The Thyroid Hormone Breakthrough

October 15, 2006
Thirty million American women experience PMS, low sex drive, and difficulty conceiving. Thyroid disease, which is often undiagnosed, may be the cause. Shomon ("The Thyroid Diet"), herself a thyroid patient, has written a holistic guide to help women learn about the relationship between the thyroid gland and the other glands in the body. She explains the anatomy and physiology of the thyroid gland and its role in regulating the menstrual cycle, fertility, and metabolism; discusses the symptoms related to low or elevated thyroid levels; and encourages women to ask their physicians to check thyroid levels when they have hormonal problems, something doctors often fail to do. Shomon addresses the role of the thyroid during puberty, pregnancy, the postpartum period, and menopause and provides information about both traditional and alternative therapies. She stresses the importance of finding a physician who has experience treating thyroid conditions and notes the role of diet and exercise as part of the therapy. M. Sara Rosenthal's "The Thyroid Sourcebook for Women" covers similar territory. This is a useful addition to public and consumer health library collections."Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., CA"

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.