Reviews:
"This book has had a profound impact on the way I think, on how I see patients, and on my perception of the connection between the brain and hormones." --Mona Lisa Schulz, M.D., Ph.D. Author of Awakening Intuition
"At last, a nationally known endocrinologist with impeccable credentials discusses vital issues of thyroid disease and treatment never previously addressed in print. Dr. Arem provides solid explanations for symptoms of hypothyroidism in patients with normal blood levels of thyroid hormones and particularly addresses the needs of women who have thyroid and hormonal disorders." --Gillian Ford Author of Listening to Your Hormones and The Link Between Thyroid and Depression "This book will be of tremendous help to the many people with thyroid disease and residual depressive symptoms. Dr. Arem elegantly addresses the important interplay of thyroidology and psychiatry." --Lauren Marangell, M.D. Baylor College of Medicine
5 out of 5 stars. This book saved my life. By EQ
After receiving radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism, I experienced a near-complete emotional and mental breakdown soon after: I could not stop crying; I had vivid, violent nightmares; it was extremely difficult to get up in the morning; I had no control over my emotions, and I picked fights with my boyfriend almost constantly. The "possible slight depression" I was warned about in hypothyroid pamphlets from my doctor was much different than what I was experiencing... In my mind, I was going crazy--and I didn't know what to do. A friend came across this book and it was only then that I realized my symptoms were related to severe hypothyroidism and I went in to see my doctor sooner.
My RAI treatment had taken effect very quickly and my thyroid levels were extremely low, which explained my symptoms. Doctors like to warn you that you may "gain weight," an easy physical symptom, but they do not warn you that you may feel like you are losing your mind.
I have struggled with thyroid disease for 18 years, having a sub-total thyroidectomy in my teens for hyperthyroidism, only to have the disease recur in my early thirties. The endocrinologists I have seen during this time treated me based on my TSH, T3 and T4 levels from blood tests--but they never explained to me the level at which my emotional and mental health depends on the balance of these levels. I realize now how dangerous it is to give patients incomplete information.
This book connects the endocrine system to the whole person: the physical, mental and emotional health, with the physical, mental and emotional everyday life of the patient. Without an understanding and an explanation to the patient of these synergies, medicinal treatment alone becomes inadequate and the patient suffers.
If you have thyroid disease or plan to undergo RAI or surgery for treatment, please prepare yourself and read this book. You'll be glad you did.