Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A Revolutionary Breakthrough In Understanding Hashimoto's Disease and Hypothyroidism

by Datis Kharrazian

Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? was written to address the true causes of hypothyroidism in this country and how to manage them. The vast majority of hypothyroid cases are being treated inappropriately or misdiagnosed by the standard health care model. Through my exhaustive research and clinical experience, Dr. Kharrazian has discovered what really causes hypothyroidism and how to manage it.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Medical, Nutrition, Self Help, Reference, Unfinished

342 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Dr. Datis Kharrazian a research fellow at Harvard Medical School and the Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital. His research focuses on toxicology, neuroimmunology, and autoimmunity.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to edit my review for those who have thyroid issues and struggle with the medicine/doctor's visits/etc. I had every symptom but one for low thyroid (cold, dry skin, losing hair, etc.) yet all of my lab tests always showed normal so doctors would dismiss the low thyroid symptoms. I was so tired from being tired all the time that I ended up researching doctors who might believe my symptoms instead of the tests and found a "specialist" in my city (supposably one of the best doctors for thyroid issues in my area). He started me on thyroid medicine and I took it for over four years (both synthetic and none as well as kelp). By the fourth year, I was beyond frustrated. I was losing tons of hair, I was cold all the time, I couldn't lose any weight even after going on a no-bread diet for over a year and doing spin class/Insanity several times a week, etc. I was literally at the end of my rope and stressed knowing that the excess weight I was carrying put me in line for a better chance at cancer than if I was thinner. (Something I was worried about because my mom died of lung cancer in her 50's.) A friend recommended this book and it was a God send. I read what Datis had to say, figured it was worth a shot to try the cleanse, and two years ago, went for it. I have since lost over 35 pounds without changing anything but my diet! (When I originally wrote this review, I had lost 30 lbs.) I went from a size 16 to a size 10. I have tons of energy, I'm not bone chillingly cold all the time, I lose a normal amount of hair, etc. If you are frustrated with thyroid issues (and you probably are if you have them), you MUST read this book!
I think this book is a beginner book. As in, it started me down a path that has lead me to lots of other discoveries in this area. I have recommended this to tons of people. It will change your life if you have the courage and discipline to try the diet. Truly. Another book that I would recommend is called "The Hormone Diet", but that is after you have read this one as it is not nearly as detailed on how your thyroid works.

[Joy · Rating 1 out of 5]

While the information is mostly good, I needed actual advice, not 'go find a doctor who I've trained so you can give them all your money' type advice. In any case, living outside the US makes THAT particular advice useless.

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very helpful/useful book. I finished it today. My husband is now reading it. (he's incredibly supportive --pro-active --a wonderful husband!!!), --in helping me make do 'my part' to FEEL BETTER and improve my health. I've been pretty damn sick most of te year.
I've many-MORE-food restrictions. (not making social-eating-fun-what-so-ever).
The times I 'cheat' (as FRICK THIS) --I get REALLY sick for 'days'.
Its taking work, (fighting depression to boot), to change habits -desires & lifestyle.


I just finished reading 'other' people's review on this book. I'm guessing people read it for many of the same reasons. (some type of 'self-health-help?/!) ---

I don't know how OTHER people came to find this book -or why ---but my NEW Functional-Medicine-Doctor gave it to me to read.

The mystery of other past conditions I've had in my life ---started to make sense to me after reading this book. (A life of constipation, anemic, low white blood cells, thyroid disease, etc.).
... We know more about hormones -Pituitary glands-- and the endocrine system today, than 48 years ago when I first showed signs of 'pituitary' RED FLAG-serious problems.

Many adults who have reach my age: 61 -- have had 'on-an-off' health challenges: anemic, low-thyroid, tired, times of depression, 'gut' bloating, constipation -sugar cravings - weight gain -weight loss. ....etc. etc.

This book helps 'explain' the difference between Conventional Medicine labs (testing) ---and Functional Medicine labs (testing) ---
With conventional labs: the markers are 'liberal' in normal ranges.
In Functional Medicine labs ---its more 'conservative'. ---Meaning ---its 'possible' to see the RED FLAG HEALTH problems BEFORE a serious disease is present.

