In this primer for patients, their families, and their doctors, a leading physician and scientist explains why the standard treatment for hypothyroidism fails many-and offers an empowering call for change. -Hypothyroidism, also commonly referred to as Hashimoto-s disease, affects millions in the United States alone. It occurs when the thyroid-the butterfly-shaped gland that sits in your neck right above the front of your shirt collar-malfunctions or after thyroid surgery, causing thyroid hormone levels in circulation to drop below normal. Thus, treatment is aimed at bringing these hormone levels back to normal. This is done with daily tablets of thyroxine or T4. Because hypothyroidism is so common, we likely know someone who is on this type of medication. While most patients respond well to this standard treatment, about ten to twenty percent (some two to three million individuals in the United States) are far from living a typical life. They exhibit -foggy brain--low energy, confusion
