Hypothyroidism - Tie-ups, Tips and Resources for Further Investigation - free Suite101 course

Lesson 1: Thyroid 101

Lesson 2: Common Thyroid Dysfunctions and Related Conditions

Lesson 3: Hypothyroidism Basics

Lesson 4: Getting Your Diagnosis

Lesson 5: Treatment Options

Lesson 6: Eating Right and Losing Weight With Hypothyroidism

Lesson 7: Learning to Live Well With Hypothyroidism

Lesson 8: Tie-ups, Tips and Resources for Further Investigation
- Introduction to Lesson 8
- Recommended Reading
- Thyroid Organizations
- Course Bibliography
- Glossary

Lesson 8: Tie-ups, Tips and Resources for Further Investigation

Thyroid Organizations

When looking for information and/or support about hypothyroidism, it’s often useful to start out by contacting an organization that which specializes in thyroid conditions. Of course, this begs the question, “How do I find these organizations?”

Look no further because I have a starting list for you right here. I’ve separated the organizations into three geographical areas: United States, Canada & International. This list is not comprehensive by any means but it will give you somewhere to begin. If you have suggestions of other organizations not listed here, let me know about them in the discussion area. I’ll update the information and send the class an email copy.

This patient-run organization offers lots of useful information about the thyroid, common thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism, and coping mechanisms. You can also find out how you can get involved and volunteer your time to help out this wonderful organization. Membership and support opportunities are also available.

American Thyroid Association (ATA)
6066 Leesburg Pike, Suite 650
Falls Church, VA 22041
Phone: 703-998-8890 or 1-800-THYROID (849-7643)
Email: admin@thyroid.org
Website: http://www.thryoid.org

This is a comprehensive thyroid information clearinghouse for patients, the press and professionals. Choose from a variety of brochures that explain each thyroid condition in understandable yet wonderful detail. Learn about recommended books, find a thyroid specialist and check out the related links to other organizations. It’s very interesting to see what physicians and scientists who are dedicated to understanding and treating thyroid disorders are discussing. You just may want to share the information you find here with your doctor.

TFA (The Thyroid Foundation of America) was founded in 1985. Although the organization is supported by membership contributions, it does provide free information, support services and referral to thyroid specialists for all. TFA’s mission is to ensure timely, accurate diagnosis, treatment and ongoing support for those with all forms of thyroid diseases. Check out their services, publications and much more.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
1000 Riverside Ave. Suite 205
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: (904) 353-7878
Email: info@aace.org
Website: http://www.aace.org

AACE is a medical professional association that offers education and referrals to the public. Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder. Endocrinologists commonly treat the condition. If you need a specialist or just want to read more about the condition, this site is a good place to check out. However, it is a bit on the clinical side.

This organization has a clearinghouse of information on all endocrine disorders, including hypothyroidism. There’s links to clinical trials regarding endocrine and metabolic diseases. This organization works to improve understanding between professionals in this discipline and patients who struggle with endocrine dysfunctions.

MAGIC (Major Aspects of Growth In Children) can help infants and young children with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism in children is usually as the result of a genital defect and is manifests itself differently than that in adults. It is also a bit more serious as well. This organization offers support, information, education and networking for parents and children worldwide.

Thyroid Foundation of Canada
797 Princess St, Suite 304
Kingston, ON K7L 1G1
Phone: (613) 544-8364 In Canada: (800) 267-8822
Website: http://www.thyroid.ca
(Information is available in English & French)

This organization has lots of articles written for both a clinicians and lay people alike. There are common questions and answers for thyroid patients to read. Get thyroid guides which discuss the thyroid gland, hypothyroidism and a host of other related, topics. There are also links to other sites as well.

International Organizations (Not all areas will be represented here. I just don’t have the space. Sorry.)

Thyroid Federation International
(same address & phone information as the Thyroid Foundation of Canada)
Email: tfi@on.aibn.com
Web Site: http://www.thyroid-fed.org

This organization started in 1995 with a vision of dealing with thyroid disease in a global perspective. There are sister organizations all over the world that strive to promote the sharing of information and understanding. You can get thyroid videos online, sign up for the ThyroWorld Newsletter and check out which organizations are local to you no matter where in the world you live.

Learn thyroid basics, get telephone support, find meetings of members in different areas of Australia, and much more. Check out the ATF newsletter, members’ stories and learn what’s new in thyroid news not just Down Under but all over the world.

Thyreoidea Landsforeningen – Denmark
Strandkrogen 4 A
3630 Jægerspris
Phone: 47 53 03 70
President: Lis Larsen
Email: lis_l@get2net.dk
Website: http://www.thyreoidea.dk

You’ll get facts, links, articles and information about thyroid diseases including hypothyroidism here.

Get brochures, find out about the research the organization is part of, and discover support groups and much more. There’s detailed contact information on the web site.

Find regional contacts throughout France, learn about news, research and information that affect those with thyroid disease not just in France but all over the world.

British Thyroid Foundation – England/UK
PO Box 97, Clifford
Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 6XD United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0) 870 7707933
Website: http://www.btf-thyroid.org

This organization is for professional clinical specialists who manage patients with thyroid diseases or are researching the thyroid and its effects on humans. Patients can find information, referrals, books and support.

Well, that’s about all the information I can provide in this lesson. There are organizations in Japan, Brazil, Scandinavia and many other locations.