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Rethinking Hypothyroidism: Why Treatment Must Change and What Patients Can Do First Edition

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 73 ratings

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In this primer for patients, their families, and their doctors, a leading physician and scientist explains why the standard treatment for hypothyroidism fails many—and offers an empowering call for change.

Hypothyroidism, also commonly referred to as Hashimoto’s disease, affects millions in the United States alone. It occurs when the thyroid—the butterfly-shaped gland that sits in your neck right above the front of your shirt collar—malfunctions or after thyroid surgery, causing thyroid hormone levels in circulation to drop below normal. Thus, treatment is aimed at bringing these hormone levels back to normal. This is done with daily tablets of thyroxine or T4. Because hypothyroidism is so common, we likely know someone who is on this type of medication. While most patients respond well to this standard treatment, about ten to twenty percent (some two to three million individuals in the United States) are far from living a typical life. They exhibit “foggy brain”—low energy, confusion, and poor memory. Many doctors have shrugged off their complaints, believing these symptoms to be unrelated to the thyroid disease. In
Rethinking Hypothyroidism, Dr. Antonio C. Bianco, a physician and a scientist who has studied hypothyroidism and thyroid hormones for decades, offers an accessible overview of the disease’s treatment and the role of big pharma in shaping it, making the case that the current approach is failing many patients. But more than this, Bianco calls for alternatives to improve lives, and he equips patients and their families with the tools to advocate for other treatments.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Rethinking Hypothyroidism . . . offers an accessible overview of the treatment of hypothyroidism, and makes the case that the current approach is failing many patients. . . . Bianco's book goes to exhaustive lengths to help readers understand why some recommendations in the clinical guidelines are flawed; it details the history of the clinical characterization and treatment of hypothyroidism, starting with Napoleon Bonaparte and leading all the way up to the present; and provides scientific evidence supporting the claims and complaints of millions of patients over the past fifty years." ― Endocrine News

"A landmark book [that] offers comprehensive hypothyroidism information for all. . . . Importantly, this book is not a textbook, rather it is a source meant for patients, patient advocates, and physicians. . . . I will encourage my patients to read this book, and I wouldn’t be surprised if patients start asking their clinicians about its text." -- Elizabeth A. McAninch, Stanford University Medical Center ―
Clinical Thyroidology

“Bianco explains why treating hypothyroidism isn’t always as simple as it seems. . . . About 15 to 20 percent [of patients] continue to suffer despite treatment. Some feel infuriated when the doctor tells them that their normal TSH levels mean they are fine. They don’t feel fine. They still feel exhausted, confused, and miserable. Researchers, including Bianco, have begun to recognize that people who do not convert T4 to T3 efficiently may suffer from residual symptoms of hypothyroidism. . . . For too long, patients have heard that their residual symptoms are psychological in nature." -- Terry Graedon ―
People's Pharmacy

"A former president of the American Thyroid Association and a consultant to pharmaceutical companies, Bianco’s a longtime member of the medical establishment, so it was a surprise to find that this book—a combination of detailed medical science history, patient user manual, and professional memoir—is unflinching in its analysis of why hypothyroidism now needs to be rethunk." -- Deanna Isaacs ―
Chicago Reader

"This book, released recently, has been highly anticipated and celebrated in the thyroid world.
Rethinking Hypothyroidism: Why Treatment Must Change and What Patients Can Do looks to address why the standard treatment for hypothyroidism, T4-only synthetics, is letting many thyroid patients down, as well as why using the TSH test alone is contributing to this issue. Bianco calls for change, as a traditionally trained doctor who sees ‘the error of his ways’ and now promotes the use of more comprehensive thyroid testing as well as a wider range of treatment options. . . . It is a very informative book and confirmed what a lot of us are already feeling, but coming from a doctor in the thyroid field, it feels very refreshing and I do think it’s a valuable book. Many thyroid patients appreciate that a doctor has announced 'We may have got thyroid treatment wrong' with this book." -- Rachel Hill ― Invisible Hypothyroidism

"In
Rethinking Hypothyroidism Bianco meticulously documents the history of thyroid therapy from its inception in the nineteenth century to the enthronement of dogmas that currently limit patients’ access to more nuanced treatments. . . . With the practical and theoretical evidence so convincingly summarized by Bianco in Rethinking Hypothyroidism, I’ll be fortified in my decades-long resolve to provide my patients with the best thyroid care—with synthetic or natural formulations as appropriate, heeding all necessary precautions until new options arise to address the crucial role of T3." -- Dr. Robert Hoffman ― Intelligent Medicine

