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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I frequently hear from readers who are starting on thyroid treatment, and are frustrated. The email will say: "Help! My Synthroid isn't working! What should I do?" Often, the patient started Synthroid three or four weeks earlier, and is still exhausted and gaining weight. So her first thought is that the Synthroid must not be t working.

It's actually a common misconception. Patients think that the medication isn't working if after a few weeks, they still have troublesome symptoms. But if this happens to you, does this mean your thyroid medication -- and Synthroid is the brand name levothyroxine drug most often prescribed for thyroid patients -- isn't working?

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If you want to lower your risk of heart disease, did you know that your doctor should be targeting a particular Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level for your thyroid treatment? Find out the TSH level that experts are recommending to cut heart disease risk, and whether it matches up to what your doctor is doing for you.

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It's estimated that 59 million Americans have a thyroid problem, but the majority don't even know it yet. The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, is the master gland of metabolism. When your thyroid doesn't function, it can affect every aspect of your health, and in particular, weight, depression and energy levels. Since undiagnosed thyroid problems can dramatically increase your risk of obesity, heart disease, depression, anxiety, hair loss, sexual dysfunction, infertility and a host of other symptoms and health problems, it's important that you don't go undiagnosed. You don't need to have all of these symptoms in order to have a thyroid problem, but here are some of the most common signs that you may have a thyroid condition.

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Thyroid surgery is frequently used to treat thyroid cancer, and is sometimes the preferred approach to dealing with goiter, nodules, or an overactive thyroid. Here are comprehensive resources on thyroid surgery -- known as thyroidectomy -- including reasons for thyroid surgery, choosing a surgeon, types of thyroid surgery, anesthesia for thyroid surgery, endoscopic surgery, minimally invasive thyroid surgery, surgery complications, and recuperation.

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"Thyroid disease is easy to diagnose, easy to treat..." That's the mantra that many physicians and practitioners repeat. Unfortunately, thyroid disease is not always as easy to diagnose and treat as the experts believe. And that means that patients - and doctors - are more likely to get sidetracked. Here's a guide on how to avoid some of the common pitfalls that can get in the way of proper thyroid diagnosis and successful thyroid treatment.

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The presidential elections in the U.S. may be over, but that doesn't mean you still can't vote...in our Thyroid Polls! Here are three polls, looking at different aspects of thyroid disease and thyroid treatment. The results will surprise you!

Which Thyroid Hormone Replacement Drug Works Best?
Which thyroid hormone replacement do YOU find works the best for you? Is it levothyroxine -- any brand, Synthroid, Unithroid, Levoxyl, Cytomel, Time-Released T3, Thyrolar, Armour, Bio-Tech, or Nature-Throid? Share your thoughts, and find out what others have to say in this thyroid poll.

What's Your Worst Major Hypothyroidism Symptom?
Which major hypothyroidism symptom do you think is the absolute worst? Is it fatigue, hair loss, weight gain, depression or brain fog? Let us know what you think, and see what others are saying now.

What's Your Optimal TSH Level?
At which TSH do you feel your absolute best? Under 1.0, 1.0 to 1.5, 1.5 to 2.0, 2.0 to 2.5, 2.5 to 3.0, 3.0 to 4.0, 4.0 to 5.0, or above 5.0? Put in your two cents, and see what TSH level works for other thyroid patients now, in this thyroid poll and its results.

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