Fw: [ThyroidNews] Sticking Out Our Necks, #50, May 2001

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Subject: [ThyroidNews] Sticking Out Our Necks, #50, May 2001

- - - - - S t i c k i n g O u t O u r N e c k s !! - - - - - - The Thyroid Disease News Report by Shomon "We're Patients...NOT Lab Values!!"Issue #50 31 May 2001=================================================Welcome to the fiftieth issue of "Sticking Out Our Necks!" my monthly thyroid disease news report. This newsletter is copyright Shomon, and cannot be legally reproduced without permission. Feel free, however, to forward a single copy to someone who might be interested in reading it, or subscribing.ON THE WEB: My Thyroid Disease Information Source and News Report home page is located at http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com , and I also run a comprehensive Thyroid Disease site at About.com, which you can visit at http://thyroid.about.com . SEND NEWS! If you see something thyroid-related in the news or on the web, please feel free to let me know, send me a note, or forward the URL to me if it's on the web. My email is mshomon@... , regular mail is P.O. Box 0385, Palm Harbor, FL 34682, fax is: 301-493-5224.TO SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE AND CONTRIBUTE: This news report is distributed via a list service formerly called Egroups and now managed by , and is never sent unsolicited. (Note: Your email address is sacred and will not be sold or made available to ANYONE!) To subscribe to "Sticking Out Our Necks" visit the Thyroid Disease News Report Subscription Center, at ThyroidNews OR you can send a blank message to mailto:ThyroidNews-subscribe To unsubscribe, send an email tomailto:ThyroidNews-unsubscribe . To contribute information, thoughts or ideas for the newsletter, write to me, the editor, Shomon personally, at mailto:mshomon@...MY BOOK: "Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know, was published March 2000, by Harper, and is a bestseller in its eighth printing. The Los Angeles Times calls it "a first-rate book." The book is available in your local bookstores. FOR MORE INFORMATION, AND ONLINE ORDERS, see http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com/booktoc.htm . FOR PHONE ORDERS IN THE U.S., call Politics and Prose Bookstore, 800-722-0790. =================================================ABBOTT LABORATORIES FORCED TO SUBMIT NEW DRUG APPLICATION FOR SYNTHROID Company Lost Bid for Special Status, Forced to Apply in Order to Remain on Market After Synthroid Has a Long History of Problems, Says FDA FDA's Scathing Denial Letter Outlines Synthroid's History of Subpotent Product, Inconsistency and Stability Problems On April 26, 2001, the Food and Drug Administration sent a letter to Synthroid manufacturer Knoll Pharmaceuticals, indicating that Synthroid has had a long history of manufacturing problems, subpotency concerns, and stability and reliability issues. The letter was responding to Knoll's request that Synthroid be permitted to be legally marketed without an approved new drug application (NDA), and instead be granted what's known as "Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRAS/E)" status. The letter indicates that Knoll had requested that the FDA also waive requirements for "adequate and well-controlled studies..." In a fairly scathing letter, the FDA rejected Knoll's request, and indicated that like the other levothyroxine drugs, Synthroid needs to apply for a new drug application, and receive approval by August of 2001 in order to remain legally on the market. According to the letter, the FDA denied the request for four key reasons:1. FDA Has the Authority to Declare Synthroid a New DrugWith regard to the FDA's authority, the FDA's letter said: "Moreover, FDA's regulations make clear that a contention that a drug product is GRAS/E (generally recognized as safe and effective) under section 201(p) must be 'supported by submission of the same quantity and quality of scientific evidence that is required to obtain approval of an application.' Given this provision, just as a drug product application must be supported by data showing consistency, potency, and stability, so must a contention that a drug product is GRAS/E....Given the documented history of potency and stability problems, and the dangers of under- and over-dosing, a GRAS/E showing for a levothyroxine sodium product would necessarily include a showing of consistent potency and stability." "The history of potency failures...indicates that Synthroid has not been reliably potent and stable."-- United States Food and Drug Administration Letter to Synthroid Manufacturer, Knoll Pharmaceuticals, April 26, 20012. Synthroid Cannot be Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective Because it is of No Fixed Composition The FDA's specific concerns regarding Synthroid were summarized in the letter:"...the difficulties in finding Synthroid to be GRAS/E are compounded by the fact that its formula has been changed numerous times throughout its marketing history." In describing the composition changes, the FDA wrote:"Synthroid tablets have been manufactured using an overage of the active ingredient that has ranged in size over the last 35 years....An overage is the amount of active ingredient above 100% of the product's labeled potency at the time the finished product is tested for release. Such an overage is intended to compensate for potential loss of active ingredient by degradation while the product is stored and thus permits an extended shelf life for a product with a poor stability profile."3. Synthroid Has a History of ProblemsAccording to the FDA,"...Synthroid has a long history of manufacturing problems...In August of 1989, Knoll initiated a recall of 21 lots of Synthroid tablets...because of a decrease in potency during stability studies." The letter goes on to outline recalls in February 1991 affecting 26 lots of