The First Year: Hypothyroidism: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

Hypothyroidism primarily strikes women, and heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women. Pratt illuminates important new developments in the areas of thyroid disease and cardiac involvement. This revised edition also explores the link between environmental factors and hypothyroidism and the role of thyroid disease in iron deficiency and anemia. Millions of Americans live with an underactive thyroid gland: Hypothyroidism affects approximately 11 million Americans. By the age of 65, 17% of women have an underactive thyroid compared to 9% of men, and 1 out of 5 women over the age of 75 has Hashimoto's thyroiditis (the most common cause of hypothyroidism). Pratt provides the latest information that newly diagnosed and ongoing hypothyroid patients need to know in order to take charge of their lives. Using her firsthand experience, and with input from medical experts and other informed thyroid patients, Pratt walks you through the medical and emotional, personal and professional impact of hypothyroidism and offers practical, encouraging, and positive suggestions on life with hypothyroidism.

Maureen Pratt is a journalist and author whose work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, National Business Employment Weekly, and other publications. She is co-author of Taking Charge of Lupus: How to Manage the Disease and Make the Most of Your Life and is active nationally in raising awareness for thyroid disorders and lupus. Pratt lives in Los Angeles.
Elliot G. Levy, MD, FACE, is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Miami School of Medicine. He lives in Miami, Florida.