Articles written by Jim Lowrance
All 89 articles written by Jim Lowrance
Thyroid Disorders Related to Pregnancy: Conditions Affecting the Mother or Baby
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Pregnant women are at increased risk for developing thyroiditis and both mother and child can potentially experience thyroid hormone imbalances. more...
Preparing for Invention Submission: Patent Pending and Production Costs
Category: Entrepreneurs (general)
When an inventor is planning to submit an invention to industry for outright sale or for licensing or to market it himself, there is vital information needed to proceed. more...
Category: Heart Disease Treatment
This book titled The Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome/Dysautonomia Survival Guide is an excellent source of education for those experiencing this common heart murmur. more...
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Basic Facts: The Anxiety Condition of Ritualistic Behaviors
Category: General Medicine (general)
According to the National Institute of Mental Health in the U.S., obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects an estimated 2.2 million adults 18 years of age and older. more...
Panic Disorder Basic Information: The Condition of Chronic Climaxed Anxiety Attacks
Category: General Medicine (general)
Of all the anxiety disorders that affect millions of people worldwide, panic disorder is arguably the most unpleasant and concerning one that is experienced. more...
Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome Basic Facts: When a Common Heart Murmur Causes Symptoms
Category: Heart Disease/Diabetes
Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) is a common heart murmur affecting as much as 20% of the general population. When it causes symptoms, it is referred to as MVP-Syndrome. more...
Mononucleosis and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: The Epstein-Barr Virus and Thyroid Autoimmunity
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Many medical research articles cite the Epstein-Barr Virus as being highly associated with autoimmune diseases, one of these being Hashimoto's thyroiditis. more...
Hypothyroidism Basic Facts: Underactive Thyroid Gland General Information
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Hypothyroid conditions account for about 80% of abnormal thyroid function cases. There are varied symptoms, causes, diagnostic methods and treatments for hypothyroidim. more...
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Doctor Starr brings to light, hypothyroid conditions that are genetic and due to inherited problems with thyroid hormone metabolism and environmental toxins. more...
Disease Acceptance in Thyroid Patients: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Coping Method
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid diseases can cause an array of diverse and life-changing symptoms. One aspect of coping for patients is learning to find acceptance for their disease. more...
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid patients often relate better to fellow-patients who are going through similar struggles to find effective treatments, symptom relieve and best quality-of-life. more...
Book Review of The Thyroid Diet, by Mary Shomon: A Dieting Guide for Hypothyroid Patients
Category: Thyroid Disorders
People with thyroid disease and especially those with slowed metabolism from hypothyroidism can benefit from the guidance offered in this book. more...
Optimizing Hypothyroidism Treatment Levels: TSH Monitoring of Thyroid Hormone Therapy
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Most treated hypothyroid patients experience significant symptom relief and regain normal metabolism, while others experience difficulties with inadequate treatment. more...
Major Causes of Hyperthyroidism and Treatments: Common Contributors to Thyrotoxicity
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Approximately 20% of thyroid disease cases are hyperthyroid conditions. There are several causes for overactive thyroid disorders and treatments available for them. more...
Symptoms Associated with Thyroid Autoimmunity: Problems Not Directly Related to Hormone Levels
Category: Thyroid Disorders
In addition to symptoms that occur due to thyroid hormone imbalances, they may also occur as a result of autoimmune thyroid disease processes. more...
Thyroid Disease and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Misdiagnosis and Co-morbid Diagnosis
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disease has many of the same symptoms as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and in fact the two conditions can coexist or in some cases have been misdiagnosed. more...
Being a Proactive Thyroid Patient: Sharing Knowledge and Personal Experience
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid patients can benefit a great deal from the experiences and basic knowledge shared by other patients and being proactive can be done in-balance. more...
Home Thyroid Function Tests: Are They Reliable?
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disease diagnosis must come through a licensed medical practitioner. There are, however tests that can be done at home to help identify thyroid problems. more...
