problem and receive treatment that can revitalize their lives. The experience and compassion of the authors -- a married doctor-nurse team who have worked with thyroid patients for more than two decades - shine through in this practical, well-written guide. Full of personal stories (including that of Karilee Shames), the book focuses primarily on two goals: helping readers improve their quality of life, and encouraging them to get the best medical treatment from their health care professionals. This is a must-read for anyone whose enjoyment of life is compromised by sluggishness and fatigue.(Karen Burns)

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A growing health epidemic is sweeping our country and millions may be affected—without knowing it. Undiagnosed or under-treated low thyroid is an energy-sapping illness with diverse symptoms, making diagnosis difficult, including "waking up tired," unexplained aches and pains, mental sluggishness, overweight despite light eating, low sex drive, infertility, allergies, and more. The thyroid gland controls every chemical reaction of every organ in the body. Low thyroid is debilitating—and alarmingly on the rise. Thyroid Power reveals:Why a person may have low thyroid even if their doctor says their blood tests are "normal"Who is most likely to suffer from low thyroidHow low thyroid masquerades as other illnesses and makes any illness worseHow modern life contributes to the problem, from environmental toxins to stress

Thyroid Power provides 10 steps to harness the thyoid's power for health and well-being. The Shameses explain how to get an accurate, cost-effective diagnosis; discover the best dose, brand, or mix of medications, and adopt a lifestyle promoting thyoid health, including the right foods, supplements, and holistic methods.

FROM THE CRITICS

Larry Dossey

Thyroid Power is a vivid picture of the emerging new medicine, which honors not just the body but the mind and spirit as well. This book shows how we as individuals can be a part of our own healthcare, and how we can achieve high-level wellness. [It] simplifies the complex world of thyroid function and gives practical steps that will benefit everyone.

Julia Ross

Thyroid Power provides a fresh, expert look at the epidemic of undiagnosed low thyroid problems in the U.S. The authors have a unique perspective, having experienced the problem personally as well as having developed a successful wholistic approach to it. The Shameses' book offers invaluable guidance. No matter what your M.D. has told you, if you are tired too often and struggle with stubborn overweight, buy this book for a lifesaving second opinion!

John R. Lee

. . .[T]he best book ever written on the subject of thyroid. . . .Read Thyroid Power to learn why conventional thyroid tests are so often inadequate, why thyroid function is so important to your health, how thyroid fits in the complex interplay of the hormone network, diet, stress, the immune system, environmental toxins, and the myriad influences on mytabolism in general.

Elson M. Haas

I am convinced that thyroid dysfunction is more commonplace than the medical profession accepts. This is changing as more doctors see that patients (with sub-clinical hypothytoidism respond favorably to thyroid treatment support. [The Shameses] have put together a user-friendly, insightful guide to help with understanding and treating all kinds of thyroid problems. A valuable addition to medical care.

C. Norman Shealy