subpotent Synthroid, and a recall of lots of subpotent Synthroid in June 1991. An April 1991 inspection of Synthroid's manufacturing facility resulted in the firm being cited for two deviations from good manufacturing practices. Another manufacturing review in December of 1992 uncovered nine separate incidents of failure to follow good manufacturing practices. As the FDA letter indicates, the problems continued. "FDA also found that the firm had continued to manufacture and distribute low dosage Synthroid tablets during 1990, 1991 and 1992.""Although you claim that Synthroid has been carefully manufacturered, the violations of current good manufacturing practices discussed above indicate that Knoll has not always manufactured Synthroid in accordance with current standards for pharmaceutical manufacturing." -- United States Food and Drug Administration Letter to Synthroid Manufacturer, Knoll Pharmaceuticals, April 26, 2001A 1994 review of the testing facility found additional problems with testing of product, and another recall in 1998 took place of subpotent product. Says the FDA:"The history of potency failures...indicates that Synthroid has not been reliably potent and stable. Furthermore, Knoll's use of an overage that has not remained consistent over the years suggests that Synthroid has stability, potency and consistency problem. Although you claim that Synthroid has been carefully manufacturered, the violations of current good manufacturing practices discussed above indicate that Knoll has not always manufactured Synthroid in accordance with current standards for pharmaceutical manufacturing."4 Patients Need a Precise Dose of Levothyroxine SodiumThe FDA letter summarizes all the dangers of inconsistent dosing for hypothyroid patients. In particular, they state: "...patients using Synthroid have experienced significant, unintended variations in their doses of levothyroxine sodium...these variations are not conducive to proper control of hypothyroidism."In response to the FDA's letter, a press release was issued on April 30, 2001 by Abbott Laboratories, the company that acquired Synthroid's manufacturer Knoll, indicating that a new drug application (NDA) would be filed for Synthroid. This move comes almost eight months after the August 2000 approval of a levothyroxine product by the FDA. Unithroid, manufactured by Jerome s, received NDA approval is now the FDA's reference drug for levothyroxine. COPY OF THE FDA LETTERFor a copy of the nine-page letter sent by the FDA to Knoll Pharmaceuticals, dated April 26, 2001, on FDA letterhead, in which the FDA refuses the request for Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRAS/E) status, and details specifically the manufacturing, potency and stability problems of Synthroid, see http://thyroid.about.com/library/news/blfdaletter.htm, or send $4 (check or money order made out to "Sticking Out Our Necks") and a self-addressed stamped business-sized envelope to "FDA Synthroid Letter", c/o Sticking Out Our Necks, P.O. Box 0385, Palm Harbor, FL 34682.=================================================LEVOXYL RECEIVES FDA APPROVALOn May 25, 2001 King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that they have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their new drug application (NDA) for the Levoxyl brand of levothyroxine. Levoxyl's approval, which comes nine months after submission to the FDA, is the second approval of a levothyroxine drug, after Unithroid was approved in August of 2000. Synthroid, which has been the top seller of thyroid hormone replacement, has not received FDA approval to date. Until recently, the manufacturer had been delaying applying to the FDA in the hopes that its petition for Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRAS/E) status would be approved. The FDA's denial of that request, however, forced manufacturer Knoll Pharmaceucticals, a division of Abbott Labs, to announce last month that they would proceed with filing of an NDA. The typical NDA approval process takes around nine to ten months, so patients and practitioners concerned about what will happen to availability of Synthroid in August of 2001, when FDA regulations will call for any unapproved drugs to be pulled off the market. Synthroid is also under attack by the Gray Panthers, who are calling for Synthroid to be pulled from the market. In a press release issued by the company, M. , Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of King, stated, "We are very excited about the expeditious approval of King's new drug application for Levoxyl by the FDA. Likewise, we are extremely pleased with the sales growth of Levoxyl this year. I believe this approval is particularly significant in light of the maker of Synthroid's recent press release stating that they have yet to submit their application to the FDA." According to Levoxyl's manufacturer, Levoxyl's net sales grew to $17.3 million in the first quarter of 2001, a 17% increase over the first quarter of 2000. King recently announced that it projects net sales of Levoxyl to exceed $20 million in the second quarter ending June 30, 2001. It's possible that Levoxyl's price differential may be accounting for its increased sales. A Drugstore.com search on May 25, 2001 revealed that the cost of Unithroid is in many cases more than double the cost for Levoxyl. Patients are also reporting difficulties obtaining Unithroid through various drugstores and chains, while Levoxyl is typically widely available at most pharmacies.