After 11 years with hypothyroidism, this book finally answered all of my questions. If your lab tests say you're normal, but you don't feel normal, this book explains it ALL. Highly recommend!

This book was very easy to read and understand. It had a wealth of information in it. I would recommend it to anyone who has any questions and wants answers about the thyroid gland. The book gives some great programs for you to follow.

I was very disappointed in this book. Didn't feel that I learned anything that I didn't already know.

This doctor goes very in-depth in his explanations of symptoms and how the thyroid works, but he is never talking over your head. He explains in easy-to-understand language how the thyroid works and what happens when it doesn't. This book has caused me to search for a new endocrinologist who is as concerned for his/her patient's overall health as Dr Arem. I recommend this book to all who are suffering from thyroid disease, even if you have had it for a long time. You will learn something new about your disease and it's treatment.

I had severe (tsh 337.85) hypothyroidism by the time I was diagnosed. This is the only author that I've seen that even mentioned some of the things that I experienced. I think that this doctor has a real feel for what the thyroid patient goes through.

This is the most informative book I have found on this subject.
I was able to get specific,understandable details from what testing accomplishes to symtoms, all the way to how to live with thyroid disease.
Well written and in laymen's language.

No review needed. It is my bible. It saved my sanity. Awesome Info. #1

I have hypothyroid and have found this book to be a helpful resource to which I refer frequently.

This book is really a great source of introductory information on Thyroid function, disorders, treatments, and risks and failures of some treatments. I would also recommend Elaine Moore's books on this subject, but this would be a good first read. It will prepare you for her more advanced introduction of information. One of the highlights of this book was the constant sharing of personal experience stories that you will definitely find useful. The frustration of not being diagnosed until the symptoms kick your physician in the knee is lessened somewhat when you read of all the other people who've had similar frustrating experiences. This book will also arm you with an understanding that will help you spot disorders in your friends and family, quite possibly sparing them the long term of frustation and confusion.

I would be the first to suggest that endocrinologists and doctors in general will not spend the time to help you find out the cause of your thyroid disorder. For instance, is it bad or is it under an autoimmune attack? If the latter is the case, killing the thyroid alone will not address the autoimmune attack on other organs in your body. You really want to know how to intelligently ask your doctor questions like, "What happens to the parathyroids when you irradiate my thyroid?" "Can you guarantee I will not know the difference between what my thyroid used to produce and what some synthetic drug will do on my mind and body?" etc.

I'm not saying that Radioactive Iodine is terrible or in some situations, it may even be the best solution-- it is just not the only solution to these illnesses and for some reason, in the USA, RAI is the first option they always discuss using. Once Radiated, your thyroid is gone forever.

If you want to understand your illness so you can be your own advocate, this book is a great fist step. It is also quite inexpensive, compared to most special interest books on this topic. Scotty/Sioux City

This is the most comprehensive book about thyroid diseases on the market. Hypo and hyperthyroidism and their treatments are covered in great details. The author pays particular attention to the mental aspects of these illnesses.

Arem Ridha is way ahead of his colleagues in his recognition of T3 as a crucial ingredient in hormone replacement. 20% of the thyroid made by a healthy thyroid gland is T3. Yet when it comes to thyroid hormone replacement T3 is not prescribed by most doctors. If you've been on Synthroid and not feeling well, talk to your doctor about either adding the missing T3 or using the natural thyroid that contains T3 and T4 in one pill. There's a reason why the T3 containing preparations work better. I admire the authors admittance of not being able to treat patients despite the normal blood tests and his willingness to search for the solution for his patients. T3 is the secret ingredient of the "Thyroid Solution" described in this book.

The only shortcomings are limited coverage of Hashimoto and adrenal insufficiency (which often goes hand in hand with the thyroid disease). The thyroid resistance (Hypothyroidism Type II) isn't covered either. The author seems to be on the fence with the TSH. Some parts of the book question whether TSH is the golden standard and whether its wide 'normal' range can be trusted; other parts of the book advise to go by TSH. Will see where the author stands with his next edition.

All in all, this is a wonderful and much needed book!

The Thyroid Solution is the best single book I have read discussing thyroid hormone replacement. Dr. Arem Ridha provides a thorough explanation of the various thyroid hormone tests, including T4, T3, TRH, TSH, TPO, Antithyroglobulin, Antimicrosomal Antibody and TSab. Numerous case histories make the book more readable and understandable.

I was very impressed with the discussion of pins and needles pain and carpal tunnel syndrome correlations with hypothyroidism.