I go to BOTH: A conventional doctor (HMO--for medical insurance) ---
After a year of getting excellent care for a disease I have/Hirschrump's Disease ---I was told to TRY alternative medicine --OR ---begin to think of surgery. (major surgery: two of them) ---

So---My husband and I made our first appointment with a Functional Medicine doctor. He spent 2 hours with me (having already studied all my medical labs and paper-work --stacks of it-before we arrive). It 'is' more expensive --and medical insurance does not cover the costs.
I have 5 more lab tests coming up after the first of the year --but the medical-support he is giving me is more than 'all' of last years help --I now see its critical support!
I'm deeply thankful. I'd recommend this doctor to every person I love! (this approach to medicine). I only wish I had -had the wisdom -and support to have found this type of doctor 30 -or more years ago. (I'm sure Children could benefit).

I have Hashimoto's disease -- Hirschrump's Disease --intestinal permeability --and tons of food allergies.
This book was helpful --
The doctor is helpful --
I hope to see improvement soon!

Happy New year to all! May 2014 be an awesome New Year!

Cheers to feeling healthy and happy!

elyse

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book on Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism that actually explains that the problem in most cases is not the thyroid but the immune system and that in order to get better, you have to reduce inflammation, repair your gut, get your blood sugar in order, support your adrenals, support your brain, and get your other hormones, especially estrogen, to normal levels. Most of the other books that I've read on this topic basically tell you that you need to be taking thyroid hormone and that you can do all these other things in addition to taking hormone to reduce symptoms and maybe reduce the amount of hormone you take. Kharrazian, on the other hand, explains why you shouldn't be taking thyroid hormone, except for in one case. The issue with Hashimoto's is the immune system and not your thyroid. Thus the solution is to reduce the autoimmune attack on thyroid protein. With other forms of hypothyroidism, the reasons can be many and it can be treated with various supplements to support the adrenals, the brain, etc. I really appreciate how detailed Kharrazian gets about the biology of these disorders and shows how everything in your body functions together, although at times it can be overwhelming with so much information and leave one wondering, OK, where do I start? No other book has explained Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism and how to deal with it as well as this one. What I dislike about the book is that he constantly refers to supplements that he has developed (he explains that since there was a lack of these combinations of supplements, he developed his own, which I do understand) and that people do not have access to them unless they visit a practitioner that has received his training. However, there are not that many practitioners that do so and none in my area so they are not accessible. What this book tells you is how complicated Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism really are and that it is really important to find a knowledgeable integrative doctor that treats is as more than just a thyroid problem and not self-treat with various supplements as that can actually cause more harm. This is a book that I will be taking with me to my physician so I can ask him about the best tests and recommendations for me. This really is stuff that your family physician will not tell you! A must read for those dealing with hypothyroidism, especially before you start any hormone treatments.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent source of information regarding thyroid conditions that persist despite "lab tests" coming back normal. The author explains very high-level information in such a way that, I feel, most laymen would be able to understand.

Excellent resource. I often lend this out to people who are looking into thyroid issues.

[Rachel B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been incredibly helpful when it comes to identifying what exactly is causing my hypothyroidism. Kharrazian identifies six types, and details which lab test results and symptoms reflect each type.

I did get a little discouraged reading, though, because the author is constantly referring the reader back to a functional practitioner for testing, evaluation, supplements, etc. Many people such as myself are unable to find and/or fund a wonderful doctor who actually takes us seriously, so self-treatment is really the only option left, and Kharrazian didn't do justice to readers in light of that truth.

(Also, there are many typos throughout, which I find especially disconcerting in books on health/medicine.)

[Kay · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is kind of like an infomercial. I, for one, am not about to go out and spend money on this guy's supplements. I've done enough research on my own before reading this book to be moderately informed about my own condition, so I found the information annoyingly repetitious (I get it, gluten is bad!) and not well-written. I recommended that people read Chris Kresser's short and concise eBook on Thyroid Disorders instead.

[Zac Stojcevski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very well written and informative though I found it too prescriptive. But for the grace of god go I - fortunately I have none of the associated health problems. Reading this from cover to cover therefore had minimal utility and there is a curative rather than a preventive slant to the approach. Reading Kharrazian's other exhaustive tome, much of what is contained in this book is appropriately added to the larger book and is therefore my pick.

[Gry Ranfelt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good solid book with a lot of information that didn't make it into the brain book, because that book has another focus. One thing I lament in both of his books is all of this focus on blood sugar and Standard American Diet and no mention of the issues in people who already eat like he says to and are still feeling horrible.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the answer to 20 years of trying to figure out what is wrong with my health. Has changed my life!