=================================================4TH INTERNATIONAL THYROID CANCER SURVIVORS' CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 21-23, 2001 An international conference for thyroid cancer survivors and their families will take place in Chevy Chase, land, on September 21-23, 2001, to highlight Thyroid Cancer Awareness Week. The Fourth Annual Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Conference will be held at the National 4-H Conference Center at 7100 Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase, land, one mile from Washington, D.C. The conference is sponsored by the nonprofit volunteer organization ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. In her welcoming letter at the ThyCa site, conference organizer Stendebach has said "The conference is an amazing three-day event dedicated to thyroid patients, their families and caregivers. As a matter of fact, it's the only conference in the world specifically about thyroid cancer!"The more than 60 speakers will include 26 physicians from Massachusetts General Hospital, Mayo Clinic, M.D. Cancer Center in Texas, National Institutes of Health, and many other leading institutions around the country. Over 50 workshops and roundtables will offer information for people being tested or newly diagnosed, survivors of many years, and family members and caregivers.For the list of confirmed speakers, the complete program, the registration form, transportation information, and other details, go to the ThyCa web site, at http://www.thyca.org'>http://www.thyca.org. For more information, e-mail to conference@..., call toll-free 877-588-7904, write to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545, or visit the web site at http://www.thyca.org'>http://www.thyca.org. Registration costs are Regular, $45; Annual Members, $40; Lifetime Members, $35; Added Family Members, $25; Before August 15th, $5 off. Scholarships are available. Meal Options are also available at the conference. For registration and meal ticket information, see the website http://www.thyca.org'>http://www.thyca.org.Media/Press Contact: Cherry Wunderlich, cwunderlich@...Note from Shomon: I'll be speaking on the opening day of the conference, Friday September 21, on "Coping With Hypothyroidism." I look forward to seeing you all there!=================================================THYCA FOUNDER RIC BLAKE PROFILEDSpeaking of ThyCa, its founder has been the subject of a moving and insightful profile by Eagle-Tribune health writer Marjory Sherman. The fourth installment of Ric's story of his battle with thyroid cancer and struggle to raise awareness of palliative care has just been posted. If you haven't already delved into this series, you'll enjoy getting to know this extraordinary man. http://thyroid.about.com/library/news/blricblake.htmPart 1: One Man's Battle With Terminal Illnesshttp://www.eagletribune.com/news/stories/20010128/FP_001.htmPart 2: Patient fighting so others can die a 'good death'http://www.eagletribune.com/news/stories/20010129/FP_003.htmPart 3: The agony of waitinghttp://www.eagletribune.com/news/stories/20010408/FP_004.htmPart 4: Acupuncture brings relief after seven months of painhttp://www.eagletribune.com/news/stories/20010520/FP_001.htm=================================================NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN, GRAY PANTHERS, AND STOP PATIENT ABUSE NOW TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET ABUSES Group Threatens Class Action Suit Against Synthroid if the Drug Is Not Withdrawn From Market The Stop Patient Abuse Now coalition has announced that it will organize consumer and patient groups across the country to initiate a series of class action lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies that prevent competition and endanger public health. The strategy is intended to raise the financial stakes for drug manufacturers that engage in anti-competitive or anti-consumer behavior in order to avoid competition.The National Organization for Women (NOW) announced that it will lead the latest class action suit against Bristol-Myers Squibb for tactics it used to prevent patient access to lower-priced versions of Taxol, a treatment for breast and ovarian cancer. A federal court ruled in March of last year that the tactics included ``an intent to deceive'' the government."Congress is letting pharmaceutical companies get away with abuse," stated NOW President Ireland. `"Until congressional leaders take action, we will hold corporations like Bristol-Myers Squibb accountable for their unfair business practices."SPAN members filed a similar suit against Bristol-Myers Squibb in April to recover damages suffered when the company unlawfully prevented competition for BuSpar (buspirone), an anti-anxiety drug. Bristol registered a new patent for the drug with the FDA in order to trigger provisions of a federal law that results in 30-month approval delays for competing generic products. A federal court ordered Bristol to remove the patent this year."Consumers have no regulatory avenue for relief from market abuses by pharmaceutical companies," stated Tim Fuller, SPAN founder and Executive Director of the Gray Panthers. "It is time to take matters into our own hands."SPAN also announced that it is working with specific consumer groups across the nation to prepare similar suits, including against: -- AstraZeneca if it attempts to delay competition for the ulcer medicine Prilosec. Patent protection for Prilosec expires in October, though the company has indicated it may file new patents to prevent competition beyond the original expiration date. -- Abbott Laboratories if it refuses to remove its Thyroid disease drug Synthroid from the market. The FDA issued a letter on April 26 in which it stated that Synthroid "cannot be generally recognized as safe and effective." SPAN intends to work with state Attorneys General and the Federal Trade Commission to identify marketplace abuses by pharmaceutical manufacturers. It will then help aggrieved parties seek treble damages where anti-competitive behavior by manufacturers can be demonstrated."Consumers have no political influence in the pharmaceutical marketplace,'' according to Fuller. ``This strategy will shift the balance of power from drug industry executives and their friends in Congress to the consumers who need relief."SPAN