Could It Be My Thyroid

Rating:
Summary: Review by a thyroid expert.
Review: About 20 million Americans have thyroid disease, and no doubt countless others are unaware they have a thyroid disorder. In my practice as a thyroid specialist, I am often asked by patients about resources to help them understand their thyroid problem. Obviously the internet is a wonderful resource, but patients need to be careful about what they're reading, since there's so much misinformation on the net. Moreover, many medical sites are too scientifically oriented to be easily understandable by lay people. All that patients (and others who are interested) need to do, is turn to the second edition of Could It Be My Thyroid, by Sheldon Rubenfeld, M.D. This book is extremely informative, comprehensive, and easy to read. Just as important, if not more so, is that the information provided by Dr Rubenfeld is accurate, and right on target. He begins by clearly describing the anatomy and physiology of the thyroid (how it works) and then moves on to the medical tests that doctors use in diagnosing thyroid conditions. He then describes common thyroid conditions, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), as well as inflammatory diseases, thyroid lumps and bumps, and thyroid cancer. All of the conditions are described in the context of actual patients from his practice, which makes the book more readable and relevant for patients, their families and friends. Another plus is the author's ample use of pictures, graphs and tables: ditto for the glossary. Now, for those of you with pets who did not know that thyroid diseases affects dogs and cats, check out pages 126 and 395. Note the caption "Pretty girl with hypothyroid dog" on page 126. She looks exactly like the author's daughter, Sarah Rosenfeld, shown on the dedication page of the book. While the author is clearly biased, I must say that I agree with his description. And, from what I can determine, that's the only bias that I was able to find in this even-handed book. To the author's credit, he even lists other lay publications (and therefore potential competitors) on page 391. The bottom line here: read it-you'll like it!

Peter A. Singer, M.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chief, Clinical Endocrinology
Director, Thyroid Diagnostic Center
Keck School of Medicine
University of Southern California

Rating:
Summary: It could be my thyroid!!
Review: I was given the double opportunity to read the book and meet the author. I met Dr. Rubenfeld at a Houston conference. He took the time to write a book that can answer many questions. It is written in such a way that you do not need a medical degree or background to understand it. The narrative is laced with illustrations and celebrity "thyroid newsmakers" stories. A comprehensive glossary is provided for those medical terms lay people may not understand. Patient profiles bring a personal touch from those who have lived it.

Rating:
Summary: It could be my thyroid!!
Review: I was given the double opportunity to read the book and meet the author. I met Dr. Rubenfeld at a Houston conference. He took the time to write a book that can answer many questions. It is written in such a way that you do not need a medical degree or background to understand it. The narrative is laced with illustrations and celebrity "thyroid newsmakers" stories. A comprehensive glossary is provided for those medical terms lay people may not understand. Patient profiles bring a personal touch from those who have lived it.

Rating:
Summary: Best answer to all my questions--comprehensive
Review: If you have a thyroid problem or even suspect you have one, this easy-to-understand book by a leading MD tells you just what you need to know. It is a wonderful resource, packed with useful information. I got it as a gift -- and it is priceless. What a welcome and very necessary addition to my bookself. I am giving a copy to my doctor.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Reference Book
Review: This book is well-written. It is simple to understand, yet packed with useful information. I refer to this book whenever I have a question regarding my thyroid health. My endocrinologist refers to this book as well. I give this book to woman with health questions, so that they may consider their next medical option.

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive yet understandable
Review: This is an incredibly helpful book that can be read cover to cover or used from time to time as a reference. It is written in "regular" language without compromising the information and without being too pedantic or condescending. The book remains technical where necessary. The addition of people's stories personalizes each topic and provides a point of reference for comparing your own symptoms. Pictures of celebreties who have experienced problems with their thyroid gives you a sense of "belonging" and let's you know that you aren't the only one with this problem, which can be very comforting. Finally, all proceeds of the sale of the book are donated to the American Thyroid Association for research & education.

Rating:
Summary: now I understand
Review: When I thought that something was wrong with my thyroid, I checked every medical site I could find. Some sites were clearer than others and some were more comprehensive than others. I started asking friends if they knew of anyone with thyroid problems, and almost everyone I spoke to in Houston mentioned Dr. Rubenfeld. A friend gave me his book and I realized that it was clearer and more comprehensive than any of the sites I reviewed. It also lists stories of people after each chapter that really brought home the information. Because each person will experience diffent symptoms, it was easy for me to identify with each person's story and how they approached their treatment. It was easy to read (layman terms!) and I could read the chapters that pertained to me. I would recommend it for someone who does their homework.

Rating:
Summary: now I understand
Review: When I thought that something was wrong with my thyroid, I checked every medical site I could find. Some sites were clearer than others and some were more comprehensive than others. I started asking friends if they knew of anyone with thyroid problems, and almost everyone I spoke to in Houston mentioned Dr. Rubenfeld. A friend gave me his book and I realized that it was clearer and more comprehensive than any of the sites I reviewed. It also lists stories of people after each chapter that really brought home the information. Because each person will experience diffent symptoms, it was easy for me to identify with each person's story and how they approached their treatment. It was easy to read (layman terms!) and I could read the chapters that pertained to me. I would recommend it for someone who does their homework.