The Thyroid Blog

New Device Helps Reduce Radiation Exposure For Patients

Researchers at Penn State's College of Medicine have invented a way to protect the eyes, thyroid gland and female breasts during computer tomography (CT) scans.

"Certain areas have always been shielded when they were not in the primary field of view. However, we have now developed a method where these areas can be in the primary x-ray field and still be protected and even with this new shielding, the diagnostic portion of the image is not affected," says Kenneth D. Hopper, M.D., professor of radiology and the inventor of the product.

Experts Say We Should Take Fatigue Seriously

Instead of dismissing grumblings about being tired or exhausted, people should take these complaints seriously before they lead to a worsened health state or even death, says a University of Alberta researcher investigating fatigue.

Dr. Karin Olson, a U of A professor from the Faculty of Nursing, argues that there are differences between tiredness, fatigue and exhaustion and that recognizing those distinctions will help

Thyroid Treatment Can Trigger Homeland Security Detectors

Medical procedures such as iodine therapy, a popular thyroid treatment, can result in patients triggering radiation detectors for up to three months after treatment, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

Diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures, including FDG PET scans, bone scans and cardiac scans, can have a similar effect, although for shorter periods.

Prenatal Thyroid Screening Proves Beneficial to Women and Their Children

Routine thyroid screening for women of reproductive age, particularly before they become pregnant, may save money and limit health risks to children, according to new research being presented this week at The Endocrine Society's 86th Annual Meeting in New Orleans. The new findings provide a basis for quantifying costs and assessing effectiveness of different thyroid screening strategies for reproductive age women.

Previous research has shown that low levels of thyroid hormone in pregnant women can cause mildly impaired development in their children. As a result, some experts have advocated screening women of childbearing age for thyroid disease.

Annual Study Finds Top Hospitals Have 28% Lower Mortality Rate

Patients treated at top-rated hospitals nationwide have nearly a one-third better chance of surviving, on average, than those admitted to all other hospitals, according to a study released by HealthGrades, an independent healthcare ratings company. Patients who undergo surgery at these high-performing hospitals also have an average five percent lower risk of complications during their stay, researchers found.

100% Juices Found as Beneficial to Health as Fruits and Vegetables

When it comes tosome of today’s health issues, 100 percent fruit and vegetable juices do help reduce risk factors related to certain diseases. This conclusion is the result of a European study designed to question traditional thinking that 100 percent juices play a less significant role in reducing risk for both cancer and cardiovascular disease than whole fruits and vegetables.

Quiz: Is Your Thyroid Making You Fat?

Could your thyroid be making you gain weight, or sabotaging even the best efforts to lose weight?

Take our quiz, and find out whether or not you may be one of the millions of people who are struggling with extra pounds, thanks to an undiagnosed, untreated, or undertreated thyroid condition.

Start the quiz now.

Mary Shomon's Favorite Weight Loss Supplements

Given that it's January, and many of us are turning our thoughts to weight loss for the new year, I thought I'd share some information on the weight loss and diet supplements I recommend -- because I use them myself. (My personal rule is that I never recommend anything that I don't personally believe in, read, take, use or love!

It's no secret that like many people with hypothyroidism, every day is a struggle to get off and keep off extra weight. So whenever I find something I feel is particularly helpful, I am very excited to let you know. I've tried many things in the past, sometimes they're a big bust. Like the "starch-blocker" pills (NOPE), and ephedra... (A BIG NO-NO, PLUS HEART PALPITATIONS!)

But ongoing efforts to continue to lose weight go best for me when I'm following my Thyroid Diet, doing more weight-bearing exercise, and using certain supplements.

First, let me tell you that I have mitral valve prolapse. And so FORGET ephedra, the supplements that have high doses of caffeine, or some of the other stimulating supplements -- they give me awful palpitations and I simply can't take them. But I'm better able to stay on track, reduce my appetite, feel less bloated using certain non-stimulating supplements.

(Keep in mind, I try to eat low-glycemic, low-sugar, try to avoid starchy carbs, focus on protein, veggies, some fruit, so when I'm able to lose weight, it's due to a combination of optimized thyroid, diet, exercise, and good supplements.)

In any case, if you're interested in trying out the products I like and regularly use, here's the info. I buy most of mine from Iherb.com. Those of you know have been reading me for a long time know that this is one of the few companies I always recommend -- they have the absolute best prices, great service -- a trustworthy, excellent online retailer. But you also can get these supplements from most health food stores or natural groceries as well.

Top 10 Things You Should Know About Your Thyroid: Thyroid Awareness Month Special Report

As I do every year, I've taken a look at what the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) has come up with for their awareness campaign effort. Their Thyroid Awareness Month campaign this year -- called "How's Your Thyroid? Who Needs to Know?" -- is geared towards those who may not know they have a thyroid problem. AACE is sponsoring the campaign, along with the American Thyroid Association (ATA), and with funding from Synthroid drugmaker Abbott Labs. In past years, I've found the campaigns lacking -- they've been self-serving, or not much more than thinly veiled drug company advertising. But I have to say, this year's theme is an improvement, and does have more of a patient orientation.

BUT...part of the campaign is a list they've together titled the "Top Ten Things You Should Know About Your Thyroid." It's pretty telling to see what they've chosen as their top ten things. And truthfully, I'm not on board with some of their choices...and you may not be either. So, what are these ten things they think you should know? Are they really the most important things affecting your thyroid health? Find out now.

Routine Screenings For Mild Thyroid Disorder Recommended

Like routine screenings for high blood pressure and breast cancer, screening for an underactive thyroid gland is cost-effective and should be part of periodic examinations for people over age 35, especially women, a Johns Hopkins-led study suggests. The findings contradict current recommendations by most physician groups that such thyroid screenings are unnecessary in the general population.