will establish a national registration process to enable consumers to identify market abuses and sign up to be included in the lawsuits. It also will begin regional meetings and seminars to educate consumer and patient advocacy groups about pharmaceutical industry abuses, and to provide outreach to potential plaintiffs. SPAN will host a national meeting this summer to discuss the progress of the initiative and to inform members of Congress and industry officials of recommendations for reform.SPAN was founded by the Gray Panthers to improve consumer access to safe, more affordable medicine. =================================================ONE OUT OF FIVE ADULTS WORLDWIDE MAY HAVE A PITUITARY TUMOR: NEW STUDY SHOWS ONE THIRD OF THESE MOSTLY NON-CANCEROUS TUMORS MAY CAUSE SERIOUS DISORDERS One out of five adults worldwide may have a non-cancerous tumor of their pituitary gland, and at least one-third of these pituitary tumors may be clinically active and causing significant health problems, according to results of a new study presented today at the 10th Annual Meeting and Clinical Congress of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). The findings are based on an analysis of 12 published studies on the prevalence of pituitary tumors, conducted by clinicians experienced in the management of pituitary disorders. "The results confirm that pituitary disorders are more common than previously thought, and suggest that many people are living with an undiagnosed condition that may affect every part of their lives, from appearance and sexual function to their emotional and general health," said Sylvia Asa, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Toronto; Pathologist in Chief, University Health Network and Toronto Medical Laboratories; and Incoming President, Pituitary Network Association (PNA). For instance, untreated patients with acromegaly, a pituitary disease that results in serious changes in appearance and metabolic complications, have a mortality rate that is two to four times higher than average, a figure comparable to those of diabetes and Parkinson's disease. Patients affected by pituitary disease are also at increased risk for life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. "This study is a wake-up call for anyone who perceives pituitary tumors as rare," said acromegaly patient Knutzen, CEO and Chairman of the Pituitary Network Association, an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and information to patients with pituitary disorders and the health care providers who treat them. Pituitary diseases are usually caused by non-cancerous tumors located on the pituitary gland, a small, bean-shaped gland situated in a bony hollow at the brain's base. This "master gland" is the most important of the endocrine glands because it regulates and controls the secretion of hormones that have a dramatic and broad range of effects on metabolism, growth and development, sexuality and reproductive functions. As a result of these tumors, any one of more than a dozen possible pituitary disorders may occur, such as acromegaly, growth hormone deficiency, hyperprolactinemia or Cushing's syndrome. Common symptoms of pituitary disorders include irregular menses, sexual dysfunction, infertility, changes in physical appearance and unexplained mood changes. To find more information about pituitary disorders and to assess whether you may be at risk, take a comprehensive self-assessment test."We encourage individuals who are experiencing symptoms to aggressively seek testing and, if diagnosed, to obtain appropriate treatment from a qualified medical expert, namely an endocrinologist or hormone specialist," said Mr. Knutzen. The mission of the Pituitary Network Association is to support, pursue, encourage, promote and where possible, fund research on pituitary tumors and related pituitary disorders in a sustained and full-time effort to find cures for these illnesses.=================================================AT THE WEBSITEDon't miss these helpful articles at the About Thyroid siteHypothyroidism in Children with Down SyndromeIn this interview, Down Syndrome parent advocate Miriam Kauk shares a wealth of information about the diagnosis and optimal treatment of hypothyroidism in children with Down Syndrome. She believes parents may have to be aggressive about getting thyroid diagnosis and treatment, rather than writing off symptoms as "just part of Down Syndrome." http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa052701a.htmCholesterol Lowering Drugs and Coenzyme Q-10 DepletionHigh cholesterol is frequently a problem for thyroid patients. And thyroid patients can also be deficient in Coenzyme Q-10. Physician and herbal expert Bernd Wollschlaeger, MD shares new concerns about further depletion of CoQ10 for people taking statin drugs (i.e., Lipitor, Zocor) for high cholesterol. http://thyroid.about.com/library/news/blcoq10.htmHypothyroidism, Fibromyalgia and the Linkage to Candida (Yeast) Sensitivity and The Yeast SyndromeAn interview with holistic practitioner Dr. McNett about the connection between yeast and hypothyroidism, and the linkage to fibromyalgia, and how yeast syndrome is diagnosed and treated. http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa052401a.htmTwelve Ways to Revive and Boost Your MetabolismWhen you're hypothyroid, sluggish metabolism contributes to fatigue, difficulty losing weight, or continued weight gain. Even after your hypothyroidism is properly treated you may find that your metabolism hasn't bounced back. Here are twelve ways to revive and boost your metabolism. http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa052101a.htmThe Ultimate Thyroid Patient Exercise Program -- Exercise to Help Hypothyroid Patients Get Fit and Lose Weight40 minutes, 3 times a week, in your own house, with no special equipment needed, and you can get all the exercise you need for good health, fitness