"The book is important because it is based on solid documentation and emphasizes that it is necessary to actively listen to the patient and recognize their symptoms. Take the book to your doctor and let him read it (or keep it!). It is a good starting point for a renewed review of your medical history." ―
stofskiftesygdom.dk

"Written by one of the leading experts on the topic, this book is a must-read for both healthcare providers and patients who struggle with hypothyroidism. Dr. Antonio C. Bianco is a clinician-translational scientist who has established his career exploring the pros and cons of different thyroid hormone replacement options. In this work, he provides his unique perspective on the diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism, toward the goal of improving the health of those with one of the most common chronic medical conditions globally." -- Angela M. Leung, MD, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine

Rethinking Hypothyroidism validates what many patients knew, but the science was not confirming before. It will open the door for all to consider alternate treatments.” -- Philip James, patient advocate, creator and host of "Doctor Thyroid"

“A true ‘whodunit’—a famous scientist discovers we have it all wrong and offers a primer on the contrarian thinking at the heart of scientific discovery.” -- David A. Ansell, MD, author of "The Death Gap: How Inequality Kills"

“Dr. Bianco reviews the replacement treatment of hypothyroidism in a historical perspective. The book is superbly written. . . . The review of the literature as well as of documents of, and personal participation in, the debate give the arguments a solid foundation. . . . In trying to explain the need of adding T3 to the treatment of some patients, Dr. Bianco invokes state-of-the-art science, to a good part of which he has made outstanding contributions.
Rethinking Hypothyroidism is a book that should be on the bookshelf of every clinical endocrinologist, as well as physician-scientists specialized in the thyroid, and concerned patients.” -- J. Enrique Silva, MD, FACP

About the Author

Antonio C. Bianco, MD, is professor of medicine and a member of the Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition at the University of Chicago, where he runs a laboratory funded by the National Institutes of Health to study thyroid hormones. Bianco is also a former president of the American Thyroid Association.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ University of Chicago Press; First Edition (November 24, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 311 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0226823164
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0226823164
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.87 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 73 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
73 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book written in clear, easy-to-understand language. They appreciate the author's exceptional capability to simplify very difficult concepts. Readers describe the book as well worth reading and not long. They also mention it's the most important book in thyroid literature in half a century and inspiring for hypothyroid patients.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

6 customers mention "Language clarity"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book written in clear, easy-to-understand language. They appreciate the author's exceptional ability to simplify difficult concepts. Readers also mention the book is a well-written scientific reflection on one of the most common health conditions.

"...His writing is so clear: he makes complex ideas accessible to but not overly simplified for the average person...." Read more

"...Not a long book and easy to read." Read more

"I love how most of this book was written in clear, easy to understand language...." Read more

"...Overall, a very well-written scientific reflection on one of the most common health conditions that influence millions of people's quality of..." Read more

5 customers mention "Readability"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well worth reading, excellent, and easy to read.

"Excellent book written by the former head of the Thyroid Association. This doctor unveils the problem with current thyroid treatment...." Read more

"...This book is a must read, along with The Thyroid Patient Manual/Recovering with T3 by Paul Robinson." Read more

"...It is imperative reading, particularly for doctors who continue to gaslight thyroid patients by telling them "Your levels are fine, so it couldn't..." Read more

"I truly enjoyed reading the book - the author did a great job of making a very complex subject understandable and enticing...." Read more

3 customers mention "Thyroid health"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and incredible for hypothyroid patients on T4 therapy. They also say it's the most important book in thyroid literature in half a century.

"...thoughtful and deep exploration (historical, scientific) of the thyroid is inspiring...." Read more

"Incredible book for hypothyroid patients on t4 therapy that still have symptoms!..." Read more

