Additional information
by James M. Lowrance (Author)
The metabolism of the body is regulated by thyroid hormones. These include the T-4, T-3, Reverse T-3 and TSH (the last one being a pituitary hormone). The levels of these hormones are tested to determine thyroid function and to detect hormone disorders but some of them continue to be retested at regular intervals, to monitor thyroid hormone replacement therapy as well. Thyroid patients who are better educated in regard to these hormones have better ability to be proactive in their treatments and communicate with their doctors so that they receive the best possible results from their hormone replacement therapies. This book (approx. 9,560 words in length) is not intended to be an extensive manual but is intended to contain information most often sought by laypersons on the subject. CONTENTS: Chapter One: The Purpose of Thyroid Function Hormones Chapter Two: The Best Blood Tests of Thyroid Function Chapter Three: Interpreting Your Blood Lab Results Chapter Four: TSH for Monitoring Thyroid Hormone Therapy Chapter Five: Newly Diagnosed/Treated Patients Chapter Six: Differences between Diagnostic and Treatment TSH Chapter Seven: Thyroid Supplements Vs Thyroid Hormones Chapter Eight: T-4 versus Combination T-4 and T-3 Hormone Medication Chapter Nine: Symptoms of Thyroid Hormone Imbalance
Author Biography
I am a husband, father, grandfather and lifetime contract salesman, with experience in health writing that began in 2004. I completed theological studies with Liberty University in 1996. I formerly served as editor and forum moderator of Thyroid Health for BellaOnline.com and as a general health writer for Suite101.com, where I received Editor's Choice Awards for my articles on health subjects. In 2003 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism; "Hashimoto's thyroiditis" being the cause. This autoimmune form of thyroid disease that causes destruction of the thyroid gland resulted in my also developing "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome", due to a compromised immune system with severe co-morbid "Adrenal Fatigue". I also suffered severe anxiety symptoms, including panic attacks early into the onset of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (Hashitoxicosis). A common heart murmur I was diagnosed with in my teens called "Mitral Valve Prolapse", also worsened in severity of symptoms, with the development of these other health disorders. My eventual receiving of diagnoses was a difficult process with proper diagnostic testing not being ordered by the first doctors I sought treatment from. These types of issues were inspiration for me to become proactive in my own health care and to self-educate myself on these health disorders, which I have done extensively since 2003. I now enjoy sharing this information with other patients experiencing my same health disorders.
