Book Review: The Thyroid Book and The Thyroid Sourcebook

The Thyroid Book by Martin I. Surks, M.D., Consumer Reports Books, 213pages, $24.95
The Thyroid Sourcebook by M. Sara Rosenthal, Contemporary Books, 215pages, $14.95

Reviewed by Katie Geer, Fall intern

Thyroid disease affects at least 10 million Americans and is five to seven times more common in women than in men. The thyroid gland produces, stores, and circulates thyroid hormone, which regulates the function of all cells. Hyperthyroidism results from an overactive thyroid and causes heat intolerance, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and decreased menstrual flow. In contrast, hypothyroidism results from an underactive thyroid and causes cold sensitivity, depression, lethargy, weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, and sometimes increased menstrual flow. These two conditions have distinct causes and treatments. The thyroid gland may also develop nodules, lumps which have a 5 to 10 percent chance of developing into cancer. As with any health condition, treatment of thyroid disease should involve partnerships between health care providers and informed patients. Both The Thyroid Book by Martin I. Surks, M.D. and The Thyroid Sourcebook by M. Sara Rosenthal are valuable resources for individuals interested in educating themselves on thyroid disorders.

The Thyroid Book and The Thyroid Sourcebook each offer a comprehensive review of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. Both authors provide detailed descriptions of the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of these disorders. In addition, they each offer advice on how to choose a physician, what kind of information to provide at your first thyroid appointment, and what to expect from physical examinations and diagnostic testing.

Both books also provide useful information on thyroid disease in women. An important issue for women is thyroid disorders and pregnancy. Thyroid disease can affect a woman's fertility. Thyroid malfunction and treatment methods can also endanger the health of pregnant women and their fetuses. Surks includes an entire chapter on pregnancy and Rosenthal's chapter on women is largely devoted to this topic.

The primary difference between these two books is the level of scientific knowledge that each assumes. The Thyroid Book, written by a physician, is more appropriate for the reader who has a little background in biomedical science. Surks does provide a glossary, but his definitions often involve terminology that is unfamiliar to the layperson. You certainly don't need to have a medical degree to comprehend this book, but an understanding of basic biology or familiarity with thyroid disease
is helpful.

The Thyroid Sourcebook is easier to read. Rosenthal uses analogies from everyday life to explain the normal function of the thyroid gland, how it malfunctions, and how it responds to treatment. These analogies are usually helpful, but for some they may at times seem a little too simplistic.

Surks and Rosenthal each present the facts on thyroid disease, both positive and negative, in a supportive manner that does not encourage fear. Rosenthal includes discussion of the emotional issues associated with thyroid disease. In particular, her own experience with thyroid cancer allows her to offer advice on coping with cancer. Surks' book is a better resource for those in search of pure facts.

Understanding health conditions is key to overcoming them. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, I strongly recommend The Thyroid Book and The Thyroid Sourcebook as comprehensive guides to thyroid disease.