The definitive guide for the more than twenty million Americans suffering from chronic thyroid problems or thyroid cancer Beth Ann Ditkoff, M.D., and Paul Lo Gerfo, M.D., two leading thyroid surgeons, identify the common symptoms of thyroid disease--weight gain or loss, fatigue, nervousness, and sleeplessness--and provide advice on diagnostic tests, treatments, medications, and self-help strategies. Every person with thyroid disease can be helped with proper diagnosis and treatment. Most thyroid problems are chronic, so patients need information to cope with a disease that will likely be with them for life. This authoritative, easy-to-use book helps them understand their conditions and gives them the knowledge they need to manage their medications and symptoms. Drs. Ditkoff and Lo Gerfo are clinicians and researchers who have successfully treated thousands of patients. Thyroid Facts More than twenty million people currently receive treatment for thyroid problems An estimated two million people have an undiagnosed thyroid condition At least 10 percent of women over the age of sixty will show evidence of underactive thyroid In women of childbearing age, thyroid dysfunction can cause menstrual problems, infertility, and miscarriage An underactive thyroid can cause sexual dysfunction Eight percent of pregnant women develop thyroid disease, which is often misdiagnosed as postpartum depression The majority of thyroid disease affects women