Book – Charleston Thyroid Center

What You Must Know About Hashimoto's Disease

In the U.S., at least 5% of people have hypothyroidism, with the most common type being Hashimoto’s Disease (or thyroiditis). Despite millions of people having this disease, many suffer for years without being diagnosed. Even after diagnosis, too many Hashimoto’s patients continue to experience debilitating effects from this disease… fatigue, muscle and joint pain, weight gain, headaches, hair loss, and throat/neck pain.

There is a lack of understanding related to Hashimoto’s among both patients and physicians. A complex, autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s is multi-faceted and complicated. In order for patients to obtain the most accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment, they must have a comprehensive understanding of what Hashimoto’s is, how and affects overall health, the range of testing/diagnostic tools, and treatment options.

That’s why endocrinologist and thyroid specialist, Dr. Brittany Henderson, and patient, Allison Futterman, joined together to write What You Must Know About Hashimoto’s Disease. Realizing that far too many patients are not getting the information and care they need, the authors created this book to help those who are suffering. Written in understandable language, they give you an insider’s view into how to get accurate Hashimoto’s diagnosis and management. Divided into three sections: 1) Getting to Know Your Thyroid 2) Testing and Diagnosis, and 3) Treatment and Management, the book will be an invaluable resource for patients at every stage of their Hashimoto’s journey. @DrHendersonMD #WYMKAHashimotos

Book Reviews

"Who wouldn't want Dr. Henderson as their own doctor? Her incredibly comprehensive book blends mainstream and progressive medicine practises seamlessly, in order to inform both medical professionals and the thyroid patients themselves of everything they ought to know, so that more can live well with thyroid disease. Instead of promoting one treatment plan, Dr. Henderson upholds that there is no one-size-fits-all approach but instead a need to treat each person as the individual they truly are."

"A comprehensive resource of information regarding thyroid disease! Dr. Henderson provides patients with a handbook for understanding the sum of the root cause, as well as the complexities of the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid hormone imbalance."

"This fine pair – the doctor and the patient – have created a book that fills a gap in the full understanding of Hashimoto’s Disease from two stances. By introducing the combination of medical science with patient response this fine book has finally presented the facts, the history, the diagnostic aspects, the treatment functions and the preventative concepts of thyroid function and disease. It serves as a practical and applicable guide to identifying the symptoms and the tests for and treatments of the most significant state of thyroid dysfunction–Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune disease that results in hypothyroidism. Dr. Henderson explains the function of the normal thyroid and the various forms of dysfunction of that important gland, explains the manner in which the diseases are diagnosed, and finally the treatment and management of the hypothyroidism Hashimoto’s Disease produces. The facts are clearly explained with a fine set of responses from Allison as to how patients react and how to detect responses of the various medications meant to correct Hashimoto’s disease. The book is at once thorough and complete yet offered in a completely accessible manner. The result? An indispensable guide for patients with the disease–and for families of patients–and for the general populace who seek to understand their body functions and prevent illness. Recommended."

"Anyone gaining weight or feeling fatigue or muscle or joint pain will likely be drawn to the possibility that his or her immune system is attacking the thyroid gland. Endocrinologist [Brittany] Henderson and [Allison] Futterman, one of her grateful patients, ably describe how this walnut-sized organ should work, what tests can show about the underproduction of thyroid hormone, and how to treat this surprisingly common condition... Follow the authors' advice to avoid potential triggers, such as highly processed foods and artificial sweeteners, and to limit caffeine and alcohol intake... [a] glossary helps with unfamiliar terms, and a list of resources makes this a very useful resource."