Children who are overweight or obese may be damaging their thyroid glands, a problem that could contribute to or worsen their weight problems, according to Italian researchers. It's thought that obesity may trigger inflammation, which in turn is damaging the thyroid, according to the study reported in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism's December 2008 issue.

The study looked at 186 overweight and obese children, over a period of more than three years. In all the children, free T3, free T4, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and antithyroid antibodies were measured, and a thyroid ultrasound was performed. (Forty healthy and normal-weight children matched for age were the study's controls.)

The results:

• 23 children (12.4%) showed antithyroid antibodies and an ultrasound pattern suggestive of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (group A)
• 20 children (10.8%) showed normal ultrasound together with antithyroid antibodies (group B)
• 70 children (37.6%) showed an ultrasound pattern suggestive of Hashimoto's thyroiditis but with no antithyroid antibodies (group C)
• 73 children (39.2%) showed a normal ultrasound and no antithyroid antibodies (group D)

The study shows that Read more...

Most of the time, as patients, we try to deal respectfully with our doctors, and they with us. But as many of those with chronic health problems have discovered, all doctors are NOT created equal, and some of them, are, well, let's just say, they're a piece of work. Is your thyroid doctor just not up to par? You'll want to read 10 Signs That You Need a New Doctor to see if it's time to make a much-needed personnel change.

Our Patient Empowerment guide Trisha Torrey has also put together a great article, How to Deal with an Arrogant Doctor, that helps you understand one of the most difficult personality problems to deal with in doctors.

As thyroid patients, you'll occasionally find yourself dealing with less-than-stellar endocrinologists. Some of the worst offenders are those who are fattening their wallets with drug company money. Read Is Your Endocrinologist "Under the Influence?" for some insights on these doctors.

Of course, there are also doctors, like Time Magazine's Dr. Scott Haig, who don't even want you to do your own research. Find out why that's a bad idea, in Why Patients Need to Be Googlers!

And finally, jump into the discussion, and share: What is the MOST Infuriating Thing a Doctor Has Said to You?

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A while back, I asked you to share your stories about the most infuriating thing a doctor has said to you. I started out by sharing my own saga, which involves Synthroid, hair falling out so much that I wanted to buy stock in Drano, and a doctor who thought that people who research health issues are pains in the neck, and referred to us as "Petit Papier" women (the women with the little papers!) Big sigh!!

Needless to say, I'm not alone, and my post launched a very active discussion on my forums. You can view all the responses -- or share your own story -- online at my thyroid forum now.

But here are a few memorable highlights!! See if you recognize things YOUR doctor may have said to YOU along the way! Read more...

What do YOU give thanks for? If you're a thyroid patient, it might be your doctor, or your electric blanket, or sympathetic friends and family. Humorist Jody LaFerriere was a newly diagnosed thyroid patient when she sat down to think about what she was thankful for, including her thyroid pills, the television, and...storage bins? (You'll have to read it to get THAT one explained!) You'll love Jody's wonderful sense of humor, so don't miss this thyroid holiday CLASSIC!!

THYROID THANKSGIVING POLL

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