Die Gesunde Schilddrüse

by Mary J. Shomon

Müdigkeit, Gewichtsprobleme, Haarausfall und Depressionen können Anzeichen einer Schilddrüsenerkrankung sein. Viele Menschen leben jedoch jahrelang mit solchen Beschwerden, ohne dass sie diagnostiziert und behandelt werden. Mary J. Shomon, selbst Schilddrüsenpatientin, informiert ausführlich und leicht verständlich über die Krankheit, ihre Ursachen, Symptome, Diagnose und Behandlungsmöglichkeiten.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Medical, Self Help, Reference, Nutrition

Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Here be my problems:
A) This woman is no doctor. She is not a nurse, a lab technician, a phlebotomist or even a vet. She is just some chick with hypothyroidism.
B) I'm really looking for something short and to the point. this was a bunch of long-winded T3 and T4 talk and medication comparisons and not much helpful information at all.
C) What your doctor doesn't tell you? If your doctor isn't telling you something you have entirely different problems than what the "editor of several online newsletters" can tell you.

[MaryElizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating book with discussions on many of the questions I've had since my thyroidectomy 10 months ago. If nothing else, it lifted my defeated spirit of telling my doc my symptoms, only to be consistently rewarded with "your numbers are normal."

I will definitely try the diet modifications since gaining 20lbs since the surgery, by eating the same way that helped me lose over 100lbs a number of years ago has absolutely no effect now. The vitamin/mineral/amino acid supplements for fatigue are right on target, as I added those in months ago when my fatigue came back with full force. And I'm hoping the diet modifications will also help the brain fog, as that's a constant nagging symptom.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good information for people who have a thyroid issue like myself.
I struggle daily and it affects every aspect of my being and gave me food for thought as there are some therapies that are unconventional and supplements that can help as well.
Also reminded me that many others are going thru the same and many many others are even worse so it made me thankful that my condition is not severe.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother sent me this book in a recent "care package," and I am incredibly grateful. I read Ridha Arem's excellent The Thyroid Solution when I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism two years ago, but Mary Shomon's book did something that Arem's didn't: it armed me with the right questions to ask. Even though my TSH values were high normal, according to the lab, I still had symptoms. Because of this book, I knew what tests go ask for ... and now know that I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease). I was also able to demand referral to an endocrinologist so that we can determine next steps together.

Here is the main take-away I got from this extensive, well-written book: you do not have to suffer just because your thyroid is messed up. There are dietary tips, information on alternative medicine, vitamin recommendations and more to be found here ... as well as a ton of support from Shomon herself, who is a thyroid patient and advocate.

I recommend this book to those suffering from depression (it could be your thyroid), those who have diagnosed thyroid disorders, and even those who think that they may have a thyroid disorder. It's written for the layman, is informative and intelligent ... and helpful.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes. It's a very dry read but Mary Shomon introduced me alternative medications and supplements. This information is priceless to me. I don't really care if she is a talented writer or not!

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hm, naja. Bin grundsätzlich informiert, aber nicht schlauer.

[Angeal · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, this book might sound like a boring read, and IT IS...that is, it is IF you don't have thyroid disease. Still, I think it's worth mentioning this book for those who have thyroid problems. I read this when I was really sick from an incorrect doctor's orders to stop taking thyroid replacement pills. It made me feel better to read other people's stories, because it helped me realize that I was *not* dying and would eventually get better.

[Verna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books on the market about hypothyroidism. Mary Shomon a low thyroid sufferer herself leaves no unanswered questions for those of us having the disease. If you are hypothyroid and need to know how to "live well", get a copy of this book right away. Shomon's website on about.com is also an excellent source of information and provides a sounding board for those frustrated with thyroid issues.

[Verna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best books on the market about hypothyroidism. Mary Shomon a low thyroid sufferer herself leaves no unanswered questions for those of us having the disease. If you are hypothyroid and need to know how to "live well", get a copy of this book right away. Shomon's website on about.com is also an excellent source of information and provides a sounding board for those frustrated with thyroid issues.
(edit)

[Veneese Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you're living with undiagnosed or mistreated hypothyroidism, you aren't living well. The author pointed out that if you have been treated for hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer, you will have hypothyroidism the rest of your life, and will need thyroid hormone replacement. The author provides answers about symptoms, getting correct diagnosis, and what medication works best. It was all very enlightening.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Shomon has done an outstanding job in educating those affected by thyroid issues, way beyond what the medical practitioners have done. This is an excellent resource for those who want help in understanding what is going on with their bodies, what questions to ask your doctor, and invaluable internet resources.

[Kali · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had some information, but as someone who's been struggling with Hypothyroidism for 10+ years, I felt like the book was definitely more aimed at those who are looking for a diagnosis, rather than those who have a diagnosis. For me, it felt like too much time was being wasted on how the tests don't always accurately reflect one's thyroid function and how doctors are reluctant to diagnose someone with a condition or treat them for it unless the tests indicate they have it. I get that these are serious issues, and that thyroid disorders are often under-diagnosed, but when a book is titled "Living Well with [Condition]" I'm assuming it's going to have help and advice for those with the condition and not just advice for those who think they have the condition and want an official diagnosis.