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting information, but it seems like this book was written primarily to promote the author's very expensive protocols and supplements.

[ALLISON · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic i love it,very good book

[Robin S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing five specialist's advising that the symptoms that they were being paid $350 an hour for to diagnose correctly, and getting the "It was all in my head" scenario again. And the never-ending research including trail and error that we all put ourselves though without telling our doctors so as to not get in trouble, this book will-if not 100% be your answer to all of the above it will be the most blessed thing close to it.
This book came highly recommended from a super friend in the medical community, who's sister was in the same exact situation as most of us looking for the same answer.
Finally a doctor who can tell you the truth about something with no concern what the FDA has to say about it and not get reprimanded.
My friends sister has been researching for over a year for an answer to all our "IN YOUR HEAD" symptoms that are more reality then what any Neurologist or Specialist will ever tell you~ She will affirm with her first happy tears,after years of going in circles, that this book turned her life 100 percent around. From a dark night to a day where everything finally was right.
Dr.Datis Kharrazian's book created an international explosion of interest from his detailed review of the scientific literature regarding thyroid disease and his clinical model of patient management. Thousands of positive testimonials have been received globally from the model he created.
Dr. Kharrazian is one of the most sought after educators in natural medicine, laboratory analysis, and nutrition. His seminar schedule is booked two years in advance.
Don’t waste another day feeling lousy because you’re trapped in outdated standards of health care.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the perspective of this book, which focused on what it means to be healthy versus what it means to be sick, and the fact that many doctors are less focused on healthy patients. When we are "sick" doctors give us medicine and make us better, but they do not focus on their patients truly being healthy. This is a book that must be used in conjuntion with a doctor/naturopath/etc that understands these principles. The recommendations in this book are not to be done without the help of a professional, and the author makes this clear. Overall, I believe this book was an important step towards becoming healthier.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have advanced Hashimoto's (TSH 107 when not on meds... no, that's not a typo), and feel awful despite being on several different drugs. I did not find this book to be very helpful. There's not much advice here that you can follow on your own, and the "doctors" that the author recommends seeing to guide you through her impossible regimen of tests, diet changes and supplements you've never heard of, have terrible reputations for taking advantage of sick people (at least the ones in my area do). My endocrinologist, who is pretty sympathetic towards alternative medicine, felt that most of the advice was a waste and would not help me. Disappointing.

[Aura]

I read this book several years ago when I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto's and there wasn't much information available. I found it very empowering at the time and am still eating gluten free. (If for no other reason than it cleared up several other issues when I quit it that recur when I'm accidentally exposed.)

I had hoped that by now that there would be more information available via mainstream channels involving peer reviewed studies to back up what's in this book but instead it's even harder to get legitimate information in the sea of anecdotal advice.

It seems like everyone publishing in this subject is selling something and there is no hard research to turn to.

[Pixiechicken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going through this book as slowly as I can, to increase absorption and greater understanding. Yesterday, I was supposed to take an allergy test. Since I read that I need to know if I am TH1 or TH2 dominant, I am choosing the test that includes most of the stimulants for both, that way I can see which I am. I have learned more from this book than all the time with my idiot of an old doctor. Now I've found a naturopath who studied under Dr K and will actually address my hashimoto's.

[Lorraine Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I've always known that Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease, most of my doctors have said take synthroid and you will be fine. This book has explained why I need to do more, especially supporting my immune system. And that I wasn't crazy for still feeling ill and tired while taking the "correct" amount of synthroid.

[danelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

His focus is on Hashimotos, but his overview of the endocrine system is awesome. It doesn't talk down to the reader, but offers clear medical explanations of very complicated systems. I don't have thyroid problems and I still feel like I have a real understanding of medical problems that have confused and plagued me for years. Absolutely fantastic.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the "better" thyroid books I've read so far. I appreciated the chapters on hashimoto's, though what I'm finding is that this autoimmune disease manifests itself in such different ways depending on the person. This makes it incredibly frustrating and isolating. Also can lead to information overload - which is where I am.

[Maranda Carvell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good info, but a lot of it boils down to "See one of my specially trained practitioners". Still a good overall picture of what kinds of tests and treatments are available, and the underlying causes of thyroid issues. This is not a DYI book.

[Janci · Rating 2 out of 5]

Last time I checked, iodine is an atom not a molecule. The language of science is precise not sloppy, and this is sloppy. I don't doubt the basic premise but this is not a man I'd trust with my health.