I especially enjoyed his discussion of the historical impact of hypothyroidism, upon Napoleon, Boris Yeltsin and the Bush family.

This book contains far more thyroid hormone information than most physicians know. This is a controversial statement, but it is based upon listening to the stories of many patients, testing them and observing them rapidly improve, after they received effective thyroid hormone replacement. Sadly, one of our fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue patients reported a seven year quest, involving 36 different health care providers, who finally treated her with thyroxine. Although she finally received a hypothyroidism diagnosis, she only had energy for two hours after awakening, before needing to return to bed. After we correctly treated her with T3, Cytomel, she had energy for 12 hours daily.

Another patient reported he had to consult five health care providers, before finding one who would prescribe desiccated Armour Thyroid extract for his aging mother. He thanked me profusely, explaining her depression and brain fog lifted 48 hours, after receiving a mixture of T4 and T3 thyroid hormone. He reported she began feeding herself and smiling again.

Almost without exception, our Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients regain energy for eight to twelve hours daily, when treated with liothyronine, T3.

If you are weary of physician after physician telling you your hypothyroid symptoms are "all in your head" and you need to see a psychiatrist, read this book and find a physician willing to prescribe a trial of T3 thyroid hormone. ZRT Laboratory, in Beaverton, Oregon has a blood spot finger prick test available to the public, which can measure T3, T4 and TPO. If you can not convince your doctor to order thyroid testing, you can call ZRT Lab (866 600 1636)and ask them to send the test kit to you. Perhaps, when you have the actual test results, you can find a physician knowlegeable enough to prescribe the hormones you need.

Many patients are placed on antidepressant medications which accelerate weight gain and obliterate libido, when they actually need thyroid hormone. Many others are placed on expensive statins, to lower cholesterol, when thyroid hormone would work better, with fewer side effects and many additional benefits.

Undiagnosed and inadequately treated hypothyroidism is epidemic, in the United States and contributes heavily to our obesity epidemic and spiraling health care costs. Many environmental factors contribute to obesity, including pesticide, hormone and plastic residues, in addition to overuse of antibiotics. Polychlorinated Biphenyls can interfere with thyroid hormone receptors.

If you are attempting to avoid pharmaceuticals and other non natural treatments, please realize thyroid hormones are natural to our bodies.

You no longer live in a natural world, unless you grow your own food on an organic farm, in New Zealand, Switzerland or some other remote location. You are probably drinking chlorinated, fluorinated water or bottled water contaminated with bis phenol or other estrogenic plastic residues.

Steven Sponaugle
Research Director, Florida Detox

This book contains far more thyroid hormone information than most physicians know. I realize this is a controversial statement, but it is based upon listening to the stories of many patients, testing them and observing them rapidly improve, after they received effective thyroid hormone replacement. Sadly, one of our fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue patients reported a seven year quest, involving 36 different health care providers, who finally treated her with thyroxine. Although she finally received a hypothyroidism diagnosis, she only had energy for two hours after awakening, before needing to return to bed. After we correctly treated her with T3, Cytomel, she had energy for 12 hours daily.

Another patient reported he had to consult five health care providers, before finding one who would prescribe desiccated Armour Thyroid extract for his aging mother. He continuously thanked me profusely, explaining her depression and brain fog lifted 48 hours, after receiving a mixture of T4 and T3 thyroid hormone. He reported she began feeding herself and smiling again.

Almost without exception, our Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients regain energy for eight to twelve hours daily, when treated with liothyronine, T3.

If you are weary of physician after physician telling you your hypothyroid symptoms are "all in your head" and you need to see a psychiatrist, read this book and find a physician willing to prescribe a trial of T3 thyroid hormone. ZRT Laboratory, in Beaverton, Oregon has a blood spot finger prick test available to the public, which can measure T3, T4 and TPO. If you can not convince your doctor to order thyroid testing, you can call ZRT Lab (866 600 1636)and ask them to send the test kit to you. Perhaps, when you have the actual test results, you can find a physician knowlegeable enough to prescribe the hormones you need.

Many patients are placed on antidepressant medications which accelerate weight gain and obliterate libido, when they actually need thyroid hormone. Many others are placed on expensive statins, to lower cholesterol, when thyroid hormone would work better, with fewer side effects and many additional benefits.

The Thyroid Solution is the best single book I have read discussing thyroid hormone replacement. Dr. Arem Ridha provides a thorough explanation of the various thyroid hormone tests, including T4, T3, TRH, TSH, TPO, Antithyroglobulin, Antimicosomal Antibody and TSab.

