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The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution: A Proven 4-Week Program to Rescue Your Metabolism, Hormones, Mind & Mood

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A Yale-trained, board-certified family physician with a specialty in women's health and obstetrics delivers a proven 28-day program to heal the overwhelmed, overloaded systems, and prevent and reverse the myriad of symptoms affecting the vast majority of women today.

Weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune conditions—for years, health practitioners have commonly viewed each as individual health problems resulting from a patient’s genetic bad luck, poor lifestyle choices, or lack of willpower. Patients, too, have turned to different doctors to alleviate their specific symptoms: an endocrinologist for a thyroid problem; a gynecologist for hormonal issues; an internist for weight, diabetes, and high blood pressure; a rheumatologist for joint problems, and even to therapists or psychologists.

While these ailments may seem unrelated, Dr. Aviva Romm contends that they are intrinsically connected by what she calls Survival Overdrive Syndrome, a condition that occurs when the body becomes overloaded. SOS can result from childhood survival patterns or adult life stressors that are compounded by foods we eat, toxins in our environment, viral infections, lack of sleep, disrupted gut microflora, and even prescribed medications.

Two of the systems most affected are the adrenal system and the thyroid, which control mood, hormones, inflammation, immunity, energy, weight, will power, blood sugar balance, cholesterol, sleep, and a host of other bodily functions. When these systems become overwhelmed they lead to symptoms that can develop into full blow illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and heart disease—all of which have medically provable origins in SOS.

The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution explains SOS, how it impacts our bodies and can lead to illness, and most importantly, offers a drug-free cure developed through Dr. Romm’s research and clinical work with tens of thousands of patients. In as little as two weeks, you can lose excess weight, discover increased energy, improve sleep, and feel better. With The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution, you can rescue your metabolism, hormones, mind and mood—and achieve long-lasting health.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

971 people are currently reading
1912 people want to read

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Aviva Romm

22 books130 followers

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5 stars
369 (31%)
4 stars
450 (38%)
3 stars
270 (23%)
2 stars
68 (5%)
1 star
14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
98 reviews
February 27, 2017
Might be helpful but not revolutionary

I honestly don't know why I keep buying books like this. I guess I keep hoping to find something new to help me feel better, and I was hopeful about this one because the author is a Yale educated MD. That said, I didn't find much that was new here, and certainly not revolutionary. Here's what I did find in her plan:

* Questionnaires. There are always questionnaires. These feel like they have a pretty low threshold for needing her plan. Most are 10 to 15 questions and answering yes to only 3 means you need the plan.
* A diet that is mostly Whole 30 but with some extra restrictions. Frankly, telling people who are exhausted that they must give up caffeine cold turkey just strikes me as cruel.
* Recommendations that you take a LOT of supplements.
* Vague general suggestions on stress reduction like "take time for yourself" and "don't be a perfectionist."
* References to "studies" but very little detail and no citations.

In the end, I did finish this book but it's unlikely that I will take many of the recommendations. If I wanted to completely revamp my diet, Whole 30 has better support and my own MD is not a big fan of supplements. I already have a meditation practice. So, this really had nothing new, different, or despite the name, hypothyroid-specific to offer me.

Oh, and one more thing: This book is written from an entirely female viewpoint and not even a nodding reference to the fact that men get thyroid disease too. Granted, it's less common, but if I were a male patient with hypothyroidism, I would be very disappointed with this book.
Profile Image for Betty Houston.
102 reviews
May 13, 2017
My daughter, who is a certified clinical herbalist, was studying under Dr. Romm at the time my husband was diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroiditis. She recommended this book immediately along with an herbal protocol. I did the 4 week protocol along with him and I feel amazing!!!! He still has a few symptoms but for the most part...he feels GREAT!! He even lost 21.5 pounds!
Profile Image for Christopher Lawson.
Author 10 books130 followers
February 6, 2017
You Have More Control Over Your Health Than You Think!

