What You Must Know about Hashimoto's Disease: Restoring Thyroid Health Through Traditional and Complementary Medicine

In the United States, it is estimated that over 20 million people have thyroid problems. And of this number, the most common thyroid condition is Hashimoto's Disease--a form of hypothyroidism in which the body's immune system attacks its own thyroid gland. Despite millions of people having this disease, many suffer with life-changing symptoms for years without being diagnosed. And even after diagnosis, 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 are some of the commonly occurring symptoms. 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 from this all-too-common form of hypothyroidism. Written in understandable language, the authors give you an insider's view of what you need to know about Hashimoto's. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1, Getting to Know Your Thyroid, explains how your thyroid functions, how Hashimoto's affects your health, and what signs to look for. Part 2, Testing and Diagnosis, looks at the most reliable tests used to detect Hashimoto's, how they work, and what to expect from testing. Part 3, Treatment and Management, discusses the most effective conventional medications as well as those complementary treatments that have proven to be effective.

Unfortunately, there still remains a lack of understanding of Hashimoto's among patients and health professionals alike. As a serious autoimmune disorder, Hashimoto's is multifaceted and complex. What You Must Know About Hashimoto's Disease provides patients with an invaluable resource that they can rely on at every stage of their journey to greater health.

Allison Futterman received her bachelor's degree in communications from Hofstra University and a master's in criminal justice from UNC Charlotte. She is currently a freelance writer whose work has been published in print and online. She is also a Hashimoto's patient who found hope and help in her treatment with Dr. Henderson.

Brittany Henderson, MD, received her medical degree from Northeastern Ohio Medical University. She went on to complete her endocrinology fellowship training at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Henderson later became Medical Director for the Thyroid and Endocrine Tumor Board at Duke University Medical Center, and then served as Clinical Director for the Thyroid and Endocrine Neoplasia Clinic at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Dr. Henderson is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology. Her current clinical practice, the Charleston Thyroid Center, is dedicated to patients with thyroid disease and thyroid cancer. She lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband, Jeff.