I was very impressed with the discussion of pins and needles pain and carpal tunnel syndrome correlations with hypothyroidism.

I especially enjoyed his discussion of the historical impact of hypothyroidism, upon Napoleon, Boris Yeltsin and the Bush family.

Undiagnosed and inadequately treated hypothyroidism is epidemic, in the United States and contributes heavily to our obesity epidemic and spiraling health care costs. Many environmental factors contribute to obesity, including pesticide, hormone and plastic residues, in addition to overuse of antibiotics. You no longer live in a natural world, unless you grow your own food on an organic farm, in New Zealand, Switzerland or some other remote location. You are probably drinking chlorinated, fluorinated water or bottled water contaminated with bis phenol or other estrogenic plastic residues. If you are attempting to avoid pharmaceuticals and other non natural treatments, please realize thyroid hormones are natural to our bodies.

Steven Sponaugle
Research Director, Florida Detox

This book contains far more thyroid hormone information than most physicians know. I realize this is a controversial statement, but it is based upon listening to the stories of many patients, testing them and observing them rapidly improve, after they received effective thyroid hormone replacement. Sadly, one of our fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue patients reported a seven year quest, involving 36 different health care providers, who finally treated her with thyroxine. Although she finally received a hypothyroidism diagnosis, she only had energy for two hours after awakening, before needing to return to bed. After we correctly treated her with T3, Cytomel, she had energy for 12 hours daily.

Another patient reported he had to consult five health care providers, before finding one who would prescribe desiccated Armour Thyroid extract for his aging mother. He continuously thanked me profusely, explaining her depression and brain fog lifted 48 hours, after receiving a mixture of T4 and T3 thyroid hormone. He reported she began feeding herself and smiling again.

Almost without exception, our Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients regain energy for eight to twelve hours daily, when treated with liothyronine, T3.

If you are weary of physician after physician telling you your hypothyroid symptoms are "all in your head" and you need to see a psychiatrist, read this book and find a physician willing to prescribe a trial of T3 thyroid hormone.

Many patients are placed on antidepressant medications which accelerate weight gain and obliterate libido, when they actually need thyroid hormone. Many others are placed on expensive statins, to lower cholesterol, when thyroid hormone would work better, with fewer side effects and many additional benefits.

The Thyroid Solution is the best single book I have read discussing thyroid hormone replacement. Dr. Arem Ridha provides a thorough explanation of the various thyroid hormone tests, including T4, T3, TRH, TSH, TPO, Antithyroglobulin, Antimicosomal Antibody and TSab.

I was very impressed with the discussion of pins and needles pain and carpal tunnel syndrome correlations with hypothyroidism.

I especially enjoyed his discussion of the historical impact of hypothyroidism, upon Napoleon, Boris Yeltsin and the Bush family.

Undiagnosed and inadequately treated hypothyroidism is epidemic, in the United States and contributes heavily to our obesity epidemic and spiraling health care costs. Many environmental factors contribute to obesity, including pesticide, hormone and plastic residues, in addition to overuse of antibiotics. You no longer live in a natural world, unless you grow your own food on an organic farm, in New Zealand, Switzerland or some other remote location. You are probably drinking chlorinated, fluorinated water or bottled water contaminated with bis phenol or other estrogenic plastic residues. If you are attempting to avoid pharmaceuticals and other non natural treatments, please realize thyroid hormones are natural to our bodies.

Steven Sponaugle
Research Director, Florida Detox

My Dr. recomended I read this book when we found out I had low thyroid. It was amazing, it was almost like this book was written about me!

I've been taking thyroid meds for 15 years now and will have to for the rest of my life. I can honestly say it DOES affect you in many ways; from being tired all the time, to having no energy to even get out if bed sometimes. I'm also taking an antidepressant which has helped wonders in my 6 month TSH lab work; it was never stable before, but after 15 years of meds and the antidepressant, I can finally say I feel fine.

Marina Kushner
Author
The Truth About Caffeine: How Companies That Promote It Deceive Us and What We Can Do about It

This book is an eye opener. It has saved us from becoming victims of misdiagnosed thyroid disorders. I bought three books: one for myself, one for my son's doctor and one for my mother-in-law. I learn so much about why we are the way we are. Recognizing the problems is half of the battle. I just can't thank Dr. Arem enough!

After reading his book cover to cover, I made an appointment with Dr. Arem in Houston. He practices what he writes. A superb diagnostician and brilliant. I highly recommend his book and Dr. Arem as a physician. A Patient

A fundamental guidebook for understanding the thyroid. This book has everything my specialist doctor should have told me (and never did!). A buy for all those who look for clear answers and explanations on the subject.