The author began investigating autoimmune problems when she saw how many patients came to her with at least one autoimmune condition. Dr. Romm discovered that many patients were continually overwhelmed--triggering the "Survival Overdrive Syndrome," or SOS. This mode stimulates the immune system, and allows us to cope with hazards. The SOS response is great for short term emergencies, but not for long term health.

The doctor developed a plan for use in her practice, which she called the "SOS Solution." It is this same "SOS" plan forms the basis for THE ADRENAL THYROID REVOLUTION.

Dr. Romm found five causes that prompt SOS:

+ Chronic emotional and mental stress;
+ Food triggers causing hidden inflammation;
+ Gut disruption damaging your gut lining;
+ Environmental toxins;
+ Stealth infections--meaning new infections or reactivation of prior infections,

Keep in mind Dr. Romm's approach to medicine. The author's view is that our bodies are "innately wise and wants to move toward balance and heal," and that we simply need to remove harmful inputs and provide "missing elements your body needs for healing. " This is quite different than most practitioners; so, if you do not share this perspective, this is probably not the right book for you.

The author's plan has this parts:

+ Reboot: Up leveling your diet is the biggest needle mover toward health.
+ Reframe: shift your mindset from one that’s keeping you stressed out, anxious, and overwhelmed to one that gives you enough time and energy to live your life more sanely.
+ Repair: Healing the multiple systems involved in SOS—your digestive, immune, hormonal, and detoxification systems.
+ Recharge your adrenal and thyroid glands with the help of herbs, supplements, and natural energy boosts that really work.
+ Replenish: Dietary information to move forward with a long-term sustainable plan

I think the #1 greatest thing in this book are the pointers on reducing stress. The author notes that "75 percent of women experience moderate to severe stress, 49 percent report sleep problems, and more than 40 percent report physical symptoms as a direct result of stress. " Women, in particular, are "living in chronic overload emotionally and physically. We are stuck in survival mode." So, do not miss Chapter 5, "Reframe, Calm Your Mind and Mood." In this chapter, the doctor provides excellent techniques for reducing your stress. The author uses the analogy of a flight attendant: "You’ve got to put your own oxygen mask on first if you’re going to be able to save anyone else. The point is, you have to take care of yourself.

Yet another excellent section is on sleep. See especially "Top Seven Tips for Great Zzzs." Here are just two points I thought were really excellent: "Power down from all electronics, stimulating conversation, and activities one hour before bed and keep your bedroom electronic devices turned off.

Here's another superb idea: Do your worrying before bed. Create a “Worry Watchers Journal.” About forty-five minutes before you get into bed, sit anywhere in your house—but not in your bedroom—and pour your worries into a notebook."

I thought this idea of creating a "Worry Watchers Journal" is perhaps the single greatest tip in this entire book. Really outstanding idea.

All in all, I found THE ADRENAL THYROID REVOLUTION to be an intriguing study, with lots of practical implications--and some really great ideas. This is a complicated subject with tons of research to consider, so it takes some time to take it all in. I found the sections on relieving stress to be the most valuable and practical. The latter part of the book has additional references on Recipes, suggested lab tests, suggested food ordering sites. Note especially APPENDIX 2, "Working with Your Health Practitioner."

For another perspective on this subject, I found this book by Dr. Amy Myers to be outstanding: The Thyroid Connection: Why You Feel Tired, Brain-Fogged, and Overweight -- and How to Get Your Life Back

Advance Review Copy courtesy of the publisher.
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Profile Image for Yaaresse.
2,155 reviews16 followers
April 13, 2018
Thought I'd see if there was anything new on this front. Nope.