Risks for Developing Hypothyroidism: Factors Contributing to an Underactive Thyroid Gland
Category: Thyroid Disorders
There are genetic factors and other natural events that occur in life that place people at higher risk for the development of thyroid disease. more...
Things That Affect Thyroid Hormones in the Body: Facts Treated Thyroid Patients Need to Know
Category: Thyroid Disorders
With treated hypothyroidism the therapy is a set dose of thyroid hormone replacement. Patients need to be aware of things that can affect thyroid hormone levels. more...
Famous Men and Women with Thyroid Disease: Celebrities with Hypothyroid and Hyperthyroid Disorders
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Many famous people have come forward to relate the fact that they suffer various thyroid conditions. Their stories have helped educate the public about these diseases. more...
Diagnosing Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules: Suspicious and Non-Suspicious Tumors in the Gland
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid nodules are tumor-like growths that can develop within the thyroid gland and can vary in size, texture and ability to change thyroid hormone levels. more...
Major Thyroid Disease Causing Antibodies: Auto-Antibodies in Graves’ and Hashimoto’s
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid autoimmunity is the most common cause of thyroid disease in industrialized countries, causing overactive and under-active hormone disorders. more...
Rare Causes of Thyroid Gland Enlargement: Uncommon Conditions that Cause Goiters
Category: Thyroid Disorders
The vast majority of enlarged thyroid glands occur due to common diseases or conditions but there are cases in which goiters do not have typical causes. more...
Anxiety Disorders and Catastrophic Thinking: Chronic Thoughts of Irrational Worry
Category: Chronic Illness
Catastrophic thinking is an area of chronic anxiety symptomology, in which people suffering anxiety disorders experience ongoing irrational thoughts. more...
Thyroid Disease Problem-Symptoms: Problems That Can Linger Despite Proper Treatment
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Treatments for thyroid disorders and diseases can be very effective. There are however particular symptoms that can continue to cause problems in some patients. more...
Common Causes of Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome: Conditions that Contribute to Exhausted Adrenals
Category: Endocrine Disorders
Adrenal Fatigue may be the most common health condition that exists. Chronic stressors, lack of rest and sleep and other illnesses can all be factors in this syndrome. more...
Methods for Coping with Panic Attacks: Dealing with a Climax of Anxiety Symptoms
Category: General Medicine (general)
Panic attacks can occur independently or as feature of other anxiety disorders. There are methods that help diminish symptoms or to possibly overcome panic episodes. more...
What Type Thyroid Hormone Replacement is Best?: Which Hypothyroid Therapy Drug Works Better?
Category: Thyroid Disorders
The question, as to which type or brand of thyroid hormone replacement drug is superior, is sometimes a major one in the minds of patients needing hypothyroid treatment. more...
Treated Hypothyroidism and Fatigue: When Tiredness does Not Resolve with Thyroid Treatment
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Feeling tired and fatigued is common in treated hypothyroid patients. Surveys of treated patients have shown it to be one of the most common unresolved symptoms. more...
The T3 and T4 Thyroid Hormone Blood Tests: Understanding Your Lab Results
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid blood testing is used to diagnose thyroid hormone disorders and diseases. They are also used to monitor thyroid hormone treatments. more...
Is Iodine a Safe Thyroid Supplement?: Keeping Iodine in its Proper Place
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Iodine is an essential element needed for proper thyroid function. In some thyroid disease cases however, iodine supplementation may be contraindicated (risks involved). more...
Is Nervous Breakdown a True Medical Term?: When the Stress of Life becomes Overwhelming
Category: Patient Health Education
A "nervous breakdown" can mean that a person has become chronically stressed-out, is experiencing an emotional disorder or burnout. Effective treatments are available. more...
Graves' Disease Hyperthyroidism and Treatments: Autoimmune Caused Hyperthyroidism
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Graves' disease is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism. Complications can include hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias and thyroid eye disease but treatments are available. more...
Category: Patient Health Education
Anxiety Disorders are the most common emotional disorders affecting Americans as well as people in all countries worldwide but there are effective treatments available. more...
