Review: Rethinking Hypothyroidism

Why Treatment Must Change and What Patients Can Do

Title: Rethinking Hypothyroidism Author: Dr. Antonio C. Bianco MD, Ph.D Genre: Medical and Health Science Publisher: University of Chicago Press (2022) Pages: 304 Buy on Amazon

Who This Book is For

• science curious readers
• thyroid patients
• not for those wanting recipes or home remedies

About Rethinking Hypothyroidism

If you're looking for a book by a true expert on hypothyroidism, you've found it. This book focuses on the medical treatment of hypothyroidism rather than diet-based or alternative approaches.

Dr. Antonio C. Bianco has been a clinician and scientist in the field of thyroid disease for decades. He has held leadership roles including Chief of Endocrinology at both the University of Miami and Rush University, and he served as President of the American Thyroid Association in 2016.   Additionally, Dr. Bianco continues to maintain an NIH-funded laboratory where he and his team have contributed extensively to research in hypothyroidism.

Rethinking Hypothyroidism distills decades of research and clinical experience into a single accessible volume. It simultaneously speaks to professionals and patients alike. 

Starting from before the turn of the 20th century, we follow the story of the discovery of hypothyroidism through early treatments and how knowledge and treatment have been refined over time.

The book explains what the thyroid is, what it does, and why it’s central to overall health. We also learn the specifics of the primary hormones (TSH, T3 and T4) and the intricately choreographed dance they perform to maintain health or, if steps are missed, contribute to a cascade of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms.

While following the twists and turns of the history of thyroid research and treatment, we also learn of the mis-steps. Dr. Bianco humbly admits to participating in a culture in which patients are treated according to TSH hormone levels and not according to their symptoms. As a result, many are left being told they are fine when their bodies are telling them otherwise. Thankfully he saw the light and has spent the remainder of his career listening to his patients and advocating for doctors to take a more nuanced approach to treatment. 

My Review

If, like me, you like to understand why things are the way they are; if you enjoy the historical context of a subject and how the past has informed, or mis-informed the present, I think you'll enjoy Rethinking Hypothyroidism.

The book is heavy on the science, so you'll need to tap into your inner nerd to really get into it. For me that's fine. I found myself reading and re-reading certain passages to get a thorough understanding, then highlighting furiously. More importantly, I saw myself in the pages. As someone who has suffered for years with symptoms that I had no idea were related to my thyroid. I'd been told for years that my TSH was near normal so nothing needed to be done. I was relieved and vindicated to read that TSH is not the be all and end all, and that more could be going on. 

On an even more personal note, as I was reading this book, I was experiencing recurring thyroid symptoms after months on levothyroxine. I'd felt much better for a time, but little by little I noticed symptoms returning. 

The knowledge I gained from reading Rethinking Hypothyroidism gave me the confidence to go back to my doctor for help.

The "What Patients Can Do" section left me a little disappointed at first. I’ve read so much functional and natural medicine that I expected a blueprint for what I could do myself. Instead, the focus is firmly on medication. As I think about it, that's probably best. As much as I'm all about taking responsibility for your own health, and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, I'm learning that when it comes to my thyroid, working with my doctor is the best and safest approach. I can't do this alone. 

Do I Recommend This Book for You?

I gave this book three stars—not because it isn’t excellent, but because it’s not for everyone. If you are really into the history and the chemistry of how certain molecules behave inside the human body, you'll likely love this book. If you're looking for recipes, home remedies or lifestyle advice, you won't not find that here.

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