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Graves' Disease, A Practical Guide, McFarland Publishing, Jefferson, NC, 2001. ISBN 0-7864-1011-6

Order direct through McFarland Publishing, 800-253-2187, Summer, 2001

300 page reference text, with illustrations, notes, glossary and index with all the information anyone with Graves' disease needs, both during the active phase of the disease and for the years following remission.

Table of Contents: Introduction- the importance of carefully evaluating treatment options and their long-term consequences while taking into consideration the natural course of Graves's disease 1) The Graves' Legacy-historical background, disease etiology, natural progression, manifestations, pathology, metabolic changes, nutrient deficiencies, effects on nervous, reproductive, muscular, digestive, and cardiovascular systems including the rare development of thyroid storm. 2) The autoimmune nature of GD--the role of personality, emotions, stress and genes on immune system function; autoantibody development and autoimmune disease; drug-induced autoimmunity; the role of treatment on autoimmunity. 3) The Thyroid and its Hormones-thyroid anatomy and physiology, thyroid cellular changes associated with GD, role of iodine, hormonal disruptors, thyroid hormone synthesis; the pituitary-hypothalamic-thyroid axis 4) Graves' ophthalmopathy, dermopathy and acropachy-symptoms, manifestations, genetic component, autoimmune element, diagnosis, treatment, natural progression of these associated disorders. 5) The Diagnosis of GD- signs, symptoms, diagnostic clues and confusion, laboratory and imaging tests, diseases often confused with GD. 6) Autoantibodies and Autoimmune Diseases Associated with GD-describes autoantibodies and autoimmune conditions likely to be seen in patients with GD. 7) Why Me? Genetic and Non-Genetic Influences--the factors, both genetic and environmental, which contribute to the development of GD. 8) Allopathic Treatment of GD--describes conventional treatment options and treatment outcome studies, including anti-thyroid drugs, block and replace therapy, surgery, radioiodine ablation, ionic inhibitors, beta-adrenergic blocking agents...and their effects on autoimmunity. 9) Alternative Approach to Treating GD- alternative goals, healing philosophy, advantages, treatment methods including strong iodine solution, vitamin and mineral supplements, herbs, homeopathic preparations, dietary changes, stress reduction, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, Acupuncture, Yoga, Neural Therapy and Integrative Medicine. 10) Special Considerations in Pregnancy, Children and Teens--thyroid fetal development, placental influences, thyroid function in the newborn, postpartum disorders, special treatment considerations and relapse. 11) Hypothyroidism associated with GD--most extensive coverage of primary hypothyroidism found in a lay text; includes effects on all bodily symptoms including cognitive changes, onset, progression to myxedema coma, associated fibromyalgia, treatment options, side effects, alternative healing methods and interfering medications. 12) Anecdotes and Testimonies of Patients-describes the short and long-term outcomes of various patients who have been treated with different conventional and alternative healing options. 13) Resources--includes texts, journals, support groups, internet sites, bulletin boards, international thyroid groups, integrative healing centers, a list of acronyms, glossary, endnotes, and index.