If you have any questions about your Thyroid, this is the book to get. I've been to 4 different doctors, all telling me my Thyroid is "normal", even with a Pituitary tumor. Wrong!!!!
This book was recommended by a family friend who is a nurse, with a Thyroid problem. Wow. After reading this, I've helped my mother get treatment for Grave's Disease, and am currently being treated for a rare thyroid condition.
This was my 5th purchase of this book. After lending it out, I don't seem to get it back!!!! A must read for anyone not feeling "right".

This book tell all aobut every apect of thyroid dysfunction. It is the clearest text on the subject I have found as a nurse. I give it to everyone who has any hint of thryoid problems.

The book would be too big to pick up if it covered every aspect of such a complicated disease and its therapies. But it does give a solid foundation of knowledge from which one can seek out a doctor who is truly qualified to help the thryoid patient. None of my doctors believed all the symptoms I brought to them seeking relief. One day I happened across Dr. Arem's book, bought it, memorized it, made an appointment. Thank God for Dr. Arem.

He's continued to educate me on caring for my thyroid body as the years go by, making adjustments along the way. I see him twice a year now, after many years of going every three months, due to my particular health issues. I'm back to normal and my spouse isn't afraid of who is waiting at home anymore....

This author promises to provide the solution, but really doesn't present anything new. Likes to talk about how good he is. Does provide some helpful information about diet and exercise, but covered this in one chapter.

I was having alot of problems and none of the several doctors and one specialist I tried knew what to do with me. I bought several thyroid books, but this one answered all of my questions. The author is eminently qualified to write this book, and has done so in a readable and down to earth, yet detailed way. Thyroid problems can affect every aspect of your life in ways you might not imagine--you need to be well informed and this book will do it.

I was very pleased with this book. I feel like I know a lot more about hypothyrodism than I did before. Dr. Arem goes in depth in explaining the symptoms whether emotional, mental or physical. I read it and I still use it as a reference. Because I am suffering from hypothyrodism, I had to learm more about it and still use this book to guide me in nutrition. This has tremendously helped in addition to the medications. I started loosing weight after two weeks of following his advice, this was great considering I had hard time with my weight and felt hopeless. I'm very glad I bought this book, it answered many questions I had.

A family history of thyroid imbalance had me checking thyroid from early twenties to cope with infertility, depression, et al. I've watched my thyroid values climb and plummet throughout the past 15 years. When thyroid values 'normal' by establishment I was given antidepressant (TSH value was 3.0+). It didn't change symptoms. At 40 years, my TSH value walked out of 'norm' and I was given thyroid hormone. I hadn't felt so well since I was 25!

This book includes many charts and values of tests, how to interpret results of tests, diet for optimum health, etc. His book was a great help in understanding my condition. Depression cleared, memory restored, fatigue gone since on thyroid hormone.

I'm at the airport posting this review and looking forward to my long flight now that I have this book. Halfway through I simply cannot put it down.[...]

Dr. Arem's information enabled me to become a participant in my healthcare--not a sickly compliant. Thank you Dr. Arem!

I was recently diagnosed with a thyroid nodule. I then purchased the Thyroid Solution. When my thyroid was removed and found to be hurthle cell carcinoma, I was able to better understand what my Dr explained to me. This book was wonderful and extremely helpful. Now I wish I could find out more about Hurthle cell carcinoma. CMMitchell

I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroid disease. This is the most informative book I have read. I highly recommend this book written for patients and then to provide to their primary care physicians. I wished I had read this book years ago and would not have suffered as long as I did. Five Stars and thank you Dr. Amen.

This book was purchased on the advice of a friend. She was familiar with the symptoms of thyroid disease and recognized that I had a few. I read most of it BEFORE I met with my regular physician so that I would know exactly what tests to insist upon. To make a long story short... it was an essential part of my solution! Within about 3 weeks I was diagnosed w/hypothyroidism, then Hashimotos, then thyroid cancer! I've personally met Dr. Arem and he has a wealth of knowledge and experience as well as a keen ability to help people suffering from the effects of a less than perfect thyroid! His book is a great place to start if you suspect you may have a thyroid problem or just want to take the proper steps to rule out the possibility.

Im 27 yrs old and was diagnoised with Hypothyroidism about 2 yrs ago and was seeing a regular Doctor and i wasnt getting better. I started to see a thyroid specialist and he reccommened this book and im glad he did!! Lots of information i didnt know and i needed to know. Great book to have so u can understand the changes your going through and so can your loved ones!