As usual, there's an intro that basically says "Everyone else is wrong, but I know more than they do" and tries to get all warm and fuzzy to establish trust. The usual supposed case studies that are included to make you go "Oh! Just like me!" And there's the usual assurances that this can all be fixed if you just do exactly what the book says. Basic self-help (and now medical condition) book formula. Then there is a questionnaire so general and all-encompassing that it would be difficult NOT to come up with the three symptoms that this writer says indicate a problem. (I wonder if the odd person who doesn't come up with three cherries...er...symptoms feels disappointed and goes back to see if they can check off another box?) This is followed by the basic "here's how your body works" chapters. Eventually, it gets to the author's super-duper plan unlike any other except that it's not: food restrictions, supplements, tips for managing the stress you are now convinced you must be feeling, reminders to exercise, get enough sleep, drink lots of pure water and eat lots of clean foods.

The farther I got, the more I skimmed simply because there was nothing here that I haven't seen elsewhere.
Profile Image for Gabriela Pistol.
643 reviews247 followers
January 25, 2025
I have to stop wasting money on self-help books.
No normal woman has the time and KNOWLEDGE to double check and mix the douzins of supplements the author reccommends. You need a full team of doctors to verify the information and get medical tests done. Because you should be in a very bad place intellectually to start a health programme based only on a Q&A test the author comes up with!
I didn't see much scientific research behind it (or maybe she just lacks the ability to make it clear. Or a good editor). Anyway, although I have a condition that should have made the reading at least interesting, I could only take out a few useful ideas about food, mostly common knowledge by now.
Profile Image for Jennifer Barr.
143 reviews6 followers
March 8, 2017
This is well researched and well written, easy to follow, and very adaptable for different types of people with different types of diets. This isn't one of those "fit yourself into one of three types" and then follow the rules kind of books. There is a lot of room for customization based on individual needs or problems. I almost didn't buy this book after reading one reviewer comparing the diet to whole 30. I've lived whole 30 for an extended period of time, and this is very different. This diet teaches carb cycling and includes grains, starches and optional dairy. It can also be applied to a vegan or Paleo lifestyle. I especially appreciated all the information on supplements and how to choose which ones are best for you, and which ones you should avoid.
Profile Image for Erin.
410 reviews5 followers
July 11, 2017
The first part of this book provided the solid science and peer-reviewed research associated with the various causes of thyroid issues. The second part jumped off the deep end and insisted on "organic this and non-GMO that" and provided a "solution" with no scientific backing or support. Unfortunate. The first part of the book is useful for informing and arming the reader about the symptoms and causes of women's health issues. The second half is crap. Reducing one's stressors and limiting contact with toxic substances is all well and good but organic products and supplements are not a mystical cure-all and should not be touted as such.
Profile Image for Wench.
620 reviews45 followers
December 8, 2017
I actually finished this a few weeks ago. The centerpiece is a strict restriction diet, and no hint of awareness that things like eating disorders exist, or the actual effects of dieting. So that's nice. Also if you take the quizzes literally everyone will need "treatment" and so I question their utility and specificity.