[Myra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book to someone with Hashimoto's Disease, as it gives insights into understanding what's going on, and better yet, what to do about it.

[Joni · Rating 2 out of 5]

great info at the beginning, bogs down with too much scientific info for the lay reader to take in and understand.

[Denée · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read. This book got to the heart of autoimmune disease and its many varied treatment approaches. I wish my Doctor would read it.

[Jennifer Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel you have any kind of thyroid issue you need to read this book. Dr. K is a leader in treating brain and thyroid issues and the info is eye opening.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I appreciate the amount of information this book provides regarding thyroid disorders, I am finding a lot of contradictory advice. In one section of the book, Kharrazian advises that people to identify if they have TH-1 or TH-2 dominance, and then avoid certain certain supplements or types of food based on which category you belong to. When he later gives the directions for his fast, he includes many of the supplements he said should be avoided.

It always makes me laugh when people are excited that they lost a lot of weight after doing one of these liquid to elimination fasts. That's because you didn't eat anything for a few weeks. Kharrazian states he is against fasts because they can permanently harm your metabolism, then recommends doing his fast in the next breath.

Why is Kharrazian giving so much advice to heal a leaky gut and prevent food allergies when he still advises that you avoid gluten for the rest of your life? Does his plan help a leaky gut or not? If so, people should not need to give up gluten forever. He even states in his fasting plan that even if you have a reaction when re-introducing a food, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to give up that food forever. He states the main issue is chronic inflammation and poorly regulated blood sugar, caused by diet, stress, and toxins. I completely agree with that. But if the core causes are addressed and the gut is healed, then all kinds of food should be tolerated again.

I am hypothyroid and have been taking medication for 2 years now. I could not match my personal lab results and symptoms in one of his 6 types of hypothyroidism. I did find it odd that he says people are prescribed thyroid medication all the time, when technically they should only be taking it if they have primary hypothyroidism- when looking at his categories, it shows an elevated TSH level in only the primary form of hypothyroidism. Even by his own words, elevated TSH levels are almost always what doctors use to determine if medication should be given of not. My takeaway is that by his own reasoning, doctors are, for the most part, recommending thyroid medication in the situations that truly call for it.

I understand why so many people feel like this book is an infomercial- all the case studies end in the exact same treatment plan- which are his trainees giving the same supplements that are not readily found, if at all. You would need to buy them from his site.

Even with all my issues above about this book, I did still find it beneficial and will try some of the recommendations. Kharrazian opened my eyes more to the issues of blood sugar and leaky gut in relation to thyroid disorders. I would still recommend the book to others, but I would give them a heads up on some of the information.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read, the 2nd half of the book dives into practices/supplements he recommends to help support your system which I was not intending to use so I skimmed for useful tidbits.

Do I have a thyroid issue? I have no clue. I just know I have been complaining of all of these symptoms that connect back to low thyroid function for 12-15 years now. I’ve gone to the doctor with my issues, I get the blood tests, my results come back in normal ranges and I get pushed off as depressed/anxious, which I’m not denying might also be the case, but I decided to dig deeper in my hunch that it could be thyroid related and I found online thousands of people with my same experience, so what is going on here if so many others feel the way I feel and don’t get any response from their doctors? I found several possible answers to the cause of my symptoms in this book, I’m leaning towards more of a pituitary/adrenal imbalance after reading this so I will keep researching and maybe I will find a solution.

[Scott Wozniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting discussion on how some thyroid diseases may present normal panels—and how hormone replacement treatments can actually make things worse. Especially applicable to those with Hashimoto’s. This doctor focuses on how the mechanisms works and which foods and activities help and which hurt.

It gets very detailed and specific about the diets, including how to best incorporate supplements, hormones and more serious treatments.

Short book—concise and practical.

Note: I don’t have a thyroid disorder. Reading this on the recommendation of someone who I know that is exploring this. It was worth the quick read to be able to understand how the critical thyroid system in our body actually works.

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Birth control pills often have many side effects that mess up human body function (due to the excess flood of estrogen into human body)

- Other major factor that develops Hashimoto are Gluten intolerant and Vitamin D deficiency and chronic inflammation

- Stresss is another factor in the condition

- As an autoimmune disorder, it's really about user not really understanding how to best work with the body

- Medicine - unless it's nutritional support ones (which natural food, or natural sunlight for vitamin D is a far better choice) - tend to do more harm than good