When I was diagnosed with Grave's disease (hyperthyroid), I read several books on thyroid function. This book is by far the most complete reference. The book explains in detail many of the subjects that other books gloss over. It also contains the most complete discussion of T3 that I've seen.

Now that I'm taking anti-thyroid medication and I've reached a stable level, I'm still reading the book and finding out things I wasn't told. For example, 50% of people gain weight when they start taking anti-thyroid drugs. This would have been helpful for me to know.

For how common thyroid problems are, there seems to be a real problem with correct diagnosis and treatment. In a world of managed care, you need the information in this book.

The Thyroid Solution provides a comprehensive description of the cognitive effects of thyroid disease. It is an excellent source of information for anyone with this disease as well as health care providers. T3, the biologically active form of thyroid hormone, is a brain chemical just like noradrenaline and dopamine. It is essential to the optimal function of your brain. I know what a difference it makes because as soon as I switched from T4 to the natural form of thyroid hormone (which contains T3 & T4) I immediately experienced the benefits. In my opinion there is no comparison between the two hormones.
I found this book very informative and purchased copies for several of my health care providers who either were unfamiliar with or had overlooked the numerous symptoms of hypothyroidism that I exhibited. Dr Ridha provides a great deal of information on both hyper and hypo thyroidism. But don't stop with this book, also make sure you read Dr Broda Barnes "Hypothyroidism the Unsuspected Illness" for a complete overview of the possible effects of low thyroid function. These two book are indispensible for anyone with thyroid disease or just interested in the effects of thyroid hormone in the body.

It is evident from the glowing recommendations that there is not much to add to how valuable The Thyroid Solution has been to patients suffering from thyroid disease. Dr. Ridha is a doctor at Baylor Medical Center, and has plenty of background in treating those who have been undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with thyroid problems. It is recognized that many people suffer needlessly from hypo- or hyperthyroidism because their internists or family practitioners are unfamiliar with endocrinology and the symptoms that present themselves. This book helps those who wonder whether they are being properly treated and supplies information in order that they can go to the right doctor. Many doctors don't like it when their patients become educated...tough. As shown by the other recommendations, obviously lives have been changed for the better. That is the yardstick by which we should measure what the medical truth is.

My family has a history of hypothyroidism. Both my grandmother and my older sister have had their thyroids removed. My younger sister was diagnosed with a cancerous bulge on her thyroid at age 3, and they were wrong, but the lump was removed along with part of her thyroid. She consequently had problems becoming pregnant. I've been hypothyroid for years. My internist was checking my peripheral neuropathy for things like MS and other neurodegenerative diseases of the muscles. Nothing came back positive. Yet, when I'd asked him to consider whether I was receiving adequate thyroid hormone, he refused to consider it. I've been lucky to have him test for changes in my thyroid once a year. The book says a known thyroid problem should be checked every 4-6 weeks, especially when the thyroid levels change. So I've been suffering with peripheral neuropathy and some other problems for over two years; I also have spent much of the last seven years anemic, in spite of removal of my uterus and subsequent iron supplementation. My sister led me to this book...she was positive I was not being treated right for hypothyroidism. After reading the book, I am inclined to believe the book and my sister. I have the familial background, the anemia, the deafness, the pins and needles, and too many other symptoms to count. So I have a referral to a known endocrinologist who is listed as a caring and listening doctor.

It's atrocious that physicians can dismiss the intelligence of women, and the ability of them to know their own body. I am tired of such patronizing attitudes, and hope that this doctor will assist me in restoring me to better health. I don't have time for this, and since I have an MS from med school in Neuroscience, I have more then enough background to know when my doctor is missing important signals.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who suspects he or she may have a problem with their thyroid. If necessary, drag the book into the other doctors and force them to pay attention. If they don't, find another doctor.

Karen L. Sadler,

Science Education,
University of Pittsburgh

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in Sept 2002 and put on T4. Over the next 10 months I was still depressed, gaining weight, unable to remember anything, sleeping constantly, screwing up at work, snapping at my friends, declining social invitations. My doctor put me on Prozac and I saw a therapist briefly, but even though I felt slightly better, I felt like something was just not right with my body. When I read this book I folded down the corner of every page that I could relate to and by the time I was done more than half of the book was dog-eared! I immediately made an appt with my doctor and cited the book, begging her to try T3. Finally she agreed and within *ONE WEEK* I felt like my old self. Three months later I still feel great. If any of this sounds familiar to you, don't suffer anymore -- read this book and get on the road to feeling normal again!