That being said, yes thyroid disease is real, no, it's not in your head, and I think the book does well to emphasize that. I also believe that this protocol has worked for some folks. But look, if you have had any sort of disordered eating pattern in your life, just don't even bother with this book.
Profile Image for Ruth.
176 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2019
On the one hand, I think there’s a lot of good information in here. On the other hand the advice is sort of like — you’re tired and burned out, now take a lot of supplements and cook all your food and you’ll feel better. Maybe all health books are this way, but I think I could have used a more organized structure or more pictures of the meals so I could have really understood what she’s suggesting. I don’t entirely doubt it’s easy once you’re doing it, I’m just not certain I can get from here to there without more guidance. Might reread later.
Profile Image for Ann Boots.
11 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2017
The recommendations in this book have helped reduce symptoms of my adrenal fatigue. The reason I'm giving this book three stars instead of four is because the charts in this book are nearly impossible to read on my kindle device. I was able to read it on my desktop. I highly recommend this to anyone suffering from Adrenal fatigue and Thyroid issues.
Profile Image for Laura.
86 reviews
July 1, 2023
This is a very informative book. But it was hard to listen to. There was so much information and things I wanted to write down. It would be better to read as a hard copy.
Profile Image for Ugnė.
667 reviews158 followers
February 25, 2025
Perskaičiau greitai, nes atrodė, kad daug kas kartojasi ir tada tiesiog peršokdavau pastraipas. Labiausiai erzino nenuoseklumas, kuomet vieni dalykai gana išsamiai aprašomi, o kiti atrodo kaip bukletui rašyti.
Profile Image for Olia Braguța.
145 reviews14 followers
February 26, 2023
It’s been great to read more about the functions of this organ and ways to live with the symptoms of autoimune thyroid, Hashimoto and other thyroid defficiencies. To really feel how useful this book is, one needs to implement all the suggestions, obviously, but i found that the examples of this way of living were written with lots of kindness and empathy. This is what i look into when it comes to medicine world.
If you’ve been diagnosed with issues related to the functioning of your thyroid, you will find this book curious and insightful.
Profile Image for Linda Vituma.
754 reviews
January 28, 2022
Informatīvi dāsna, labi strukturēta grāmata.
Vairo izpratni un iedvesmo praktiskām rūpēm par sevi.
Noderīga gan profesionāļiem, gan katram individuāli.
Jūtams amerikānisks konteksts un ar to saistītā iespēja novērtēt, cik daudz ir izdarīts un cik daudz veselībai labvēlīgu iespēju un izvēļu ir vietā, kurā dzīvojam - Latvijā (kvalitatīva pārtika un ēst gatavošanas tradīcijas - iespēja uzturā lietot īstu ēdienu).
Profile Image for Shanna.
361 reviews19 followers
April 23, 2025
I'd definitely recommend this book to any woman in her 30s or 40s who is dealing with changing hormones. Very hopeful, practical, actionable plan here, rooted in whole foods. If you like feeling good and are willing to try a diet reboot as well as lifestyle changes to get there, you'll appreciate this. Very thankful for it!

update one week into the 4-week program: the recipes are really good! I definitely spent more money on groceries, but it has been fun to see so many colors on our plates each night.

update two weeks in: Strange that the meal plan incorporates some of the ingredients verboten in the diet (maple syrup, brown sugar, orange juice), but still helpful overall. Also worth noting restorative yoga is amazing: legit lowers heart rate and calms you down.

update a month later: this plan really did reset my hormones, confirmed with testing. recommend!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
18 reviews6 followers
March 16, 2017
A very informative book outlining how various types of stressors impact the body and can cause autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's. It teaches how various symptoms are all inter-related and repairable with just one solution...a load off the shoulders if you haven't been able to figure out what to tackle first, or how. I'm thinking the all-nighters in architecture school and the long hours at work did me no favors. Yikes. Unfortunately, you learn late into the book that you may not be able to fully *cure* your hypothyroidism. Still, improvement is always a great thing when you're accustomed to feeling burnt out.

This book covers it all, including a bit of cognitive behavioral therapy advice, which based on my previous reading and experience with actual therapy, is spot-on. Dr. Romm is definitely on the "crunchy" side, but does not discourage the use of prescription medications if deemed necessary...she just wants to help eliminate the need for them if possible (a goal that I share).

I was pleasantly surprised that Dr. Romm did not use her plan to try to sell expensive proprietary supplements. She does refer to her website repeatedly, but the resources there are free. Her dietary recommendations are based on the Mediterranean diet, which I had already been interested in trying. The book includes recipes that sound delicious, and I am rather picky. I'm not sure to what extent I will be able to implement the dietary changes -- it's stressful enough just getting meals on the table in the first place, and the idea of trying gluten free and/or dairy free again seems daunting. I can definitely do better than I have been, though, and I'm hoping even partial changes will help.