When the author finally got around to the treatment options, the information was pretty basic and not really anything I wasn't already told by my doctor within my first year of treatment. I'm guessing all of the stuff "your doctor doesn't tell you" that we "need to know" is, again, related to patients' difficulties in getting that initial diagnosis. Maybe a better title for this book would've been "Getting Diagnosed with Hypothyroidism", so those who have the diagnosis know to skip it.

[Mardee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am torn on what rating to give this book. An earlier edition helped me a lot when my doctors messed up my meds and made me hyperthyroid. (That was a ride, I will tell you, and one I hope not to repeat). However, despite the required statements about partnering with your doctor, it's clear that the author doesn't trust the medical community. She's right that this condition is under diagnosed and under treated, and that many medical providers believe Synthroid is the only answer (it's not, and for some of us, it's not even a good answer). Still, most physicians are just people trying to do their best job for every patient and honestly, the science is on the side of the synthetic T4 only drugs because they have been shown to be safer and there are supply issues with the natural ones. This book may help you, especially as a newly diagnosed patient, but please remember that going in with a mistrustful attitude or confrontational approach will typically only backfire on you as a patient, and that for most people, once treated, hypothyroidism is not nearly as big a deal as the author makes out.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

In the end, it was too emotional and not scientific enough. There were many good points made, it was just difficult to tell which ones were backed up by significant data, and I did not end up trusting Shomon's ability to differentiate.

She also did not seem to see the irony of plugging her own book in a section describing the mercenary overreach of pharmaceutical companies.

That said, her points about this disease being dismissed offhand by a wide range of groups, including many doctors, are well stated. It's just unfortunate that the introduction is the best part of this 800 page tome.

[Lyndie Blevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful information on hypothyroidism, what it is, how it is treated, and how to advocate for yourself. It answered many questions for me and will be a great resource in the future

Very helpful information on hypothyroidism, what it is, how it is treated, and how to advocate for yourself. A great resource

[John Yarbrough · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking for dietary suggestions around hypothyroidism, and other guidance. And, I found that I was already on this path. The author rails against the medical and pharmaceutical companies. She made me think about whether I could be doing more based on my current health. It all seemed too much but you can tell her depth of knowledge and study.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for anyone dealing with thyroid issues. This book is chocked full of ways to deal with whatever type of thyroid issue a person may have. Information on doctors, diets and daily lifestyle tips to survive a chronic illness. Highly recommend.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensive. Easy to understand.

[anonymousreader]

read

[Julianne Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should have read this 15 years ago when I was first diagnosed. Don't know why I left it on my shelf for so long.

[Ashliesue · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is probably a good place to start if you are wanting to know more about hypothyroidism. I think the beginning and ending are completely unneccessary. I have it, why do I need whole sections on diagnosing and if I'm at risk in a book with this title? Also, the most recent copyright was 2005 so the section on 'looking towards the future' is probably outdated. It would probably be best to find a more recent published book. The boom has a website you can access that I believe is still pretty current but the list of patient approved doctors may be a little old, recent reviews were from 2006 on some with nothing posted after that.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually, I didn't read everything; I just concentrated on the parts where I might learn some tips. I've had hypothyroidism for several years and am treated for it. I like to read whatever I come across. My copy of this book was over 10 years old, so I'm sure there is much more recent material. The author's a patient, not a doctor but her explanation of what the disease is and how to tell if you have it from symptoms, was well done. I skipped 'alternate treatments', since I'm a bit leery. This was a good introduction to hypothyroidism to someone who knows nothing about it, but there must be more recent books, understandable to the layperson.

[Liaken · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is full of great information (I think I'll look into getting the revised edition, as the edition I read is more than ten years old, and there has been more research done since then). It gets a little panicky sometimes, a little paranoid. I had a hard time connecting with this book because of that. Instead of making me feel empowered about addressing this aspect of my health, it made me feel overwhelmed and intimidated. However, that said, this book is very well researched. I would recommend it to anyone with hypothyroidism who is wanting to improve her or his health.

[alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

a few days after being diagnosed with hashimoto's i woke up from a coma-like sleep to my dad placing this book on my bed. my neighbour had given us a copy that used to belong to his mother.

this book is fine. it's good information for people with thyroid disorders, if a little outdated.

like other reviews have said, mary j shomon is not a doctor, just a woman with hypothyroidism.

levothyroxine > synthroid 4 lyfe mothafuckas

[Pamela Huxtable · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good book to start with, after being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. However, Shomon undermines many of her arguments by endorsing questionable, alternative medical practices. Shomon's admitted bias against established, scientific based medicine set my teeth on edge. I am glad to have read this, though - I plan on investigating other medications, thanks to this book.

[Connie L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gave good information that you can take with you to your doctor. You pretty much have to self-diagnose and know what you want before you even step foot in the doctor's office. And this book gives you a lot of information.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that Shomon brought up all kinds controversies with regards to hypothyroidism, from doctors' biases towards the disease, to the drug companies essentially brain washing doctors. I didn't enjoy at least one mention in every chapter of Shomon marketing all her other books, website, etc.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Shomon is awesome. She gives excellent advice on hypothyroid diagnosis, how to handle doctors, how to balance your life with this disease. A definite must-read for those affected by thyroid problems.

[Julie Ehlers]

There's undoubtedly some good information in here, but some of it seems a bit dubious to me. Plus, this is very repetitive and poorly written. Why don't publishers care about copy editing anymore? I think I got what I need from this, and I really don't want to slog through the rest.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of the more helpful ones out there.