This book was very informative and easy to read. If you have been looking for answers to your thyroid issues- this is it. After seeing several doctors and endocronoligist and getting no relief, I found a doctor willing to share Dr. Arem's beliefs of T3 protocal. Armed with the knowledge of this book, I was able to talk to my doctor and understand what my body was going through. You need to know that Synthroid is not the only answer and this book gives you those facts.

Buy this book as soon as you are diagnosed with a thyroid disorder and read it cover to cover while you are seeking treatment. Even if you are not sure whether you have the disease, it will explain the symptoms so that you can decide whether or not to seek medical diagnosis. Many doctors don't think to look for thyroid disorders, and so it is up to you, the patient, to suggest that they test you. Once they have diagnosed the disorder, they can give you medication, but may not tell you what to expect or how to deal with it.
When I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I could hardly function from day to day. The doctor convinced me that by taking a pill I would fully recover in 4-6 weeks. WRONG. The imbalance sent me into a spiral of health problems, anxiety, depression, weight loss, and appetite changes. I almost dropped out of school. I withdrew from friends and family. Even after my blood levels had returned to normal, I lived in a fog of pain and stress and confusion. I was too tired to turn pages in a book. I'm a PhD candidate and I couldn't even complete a sentence!
This book helped me take control of my life from diagnosis to recovery. It listed both the physical AND emotional symptoms that the doctors hadn't bothered to discuss. It told me which blood tests to request, and how to interpret the results. It suggested treatments and allowed me to understand my dosage scale. And MOST IMPORTANTLY it informed me of the complexity of recovery. No one had bothered to tell me that my symptoms might not resolve simultaneously with my blood levels. No one told me that the imbalance may have additional effects for which I may need supplemental medication (for instance, I required anti-depressants). Dr. Arem not only suggests medicinal treatments for these effects but also physical and psychological treatments to help people cope with the disease and aid their improvement. This book told me EVERYTHING the doctors didn't and allowed me to take control of my recovery. Thyroid disorders affect your body AND your mind, and you need to treat yourself holistically. For the first time in almost five months, I am happy and healthy in both body and spirit. But the doctors could not have done it for me. I had to be informed and take control. THIS BOOK SAVED MY LIFE!

I have been diagnosed as being hypothyroid since 1994 (and probably had the disease for perhaps ten years before that) and I applaud Dr. Arem's book, which I purchased in 1999.
For the past 5+ years I have worked for a wonderful Harvard-trained physician at an academic teaching institution. I have witnessed first-hand the intense scrutiny that takes place in what they call the "peer review process" for research, and I have come to respect those who carefully and thoughtfully - in a jury of their peers - present their evidence. After buying the book, I showed the book jacket to "Dr. M.", Upon seeing Dr. Arems' credentials, he "hrrrmmmphhhed" and said, "Seems OK." At that point, I knew he had the respect of my boss (the only other possible answer from him is "quack." :-) )
It is SO important for patients to educate themselves about thyroid disease. Unfortunately for my newly-chosen physician (Feb 2003) who declared my 19.4 TSH "normal" - I had the power of my medical self=knowledge, my great boss, and a second opinion from an understanding and capable endocrinologist behind me. There ARE poorly-trained physicians out there, and Dr. Arem's book will help you speak up for yourself intelligently and forecefully about your health.

As a person with hypothyroidism, I have read a dozen or more books specifically on thyroid disease over the last twenty years. In addition I have read approximately forty to fifty professional journal articles relating to hypothyroidism and depression. This was for me the best single source of information that I have found dealing with thyroid disease and depression; and it contains up to date information from a practitioner in the field.

Having read quite a bit about the subject, I am surprised by how many doctors I have spoken to, or read articles written by, that are very out of date in their knowledge of hypothyroidism. Many doctors don't seem to recognize the symptoms of hypothyroidism despite its prevalence in the US population. Most doctors still treat hypothyroidism with the "gold" standard" of levothyroxine (T4) alone, despite there being evidence that a combination of triiodthyronine (T3) and levothyroxine (T4) may work better in some specific cases. For depression, Dr Arem says that he often supplements antidepressant use with cytomel (T3) rather than levothyroxine because of the connection between the distribution of norepinephrine and T3 in the brain (chapter 6). This is in concurrence with what I have been able to find through my research efforts.

The mind-body connection in hypothyroidism is a complicated one, and I thought that Dr. Arem's handling of the subject was done admirably. There is evidence that depression and hypothyroidism can in some people have genetic origins. In some instances hypothyroidism might be caused by infectious agents (viruses). Hypothyroidism might also be induced by stressful events in a person life (chapter 1). All of these are covered at a level that can be understood with perhaps some work required for persons with a light science background.