I borrowed the Kindle edition from the library, but I think this is one I'd like to own in hard copy.
Profile Image for Jean-philippe Millard.
35 reviews
June 28, 2017
As a man with both low adrenal function and non-autoimmune hypothyroidism I found this book to be immensely helpful. The author is an MD, herbalist and midwife giving her a truly integrative approach to medicine. I have a BS is Integrative healthcare which helped with my understanding of many of the medical concepts but the material is presented in a way that makes the information easy to understand. The author dives into the underlying causes of adrenal and thryoid malfunctioning which is largely caused by our modern high-stress lifestyles, poor nutrition, and a lack of physical activity. Throughout the book the author provides resources for supplements and herbs that can help with each of the root causes and how to reverse the illness step by step. The information was so practical I almost wish there was a little work booklet that could be purchased as well for treating oneself so that I wouldn't need to write in the book or print my own materials but that's trivial. The reason why I didn't give this well written book five stars was that the author wrote it exclusively to women and ignores the male half of the population in her book. I think it's wonderful that she's working to support women and it's true that more women than men suffer from these problems but writing a book that's written for women exclusively may turn off some men from getting the help they need with these problems. Overall it's a well written, practical, concise book on getting treatment for adrenal and thyroid dysfunction and I'd highly recommend it if you or someone you know has these problems or if you work in medicine and want to learn more about these issues.
Profile Image for Kim Osterholzer.
Author 6 books34 followers
July 11, 2017
I finished this excellent book the very week it was released and, as a midwife myself, filled with hope for my own clients and readers, I’ve already shared it countless times.

Women in American society seem to be suffering an ever-increasing myriad of distressing symptoms that are markedly disrupting their lives. These symptoms range from exhaustion to difficulty controlling weight, from errant hormones to clouded comprehension and concentration, from moods askew to impaired immunity to aching, sub-functioning bodies.

Too often, once a woman, desperate to “feel like herself again,” at last seeks solutions to the problems plaguing her, finds herself shipped off to various and sundry specialists, each focused more on treating her symptoms than on uncovering and attending to their source.

Aviva Romm, a Yale-educated family physician, midwife, and herbalist, has taken a look at the list of issues assailing today’s woman with fresh eyes, has recognized their origins to be a simple, symbiotic system gone awry, and has recommended a revitalizing plan of action substantiated by science and validated by the steadily improving health of her clients in her newest book.

If you suffer from any semblance of the ailments listed above, why don’t you invest in yourself and take a little time to explore Aviva’s book and recommendations? It’s filled with comprehensive research, interesting, real-life examples, and easy to follow instructions.
Profile Image for Bethany.
26 reviews17 followers
September 17, 2023
Two and a half stars because:

A) there is a fair amount of useful factual information is included in Part I, then sprinkled lightly throughout the remainder and

B) one could take a handful useful principles from the lifestyle recommendations provided.

The most useful takeaway for me will be to ask for additional thyroid testing [T3, Ft3, antibody test, and iodine uptake] in addition to the standard TSH + T4.

That being said, I wouldn't recommend this book. A person could literally spend their whole lives trying to follow the lifestyle recommendations that the author purports will "cure" thyroid and adrenal issues.

The advice boils down to, "You are burnt out and overstressed. Here's 25 things you need to add to your daily routine to fix that!" . . . "Slow down and don't be a perfectionist - you're not Superwoman! But if you don't follow a Mediterranean diet, take 50 supplements a day, journal, dry brush, meditate, do yoga, and self-administer a full course of cognitive behavioral therapy, you won't get better. But RELAX!"