Understanding the Fight or Flight Response: The All-Important Anxiety Mechanism
Category: Patient Health Education
Anxiety is a natural emotion, designed to inspire and protect those who experience it. Anxiety sufferers can learn to appreciate the anxiety "fight or flight response". more...
Major Triggers for Thyroid Autoimmunity: Reasons the Immune System Attacks the Thyroid
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid autoimmunity is a major cause of thyroid disease in industrialized countries. Environmental pollutants and toxins, viral exposure and stress can all be factors. more...
T4 and T3 Hypothyroid Treatment Options: Hormone Treatments for an Underactive Thyroid
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Some hypothyroid patients are successfully treated with a T4 thyroid hormone replacement dose. Others may also need T3 hormone added to their treatment. more...
Understanding the TSH Hormone: The Function of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Category: Thyroid Disorders
The pituitary-gland hormone called "Thyroid Stimulating Hormone" (TSH) is highly sensitive in detecting thyroid hormone imbalances earlier than any other blood test. more...
Treatments for MVP the Common Heart Murmur: Treating Mitral Valve Prolapse
Category: Patient Health Education
There are a number of treatments that can be effective in treating symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse in symptomatic patients or what is referred to as "MVP-Syndrome". more...
Thyroid Disease Related Depression: When Thyroid Treatment does not Relieve Depression
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid treatments do not always successfully resolve the emotional symptoms of depression in all patients. Some need additional treatments or therapies administered. more...
Anxiety Disorder Symptom Phenomena: Manifestations of Chronic Anxiety
Category: Patient Health Education
In addition to the typical symptoms, those with anxiety disorders can also develop symptoms that further affect their thought processes and perceptions. more...
Chronic Anxiety Associated with Thyroid Disorder: Symptoms of Anxiety Induced by Thyroid Disease
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Chronic anxiety symptoms are common in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid conditions. The cause can be rooted in both hormone imbalance and thyroid autoimmunity. more...
Dysautonomia in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: CFS and the Involuntary Nervous System
Category: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
There are many associated causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome but one of the more significant connections is imbalance in the involuntary nervous system - "dysautonomia". more...
Adrenal Fatigue or Adrenal Insufficiency?: Mild vs Full Blown Adrenal Hypofunctioning
Category: Endocrine Disorders
Adrenal Fatigue is a mild form of adrenal insufficiency affecting the rhythm of the adrenal glands rather than their ability to function normally when less fatigued. more...
Radioactive Iodine Ablation of the Thyroid: Cell Destruction of Diseased Glands
Category: Thyroid Disorders
This procedure abbreviated - RAI is performed by giving a patient an oral dose of radioactive iodine, which causes thyroid tissue death to cease its hyper-functioning. more...
Metabolic Syndrome Basic Facts: The Condition of Metabolism Dysfunction
Category: Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic Syndrome (METS) affects an estimated 25% of Americans in-general with people age 50 and above being the most affected (44% in this age group). more...
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Basic Facts: An Autoimmune Connective-Tissue Disease
Category: Autoimmune Disease
There are basically four types of lupus erythematosus (LE). The disease is also considered to be of the inflammatory and rheumatic type. more...
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Basic Facts: Anxiety Resulting From Chronic Stressors or Trauma
Category: General Medicine (general)
The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) places Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as the second most common anxiety condition, second to social phobia. more...
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Basic Facts: The Condition of Chronic Worry
Category: General Medicine (general)
Nearly 7-million adults suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in the U.S. alone and for some this chronic anxiety condition can become disabling. more...
Social Anxiety Disorder Basic Facts: When Socializing is Terrifying
Category: General Medicine (general)
When a person experiences intense anxiety reactions to social settings and events, they are suffering from social phobia also called "Social Anxiety Disorder". more...
Hyperthyroidism Basic Facts: Overactive Thyroid Gland General Information
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Hyperthyroid disorders account for approximately 20% of thyroid disorder cases. An overactive thyroid gland can cause an array of symptoms but treatments are available. more...