There are many other areas covered in this book that I won't mention due to lack of space. These subjects include testing procedures (TSH, TRH, T3/T4, etc), and what they mean, finding and talking with your doctor, discussing your illness with your spouse, and infertility. Additionally there is a section on nutrition, diet, and exercise, which can help in hypothyroidism.

I would recommend this book whole-heartedly to anyone with hypothyroidism, depression, or who suspects that they may have thyroid disease.

After reading The Thyroid Solution, I realized I was not being properly treated for my own hypothyroidism and needed a different type of medication which was discussed in his book. Dr Ridha Arem discusses all different aspects of thyroid disease and how these conditions affect your inner self as well as the outer self. This book gives all thyroid sufferers something we all need: encourgement and understanding!

This book was refreshing becuase it covers not just the clinical basic side of thyroid disease, but the emotional mental side as well. I recommend this to so many people as a must read for thyroid patients. Even if it just helps you to realize you are not alone, and that you deserve quality care. :)

I bought this book based on the customer reviews, which prior to this one are glowing. I feel a need to respond so that other readers like myself will have a balanced view of this book. I read portions of two key chapters, made numerous notes in my frustration and aggravation, then thew the book away. I will not even resell it, and this is why.

The author makes a pretense of sympathy for persons suffering from undiagnosed or undertreated hypothyroidism, but whatever empathic and useful information might be garnered from this text is quickly lost in a lot of faulty assumptions about causality based on uncited studies and correlational data. The underlying message is, you are to blame for your illness.

After providing ample evidence of the etiology of hypothryoidism as a physical disorder, the author continually returns to the theme that the disease is "all in the head," or at any rate, caused by "stress," ie. mental stress, or, as the author indicates, distress caused by faulty perceptions of life events.

The author's confusion about the "mind/body connection," is evident in the lack of clarity concerning the critical difference between the affect of a disorder, and the cause. Providing a good synopsis of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, the author describes a disease process with a physiological etiology, then states that the disorder is caused by mental stress, and in the very same paragraph says that hypothroidism is a genetic disorder! Clearly the author is struggling within him/herself about what this disease really is, and cannot resist the comforting notion that such a disruptive disorder is caused by the individuals who suffer from the condition.

I am glad that this book has been helpful to several persons who suffer from hypothyroidism, which presents many challenges to living a healthy and happy life. However, if you dislike psychological mumbo jumbo and sloppy reasoning, and simply want the factual, yet kindly stated, information without solipsistic suppositions, I recommend these two texts, which provide better, more accurate scientific information, without a blanket (anonymous) psychoanalysis thrown in.

Living Well With Hypothyroidism, by Mary Shomon and Thyroid Power by Richard and Karilee Shames. There is also an excellent article availble on line from the New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 340: 424-429, Number 6, entitled Effects of Thyroxine as Compared with Thyroxine plus Triiodothyronine in Patients with Hypothyroidism, which details the effects of insufficient T3 supplement in the treatment of hypothyroidism.

I appreciate anyone's efforts to help those of us who suffer from hypothyroidism, but I cannot recommend this book. Good luck to you.

Ridha Arem is an an endocrinologist and a specialist on the thyroid.

This book details problems of the thyroid, which can range from depression to the desire to compulsively eat carbohydrates.

Brief case histories are presented typically in which thyroid problems were the real culprit underlying some other set of symptoms, such as depression.

There is also more detailed medical discussion than one typically gets in a book meant for a lay audience. But Arem is a specialist here with years in the hopper, and he doesn't talk down to his audience.

With respect to hypothyroidism (not enough thyroid) Arem considers the normal range of TSH (what's usually tested for) as considerably too broad. He also points out that the TSH test doesn't show that the hormone is converted properly from T4 to the active T3. Thus, the standard test can be misleading.

Arem also recommends on occasion supplementing synthetic T4 with T3 and provides his own protocol for doing so.

My only criticism of this book is one that applies to most "single substance" books. After a while it appears that almost all problems are related to whatever it is. But this book is actually quite restrained here as opposed to what's typical.

This book is cuts above the norm. Arem provides a reasoned, knowledgeable, if somewhat cutting edge, view of the thyroid and how its malfunction can so affect us. It has served me well personally. Nearly anyone would do well to read this excellent book.