and weight loss. Find out about this easy to follow program that anyone can follow -- no matter what your level of fitness. http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa051701a.htmSolved: Some Common Thyroid Problems: Help from Thyroid Expert and Author, Langer, M.D.Author and thyroid expert Langer, M.D. shares some fascinating information about thyroiditis attacks, a technique that can help hypothyroid patients who cannot tolerate even small doses of thyroid hormone replacement, palpitations and the role of nutritional deficiencies, weight loss challenges, whether thyroid blood tests are really necessary, and things to explore further when you don't get better on adequate treatment. http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa051001a.htm=================================================FOLLOWUP: YOU CAN'T KILL SEVEN PEOPLE AND BLAME IT ON THYROID DISEASE! Monday, April 23, 2001 began the sville, Indiana trial of Judy Kirby began. Kirby, 32, was accused of killing seven people -- including three of her own children -- by going the wrong way on a highway and ultimately crashing into a minivan on March 25, 2000. Prosecutors contended that the single mother, who had 10 children and had recently given birth, had decided to take her children's lives. According to prosecutors, Kirby drove her car past 16 "Do Not Enter" and "Wrong Way" signs before ultimately crashing, resulting in seven counts of murder in the deaths of three of her children, a nephew traveling with her, the minivan driver, and two of his children. Kirby's defense team claims that a thyroid imbalance -- specifically, hyperthyroidism -- left Kirby delusional and unable to intentionally cause the crash. In her opening statement, Kirby's lawyer Auger, said `She doesn't respond the way many of us would because she has a disease, an illness.'' In the months after the accident, Auger had attempted to argue that Kirby was suffering from post-partum depression after giving birth five months before the crash. Her efforts to have Kirby declared incompetent to stand trial were unsuccessful. On Thursday, May 10, 2001 Kirby was convicted of murder. Kirby could get up to life in prison when she is sentenced June 7. "I'm just so happy that she won't be able to hurt anybody else and my family," said Louise Reel, whose husband and two oldest children were in the minivan, told Associated Press. "She took everything from me."=================================================FOLLOWUP: GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL SUSPENDS UK'S MOST POPULAR THYROID DOCTOR I reported in the last issue about the attempt by the British GMC, the General Medical Council, to target the career of one of the UK's most popular and beloved doctors, Barry Durrant-Peatfield. Unfortunately, the GMC has succeeded, and after what has been described by onlookers as a "kangaroo court" proceeding, on May 11, 2001, has had his license to practice medicine suspended for 18 months by the GMC. Said Dr. Durrant-Peatfield, "They claimed that I am a danger to the public. Obviously, the committee accepted everything their solicitor said and ignored my rebuttal entirely." The many letters of support for Dr. Durrant-Peatfield submitted by patients and physicians were not even reviewed as part of the proceedings. Dr. Durrant-Peatfield believes that the committee knew exactly what they were doing in rushing the decision through and suspending him. "They couldn't even look me in the face as the verdict was delivered," he said. "They all knew it was a massive piece of injustice." While a final hearing will take place in six months to revisit this decision, Dr. Durrant-Peatfield is not hopeful. "If I'd had the Pope there to defend me, it would have gone the same way. This is purely their excuse to get me off the register to practice thyroid and adrenal medicine." It's unfortunate that the GMC's Interim Orders Committee has suspended Dr. Durrant-Peatfield, and in doing so, has managed to turn back the clock on thyroid and adrenal treatment. Ultimately, they are attempting to ensure that more than ever before, UK patients suffering from thyroid, adrenal and chronic fatigue problems are left with less choices, poor treatment, and limited options beyond what is comfortable, profitable and easy for them as physicians who seem to know little about patient care for thyroid and adrenal conditions. Other alternative private doctors who treat thyroid disease will soon be under full attack from the GMC, and ultimately, thyroid patients in the UK may be left with nothing but the National Health Service, its limited treatment options, and overreliance on TSH tests and levothyroxine as the sole means of diagnosis and treatment.=================================================HEALTHCARE DISCOVERY SERIES 2001If you are in the Washington, DC area, you won't want to miss the Healthcare Discovery Series. A joint effort of A Center for Relationships and andria Myotherapy, the series is exploring alternative therapies in a lecture-workshop format. Upcoming events include:June 3: Intorduction to Meditation, with , LPC, NCC, from A Center for RelationshipsJuly 1: (two offerings) Qi Gong: Chinese Exercises for Your Health, with Rita Offer, PhD, of andria Myotherapy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine: The Benefits of Acupuncture and Herbal Treatments, with Shi-hua Wu, a doctor of Oriental medicineSeptember 9: Understanding Your Temperament Through the Enneagram, with Lynn , PhD., LCSW, of A Center for RelationshipsOctober 7: yoga, the Practice of Personal Transformation, with Maureen Clyne, RYTNovember 4: Cravings: the Food-Mood Connection, with Sara Blumenthal, LNReservations are required, call 703-549-9554 x 7. Cost is $10 per person, children under 12 are free. All events take place the 1st Sunday of the month, 7-9 p.m., at A Center for Relationships, 316 Commerce Street, andria, VA. For directions, see http://www.ac4r.com=================================================IHERB RUNNING JUNE 10% OFF ALL VITAMINS, HERBS, SUPPLEMENTS SALEFor months now, almost all of my online vitamin and herb purchases have been through the online vendor, Iherb (http://www.iherb.com). I've had great service from them. Since many of you purchase vitamins and supplements online, I just wanted to let you know they are having a sale for the month of June. You can get 10% off any purchases by entering "june" (without the quotations marks) as a coupon code during the checkout process. (Note: I am not an affiliate of Iherb -- or any other vitamin or supplement providers for that matter -- and I don't receive any kickbacks. ;-) I just believe in patronizing companies that offer good service and that I like!)