"The most important book in thyroid literature in half a century..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2024
Dr. Bianco's thoughtful and deep exploration (historical, scientific) of the thyroid is inspiring. His writing is so clear: he makes complex ideas accessible to but not overly simplified for the average person. He walks a line that few do in the days of polarization, staying close to the data and veering clear of dogmas and ideologies. Most impressively, he reveals the profound evolution of his own thinking, admitting with great humility, his own regrets. This book is for those who wish to take charge of their own health. It is also for those who watch dizzying and emotional debates on hypothyroidism and want a more stable and thoughtful framework with which to interpret and evaluate hyperbolic claims. He is profoundly empathetic to patients and apologetic for medical hubris. He elucidates economic incentives getting in the way of progress without resorting to conspiratorial fear mongering. His forays into the medical history of the disorder as well as some of the basic biology provides that wide angle view that turns the reader into a savvier patient able to withstand and contextualize the barrage of information out there. I wish there were more medical books like this for every condition.
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2023
Excellent book written by the former head of the Thyroid Association. This doctor unveils the problem with current thyroid treatment. He underscores what many thyroid patients tell their doctors...the T4 alone (Brand name Synthroid or generic Levothyroxine) simply isn't working and he explains WHY! If you are still suffering despite the meds, this man finally gives you some answers and sets the medical community on a new course instead of denying there are still problems after T4 dosing or that it's "all in our heads"! This doctor is also a thyroid researcher who seems to know what he's talking about. Finally someone willing to pull back the curtain on myth that T4 is a panacea. Not a long book and easy to read.
9 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2024
Incredible book for hypothyroid patients on t4 therapy that still have symptoms! This book is a must read, along with The Thyroid Patient Manual/Recovering with T3 by Paul Robinson.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2023
I love how most of this book was written in clear, easy to understand language. The doctor is definitely a scientist and wrote this book for both patients and other doctors. He explains how the subject has been well researched. I gave my copy, after reading it thoroughly, to my primary care doctor. I need to order another copy!
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2023
Dr. Antonio C. Bianco will very likely go down in history as a hero to millions of thyroid patients whose words fell on deaf ears for the last a fifty years. It is imperative reading, particularly for doctors who continue to gaslight thyroid patients by telling them "Your levels are fine, so it couldn't be your thyroid," or who suggest they "talk to someone" (a psychiatrist) because their symptoms can't possibly be related to their thyroid, or that they are malingering. The (relatively new, in science time) discoveries and ongoing research that pertain to 10-20% of thyroid patients is HUGE!! Give a copy to your doctor as well as to your family. If I had to use one word for how I felt after reading this book, it would have to be: Vindicated.
19 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2024
I have suffered from hypothyroidism for many years. Dr. Bianco explains a lot in his book about how some patients just don't do well on the standard treatment with Synthroid ( any T4 ) . This book will help you understand the why's and how's. A must read!
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2024
It's a very in-depth look at the conditions centered around the thyroid, and covers a lot of history. But the summary and marketing feel misleading since it's very much a manifesto on why doctors shouldn't blatantly test TSH, prescribe supplements, and move on. It doesn't have much for patients, other than the CTA to find a doctor who won't only test for TSH and move on.
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2022
I truly enjoyed reading the book - the author did a great job of making a very complex subject understandable and enticing. I am particularly intrigued by the thrilling events between academia and pharmaceutical companies and the significant impact on every patient on thyroid medication. Overall, a very well-written scientific reflection on one of the most common health conditions that influence millions of people's quality of life.

Highly recommend!
8 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Catricea
5.0 out of 5 stars Hypothyroidism? Struggling for years? This is validation.. a must read
Reviewed in Canada on July 11, 2024
if you have been mistreated by endocrinologists, your GP and any other doctor/specialist regarding your thyroid, this is a must read book!
The first 20 pages are my life...
The last sentence on pg 165 into 166 should be coming out of the mouth of any doctor that has mistreated you.. it's validating and infuriating at the same time
Devonlad
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 23, 2024
As a layman/sufferer this is a well put together book, explaining most things well and updating a lot of the misconceptions about hypothyroidism and its treatment. He certainly knows his stuff.
Jinay Shah
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for patients suffering from hypothyroidism
Reviewed in India on September 20, 2023
The book is well written, and very comprehensive in explaining the subject matter. Just, one issue is that it doesn't go far enough in it's recommendations.
candice
5.0 out of 5 stars If you suffer from hypothyroidism, READ THIS BOOK!
Reviewed in Canada on May 5, 2024
Best book I have read, written by a doctor who treats thyroid, is a “traditional” MD by training; and knows how patients suffer from and can be dismissed by doctors who don’t listen. Such an important book and I am so grateful! I feel hope after almost 30 years of ongoing challenges to treat my low thyroid.
Daisy
5.0 out of 5 stars Clearly explained, well worth buying
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2023
Medical professionals on the side of the thyroid patient appear few and far between. Most doctors and endocrinologists dismiss the active thyroid hormone T3 leading to a difficult existence for many of us who cannot convert T4 efficiently. This book was engaging and well written - it may not go far enough for some expert thyroid patients but is on the whole balanced and full of interesting facts and research. So I am certainly now following this fella’s research and videos that give more detail with great interest and still hope that treatment will eventually improve and stop going backwards.