The Thyroid Solution Book, helped me tremendously. For years, I was complaining how bad i was feeling to my doctor. For years I was suffering, but no solution. Recently I was sent to a specialist, only to find out I have thyroid cancer for the last, maybe 10 years. Definitely the book , Thyroid Solution by Ridha Arem helped me a lot with the operation and the radioactive iodine. I'm still going through it, and I carry the book with me, everywhere.
Thanks to Ridha Arem.

After being diagnosed with Graves Disease, my doctor recommended this book, she said it was the best. I wanted to learn everything I could about Hyperthyroidism, because I was going to have the radiation treatment and become hypothyroid. The book really helped with the wild ride. It helped me understand all aspects of the disease from both sides and what I could do to help with my treatment. It's a no-nonsense resource. Thyroid problems? Buy this book.
This is the only book you need...

WOW! all the answers are here, all the reasons and the puzzling behaviour and weird things your body does with this disease is explained in this book,"why am so tired?!!" "why do I want to sleep all the time?" "I exercise and eat like a bird and I am SO fat"
THEN you get the answers, I took the book to my Doc and we started on a plan of action.
Excellent book ,very informative.

I found Dr. Arem's book quite by accident. My cousin Lise, my age (40), suggested another a book she had already loaned out, and when I went to order the book she recommended I discovered Dr. Arem's book. I was clueless. I live 60 miles west of Houston and began to read his book. Dr. Arem SAVED MY LIFE. I diagnosed myself as hypothyroid because of genetic disposition and got an appointment with Dr. Arem. He took down my family history, asked all the right questions, and palpated my thyroid. This was the first time that had ever been done. He found a nodule, and my bloodwork came back borderline hypothroid. Three months later he found a second nodule on my thyroid, and the first nodule had almost doubled in size. He ordered a fine needle aspiration biopsy and the rest is history. My nodules were malignant. I had a total tyhroidectomy at the end of May, and I'm working toward a Ratioactive Iodine Uptake to make sure we've gotten all the thyroid and cancer cells.

I could go on a lot longer. Last Wednesday when my husband and I met with Dr. Arem I thanked him for saving my life. He quietly responded that God had saved my life. I thanked Dr. Arem for being God's instrument.

Please take ownership of your own health. Explore all avenues and follow your instincts. Have faith and pray unceasingly!

I'll make this short and sweet. I've been hypothyroid for 18 years. None of my doctors bothered to tell me even HALF the information I learned in this book. Get it. It's the best. It's an easy read for all thyroid patients and their families.

This is an excellent book for unlocking the mystery of how Thyroid illness occurs and how thyroid hormones are connected with other hormones and symptoms in the body. The problem I had with the book was sorting out Hypo versus Hyper symptoms, being in a groggy state from the disease itself--with fluctuating levels of T4 and T3. This of course is not a trouble to the unaffected reader, however I expect I may not be the only one struggling to sort through the information. I do feel the information is excellent and very supportive of all types of thyroid problems. A very complete book..I just had trouble with the organization.

This is definitely the best book about how the thyroid disfunctions, and the medical solutions that can make life nearly normal again. I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, and fortunately, have agreat doctor that uses the T4 - T4 thyroid replacement regimen that Dr. Arem discusses in this book. This book, ulike many others, answers the multitude of questions about the multiple symtoms related to hypothyroisim. I highly recommend this book!

The Thyroid Solution is a great resource. I purchased it after my test results came back "normal". It was helpful to know that you can have a sub-clinical case, even when tests are normal. Dr. Arem provides patient examples throughout the book which are also helpful.

Part I deals with general information on hypo and hyperthyroidism. I especially was interested in the chapters "Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Swings" and " Thyroid Hormone as an Antidepressant".

Part II deals with the emotional and physical interactions. He has several small "questionnaires" to take to weed out other possible syndromes such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Hypoglycemia and Fibromyalgia.

Part III has 3 chapters on Woman's thyroid problems; PMS, menopause, infertility, miscarriage and postpartum depression.

Part IV goes into diagnosing and treating thyroid disorders. One chapter is an in depth discussion about thyroid tests and treatment options. He does discuss the "controversial" natural hormone with T4 and T3. This part also discusses thyroid eye disease and cancer. The last chapter is eight steps to promote a better understanding of thyroid, mind, and mood.

Dr. Arem's Thyroid Solution is a comprehensive resource on thyroid disorders and the resulting symptoms.

If you could only afford to buy one book on Thyroid disease - this should be it! Now that it is also available in paperback, I will be buying two more (for my son & dauhter w/hypo).

This book answers just about every question you have about TD, plus some you hadn't even thought of. If you, or someone you know, has Thyroid disease - this is a MUST buy!