=================================================THYROID POWER IS COMING!Thyroid Power, a new book from Drs. and Karilee Shames, will be published the first week of June. I've read an advance copy of the book, and I think you'll find it a great addition to your thyroid patient library! If you want to get a sense of the flavor of the information offered by the Shames, read some of my recent interviews with these two practitioners. Holistic Approaches to Thyroid Diseasehttp://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa041301a.htmThe Adrenal - Thyroid Connection http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa052801a.htmThe Thyroid/Menopause Connection http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa050801a.htmFluoride and Thyroid Disease http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa042801a.htmFor more information about their book, see: http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com/thyroidpower.htmor order Thyroid Power now from Amazon.com for $20.00, $5 off the list price, by going to:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0688172369/scratcthenetwebs=================================================LET'S TALK THYROID!!!Through a relationship with Keen.com, you can now call me and talk one-on-one in person about your thyroid condition. I'm available various times of the week for calls for a per-minute fee, and am happy to share information, answer questions, and generally help you in your efforts to live well!! And, if you email me in advance at mshomon@..., we can even work out special by-appointment times to fit your schedule. I've already spoken with some folks, and it's been great to have a chance to help answer your questions and share information right on the phone!! To find out more, visit my page at Keen at http://www.keen.com/About+Thyroid+Guide'>http://www.keen.com/About+Thyroid+Guide To call me for a live call, you can visit my page at Keen to find out if I'm taking calls at the time you want to call. That page is located at:http://www.keen.com/categories/categorylist_expand.asp?sid=1718972You can also call me via Keen directly, without ever going near your computer. Dial 1-800-ASK-KEEN, (1-800-275-5336) extension 054140. If I'm taking calls at that time, and you're a first-time caller, you'll be asked to enter your phone number and select a special PIN number.SPECIAL! Keen will give you three free minutes for your first call, so you can call and talk to me for a few minutes for free, or hear some of my recorded informational audios, also for free! To find out how to join, visit: http://www.keen.com/documents/help/joining.asp=================================================MARY SHOMON'S THYROID INFO BY PHONE! -- RECORDED AUDIO PRESENTATIONS ON THYROID DISEASEThrough a new relationship with Keen.com, you can listen by phone to a variety of pre-recorded informational audio presentations that I've developed. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, I've created these presentations to offer thyroid information in an easy-to-understand audio format. See my information page, http://www.keen.com/About+Thyroid+Guide'>http://www.keen.com/About+Thyroid+Guide , for more on how to hear presentations on the following topics: -- Could You Have a Thyroid Problem? -- Thyroid Hormone Replacement -- Common Questions-- Sexual Health: Reviving Your Sex Drive When Hypothyroid -- Top 10 Signs You Have a Thyroid Problem-- What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Disease?-- How to "Check Your Neck" -- Perform a Thyroid Self-Checkhttp://www.keen.com/About+Thyroid+Guide'>http://www.keen.com/About+Thyroid+Guide=================================================THYROID BASICS & BOOKMARKS HOW TO TELL IF YOU HAVE A THYROID CONDITIONhttp://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa090500a.htmTHYROID 101 - HYPOTHYROIDISM, HYPERTHYROIDISM, CANCER, GOITER, NODULES AND THEIR SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENTS http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa042100a.htmTHYROID WEIGHT LOSS INFORMATION CENTERhttp://thyroid.about.com/library/weightloss/blmain.htmFERTILITY/PREGNANCY INFORMATION CENTER http://thyroid.about.com/blpregnancy.htmTHE SYNTHROID INFORMATION CENTERhttp://thyroid.about.com/blsynthroid.htmTHYROID GLOSSARY / TERMS DEFINEDhttp://thyroid.about.com/library/glossary/blglossary.htmOVERVIEW OF THYROID DRUGS http://thyroid.about.com/new/library/weekly/aa082900a.htmTHYROID DRUG DATABASEhttp://thyroid.about.com/library/drugs/bl-drugs.htmAUTOIMMUNE, ADRENAL OR ENDOCRINE PROBLEMS INFORMATION CENTER http://thyroid.about.com/bl-immune.htmLIST OF ALL THYROID ARTICLEShttp://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/mpreviss.htmLIST OF THYROID-RELATED SITE TOPICShttp://thyroid.about.com/mlibrary.htm=================================================FIND A TOP DOCTOR -- STATE/COUNTRY-SPECIFIC THYROID TOP DOCTORS DIRECTORY (hundreds added, April 2001! )The best place to find a great thyroid doctor is the Top Doc Directory! Hundreds of new doctors were just added last week, so check to see if a new doc has shown up in your area, or if your doctor is