To me, this is pretty baffling. It feels the opposite of empowering. More like, by setting a new, unattainable standard for wellness, you'll have no one to blame but yourself when you inevitably fall short.
Profile Image for Sara Gutierrez Atsalakis.
17 reviews5 followers
February 27, 2017
Great book for anyone starting their journey to heal adrenal/thyroid issues. If you are not new to this topic information might seem repetitive to other natural approach books. Otherwise good info that's lays out a base plan for improving conditions. Also she provides lists of all the protocols she recommends including supplements at the books website. My only issue is she provides a good overview of all the supplements she might use and there is a lot so for someone new might seem overwhelming and not sure with which ones to start. I have been learning about this topic for years and I felt overwhelmed by her list. Otherwise good recap and reminder book for me.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,529 reviews15 followers
February 4, 2020
Not going to be easy to follow but I am sick of how I feel so going to try it and feel ready to make change. Basically she recommends Mediterranean diet for life and I feel like that is something I can do since it doesn’t cut out any food groups other than processed foods. I don’t eat much dairy as is either and I love feta cheese so I am fine with that too. I have not had sodas for five days now and now sugar either. I learned a lot from this book and wish I had read it years ago. I should have read some more thyroid books before now anyways but I feel like this was a great first choice to start.
Profile Image for GONZA.
7,428 reviews124 followers
February 8, 2017
Very interesting and clearly explained book, even the 4 weeks program seems possible and I would like to try it at last once as I fell in the categories explained by the author.

Libro molto interessante e ben scritto, e anche il programma che dura 4 settimane per riequilibrare il tutto sembra piuttosto fattibile e mi piacerebbe provarlo, considerato che rientro nelle categorie spiegate dall'autrice.

THANKS TO EDELWEISS FOR THE PREVIEW!
Profile Image for Karen.
234 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2017
Interesting information, although her solution to the syndrome she is calling "SOS" involves lots and lots of supplements. Complicated to work through on your own; probably better as an adjunct to working with a good MD or Naturopath. Nonetheless, the main thrust of her argument is that you CAN get better, you can feel good again, and you are empowered to make improvements to your health.
Profile Image for Danielle.
11 reviews4 followers
September 22, 2019
I appreciated a doctor finally acknowledging that people can have adrenal problems without having an Addison's diagnosis. I also appreciated the helpful guidance about what can be done about it as well. The symptom questionnaires seemed spot on for what I deal with having adrenal fatigue. The recommendations also checked with other reading I have done on the subject.
Profile Image for Mel.
581 reviews
February 8, 2019
Worth the read even if you don't have any issues with your thyroid. The food detox and reintroductions for just being healthier is worth the read. It breaks it down and how to slowly reintroduce foods that may cause you issues; whether you knew it or not. It includes many recipes as well.
Profile Image for Mindy.
264 reviews
August 3, 2020
Here is it! This is the book I‘ve been looking for. Using easy to understand explanations of body systems, the author produces a very well-laid out and actionable plan to help me reclaim the edge I’ve been missing in my health journey.
Profile Image for Gloria.
14 reviews3 followers
October 7, 2020
Good info but so much contradictory stuff between the book and the recipes. Tons of things listed in the weekly plans are nightshades, have sugar, etc. which are not supposed to be eaten on the plan. Seems sloppily published
Profile Image for Katie.
201 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2023
I really loved this book. My pilates instructor wisely mentioned to me that I probably have some cortisol regulation issues (and explaining that that I needed to look into replenishing my adrenals) and so after a little bit of book searching, I found Aviva as a highly recommended and credible source. I got it from the library but after a few chapters bought my own copy as I wanted to highlight so much. It was totally aligning with my health struggles, and I felt very pulled towards it. I also knew I would want to reference it time and time again. The book also works in a way where you read a chunk then put it down and do the work, then pick it back up (for a total of 3-4 weeks), so buying the copy was nice to have.

She is so well researched, so gentle and kind, and very encouraging and informative all throughout the book. I’m really excited to step on the path outlined in the book. She gave me the information and courage to get there.
Profile Image for Greta Kat.
39 reviews
December 28, 2024
It has some good information and I think it's beneficial for women who first started to learn about thyroid and its potential problems.But the whole book is written as if it's an infomercial and it makes it very hard to read and very hard to take it seriously.
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