CLINICAL THYROIDOLOGY FOR THE PUBLIC
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 4

In this issue, the studies ask the following questions:

• What is the best treatment for hypothyroidism?
• Are thyroid hormone levels in the normal range a risk factor for atrial fibrillation?
• Does levothyroxine treatment affect the risk of preterm delivery in hypothyroid women?
• Do probiotics affect the absorption of levothyroxine?
  
• Does surgery for hyperthyroidism provide a lower risk for heart problems than RAI therapy?
  

We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Let us know what you want to see in this publication.

EDITORIAL What is the best treatment forhypothyroidism?

ATA Hypothyroidism Treatment Survey

The final analysis of the survey results will be published in the June issue of Thyroid and Drs. Angela Leung and Eric Stevens summarized the paper for a future issue of Clinical Thyroidology. In this issue, Dr. Sarah Peterson, the lead author of this important paper, has provided a summary of the paper for CTFP in advance of its' publication. In the interest of full disclosure, I am also an author of this paper, and the full list of authors is included in the summary. Read More....

We invite you to support the American Thyroid Association during the month of April to help raise awareness for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis!

The term "Thyroiditis" refers to "inflammation of the thyroid gland". There are many possible causes of thyroiditis. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. It is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies directed against the thyroid gland lead to chronic inflammation. It is not known why some people make antibodies, although this condition tends to run in families. Over time, however, this results in impaired ability of the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, leading to gradual decline in function and eventually an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto's thyroiditis occurs most commonly in middle aged women, but can be seen at any age, and can also affect men, and children.