listed. And if you have a top doc who isn't on the list, why not nominate her or him today??http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/bldoc1.htm=================================================THYROID SUPPORT GROUPS/FORUMS ONLINE!Don't forget that I run a variety of online support forums for thyroid patients. They are very open, minimally moderated, and a place where you are free to discuss alternative, holistic and broadminded approaches to your thyroid disease. You will never be censored for saying something not approved by the medical associations or a board of doctors. Instead, you'll find support, empathy, information and help on the road to feeling well.The General Thyroid Support and Info is located at: http://forums.about.com/ab-thyroid Graves' Disease/Hyperthyroidism: http://forums.about.com/ab-thyroid2 Thyroid & Infertility, Pregnancy and Menopause: http://forums.about.com/ab-thyroid3 Thyroid Cancer Info/Support: http://forums.about.com/ab-thyroid4Thyroid Related Diet, Weight Loss and Nutrition: http://forums.about.com/ab-thyroiddiet Thyroid Top Doctors: http://forums.about.com/ab-thyroiddrsAlternative Medicine for Thyroid Disease: http://forums.about.com/ab-altmedoptionThyroid United Kingdom and Ireland Support/Infohttp://forums.about.com/ab-thyroiduk=================================================TOP TEN SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW ENDOCRINOLOGISTAfter a prominent thyroid education meeting in April in Baltimore at an esteemed medical institution, several attendees surreptitiously reported to me that the fellow running the program opened up his presentation to his fellow doctors with some "humor," by doing a Letterman-esque Top Ten list. While I don't have the exact wording, it was apparently something along the lines of "Top Ten Signs That You Have a Problem Patient" or something along those vein. One of the top ten items was "The patient walks in carrying a copy of 'Living Well With Hypothyroidism.'" Ok, I'm honored!! The book must be making an impact!! If it's driving the endos crazy enough to be a target of humor, that's a good sign!! It's also good to discover that endocrinologists might attempt humor!!! Maybe they'll run MY top ten list at their next thyroid educational meeting? :-)Top Ten Signs You Need a New Endocrinologist10. His vanity license plates say "ILUVSYNTHRD"9. She thinks Unithroid is something that ballet dancers wear8. He swears that Armour thyroid comes from the thyroid gland of cows7. After years of being your doctor, she still can't remember your name or your diagnosis, but she can always remember to send a huge bill6. He's positive that everything on the Internet is nonsense, but has no idea how to even turn on a computer5. She keeps you waiting a long time after your appointment time, and then is in such a rush that she never has time to answer your questions4. He waves away your copies of "that Internet nonsense," telling you he only accepts information from "reliable" sources, not realizing that you're holding a printout from the New England Journal of Medicine online version3. She thinks T3 is that cute robot in Star Wars2. He spends more time deriding patients and rehashing the same tired and useless information at thyroid conferences than actually studying up on thyroid disease and helping real people with the condition 1. He hasn't bothered to read "Living Well With Hypothyroidism!!" Touche', docs!!=================================================BOOK NEWS -- AN EIGHTH PRINTING!!!!Speaking of my book, I'm excited to announce that in early May, just two months after its seventh printing, my book "Living Well With Hypothyroidism" went to an eighth printing! The book has now spent 60 weeks on Amazon's Top 25 "This Week's Health Bestsellers" list. If you don't already have your own copy, it's a one-stop source for information on how to get properly diagnosed and treated for hypothyroidism (whether autoimmune, or due to surgical removal or radiation of the thyroid), plus help on how to live well, with tips on alternative medicine, other medicines, depression, weight loss, pregnancy, and other issues. It also features a huge Resources chapter featuring organizations, books, websites, TV/radio shows, support groups and more that can help you get information and support...and live well! Here's the info on how to get it: Title: "Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You. . . That You Need to Know" Author: J. Shomon ISBN number: 0380808986List price: $13.50 (US dollars)Published by: HarperTO GET A COPY:Available at your local bookstore everywhere in the U.S. and if they don't have a copy, ask them to order you one! Online at Amazon.com: http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com/booktoc.htm and other online storesPhone Orders: Politics and Prose, 800-722-0790In the UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk , or by order in bookstores Online Information: http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com/booktoc.htm=================================================NOTES FROM MARY: AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE This July, it will be four years that I've been bringing you Sticking Out Our Necks for free. Each issue is packed with the news about thyroid disease, the news that the pharmaceutical industry and the medical establishment often don't want you to hear. You've gotten the latest medical research and tips on what actually was (and was not) working. You've found out about weight loss ideas, supplements to help fatigue, tips on hair loss, summaries of all the major thyroid news, and kept up on the convoluted and political drug approval process for the thyroid drugs. One of the main reasons that I've been able to bring you this information in an independent way is that my work has been in part supported by online publishing. While I have always had to keep a full-time schedule of work that has nothing to do with thyroid disease, the minimal, but steady, compensation for my writing at my thyroid sites made it possible for me to do research and writing for our thyroid community and still be able to help support my family. But now my ability to provide this information is threatened. With changing dotcom fortunes, and the downturn in the Internet economy, the publishing opportunities and income online are significantly impaired. But I want to be able to keep bringing you the same up to the minute information that you won't find anywhere else. I do not want to take advertisers in my newsletter. Believe me, almost every pharmaceutical company has asked to advertise in Sticking Out Our Necks, as have numerous other companies, and I've always said no, and will continue to do so. I want this newsletter to remain the only truly independent patient-oriented thyroid newsletter. I want to be able to bring you information without worrying about what advertisers will say about what I've written. So here's my proposal to you.Beginning with the September, 2001 issue, I will be moving the full-text of my present e-mail newsletter format to my hardcopy newsletter, and am asking that you become a subscriber. Your subscription support -- only $25 a year -- will make it possible to find and send out the same quality information as in the past. Because I believe in the importance of empowered and informed patients, I will still continue to make available an abbreviated e-mail version of "Sticking Out Our Necks" available for free, so that even those who choose not to receive a subscription will continue to receive highlights of this important health information. But each bimonthly issue of the print newsletter, which will be expanded to 12 pages from 8 beginning with the September/October issue, will offer in-depth stories and news you won't find in the email version, or even at the website. You'll get an in-depth feature story, such as the May/June 2001 cover story, which is an original article you won't find anywhere else, titled "Eleven Important Pieces of Advice from the Experts About Your Thyroid Problems." This article covers the following important points, and offers experts' advice and information to help, including:-- Difficulty Sleeping at Night May Be a Symptom of Thyroiditis-- Some Menopausal Symptoms Can Be Relieved by Thyroid Treatment-- Heart Palpitations May Point to a Vitamin Deficiency-- Fluoride May Be Compounding Your Thyroid Problems-- You Should Always Keep Track of Your Own Health Information and Medical Records-- There are Options to Consider for Better Care if You're in an HMO-- Thyroid Patients Should Consider Supplementing with Coenzyme Q-10 to Help Prevent Heart Disease-- To Lose Weight, Exercise May be a Requirement for People with Hypothyroidism-- Graves' Patients with Eye Involvement (Exophthalmus) May Benefit From Pregnenolone-- Armour Thyroid May Work Better for Some Thyroid Patients-- How You Take Your Pills May Affect How They WorkPlus, many other news stories, questions and answers, exclusive practitioner interviews, and much more, in each 12-page issue. It's information that you won't find anywhere else, for example, not in the Thyroid Foundation of America's newsletter "The Bridge," or in the drug company's marketing newsletters. With your help, I can continue to independently bring you, and the rest of our thyroid community, information on how to live well with thyroid disease. SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY: If you order a print subscription by mail by June 30, 2001, you'll get a free report, "10 Vitamins and Supplements Thyroid Patients May Need," valued at $15, PLUS a one-year subscription, with 6 bi-monthly 12-page issues of Sticking Out Our Necks, AND, we'll give you a $3 discount, so all this, a $40 value, for only $22. For the online subscription form, see http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com/subscribe.htmOR, you can print out the order form on this page.I look forward to continuing to bring you the best independent information, news, interviews and ideas on thyroid disease, as together, we continue to live well! Thanks in advance for your support.Live well, = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =STICKING OUT OUR NECKS SUBSCRIPTION -- ORDER FORMFill out the following order form, and mail by June 30, 2001 to:Sticking Out Our NecksP.O. Box 0385Palm Harbor, FL 34682Mail Your Order by June 30, 2001 to receive your free special report and one-year subscription, at the discounted rate of $22. __ Please process my one-year subscription to Sticking Out Our Necks, and include my special report. __I live in the U.S. -- Rate $22.00 per year, U.S. __I live outside the U.S. -- Rate $32.00 per year, U.S. Name: ______________________________________________________Street Address: ______________________________________________City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________Country: _____________________________________________________Phone #: ____________________________________________________Email Address: ______________________________________________ Payment by Check____ Check attached, made out to "Sticking Out Our Necks"Payment by Credit CardPlease charge my ____MasterCard ____ Visa Number: ____________________________ Expiration: ___________________________Signature: ___________________________________________________= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =================================================="Sticking Out Our Necks" email edition is published monthly by Shomon. Please invite your friends to subscribe! Send them a copy with your recommendation. "Sticking Out Our Necks" is copyright 1997-2001 by Shomon. Web: http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com Email: mshomon@..., mailto:mshomon@...Regular mail: Shomon, P.O. Box 0385, Palm Harbor, FL 34682.=================================================