Category: Thyroid Disorders
The normal reference range for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (diagnostic TSH) is not the same as the range used by most doctors for treating underactive thyroid glands. more...
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Hypothyroidism is well known for causing depression and hyperthyroidism is well known for causing anxiety symptoms. For some patients these symptoms manifest early. more...
Natural Thyroid Treatments and Supplements: Which Ones are Safe to Take?
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Many non-prescription products are offered claiming to improve thyroid function. Some are also advertised as treatments for hypothyroidism. more...
Thyroid Hormone Treatment Controversies: Issues of Debate Regarding Hypothyroid Therapies
Category: Thyroid Disorders
The debate is ongoing as to which type hormone replacement therapy is best. The answer is not actually a "one size fits all" one but one of patient-individuality. more...
Manifestations of Thyroid Eye Disease: Autoimmune Eyeball Problems and Their Treatments
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid Eye Disease more commonly affects people with hyperthyroid conditions but can also occur in hypothyroid patients with thyroid autoimmunity. more...
Subclinical Hypothyroidism Treatment Challenges: Treating Mild Underactive Thyroid Conditions
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Subclinical hypothyroidism is a term meaning an under-active thyroid gland is not at full-blown level and
knowing when to treat these cases can be difficult for doctors.
more...
Thyroid Disease Related Digestive Disorders: Bowel Function Problems and Indigestion
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Patients with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can experience symptoms related to their digestive tracts that improve with treatment of thyroid hormone imbalance. more...
Book Review of The Menopause Thyroid Solution: Informed Advice for Menopausal Women
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Mary Shomon addresses menopause and thyroid conditions in this invaluable resource and sheds essential understanding on how these conditions can be interconnected. more...
Best Thyroid Hormone Blood Tests: Diagnostic and Treatment Medical Lab Testing
Category: Thyroid Disorders
There are a variety of tests used to both detect thyroid hormone imbalances and to monitor the treatments for them. more...
Book Review of Living Well With Hypothyroidism: Mary Shomon’s Book on Underactive Thyroid Glands
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Mary Shomon, one of the world's top authors on thyroid disease subjects, covers hypothyroid conditions and their treatments in this informative book. more...
Goiter and Thyroid Nodule Self-Examination: Palpating and Observing the Gland for Abnormalities
Category: Thyroid Disorders
While a person can sometimes detect a goiter and/or thyroid nodules by self examination, a definitive diagnoses must be given by a qualified physician. more...
SSRI Antidepressants for Thyroid Patients: When Hormone Therapy Does Not Improve Emotional Symptoms
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Patients who have been well-treated for either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism may sometimes need the additional help of SSRI antidepressant medications. more...
Symptoms and Manifestations of Thyroid Storm: The Hyperthyroid Condition Requiring Emergency Care
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid Storm is a condition in which a thyroid patient experiences sudden, severe hyperthyroidism that requires emergency treatment to prevent injury or death. more...
Category: Chronic Illness Treatments
Anxiety disorder sufferers can go through phases in which anxiety symptoms are more easily triggered but there are methods for helping to avoid anxiety-sensitization. more...
Online Thyroid Support and Information: Coping For Patients on the World Wide Web
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid patients can be profoundly affected by symptoms and changes to their lives that thyroid disease can bring but there are helpful online coping-resources available. more...
Category: Thyroid Disorders
A goiter means that the thyroid gland has become enlarged. Goiters can have primary or secondary causes or may have no apparent cause. more...
When is DHEA Supplementation Beneficial?: The Non-prescription Adrenal Hormone Treatment
Category: Endocrine Disorders
With some adrenal insufficient states, it is the DHEA hormone that is deficient but under what conditions is it safe to replace the low hormone via supplementation? more...
Category: Thyroid Disorders
While most symptoms are relieved with treatments designed for thyroid hormone imbalances there are some common problem-symptoms that treated patients commonly experience. more...
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Most cases of hypothyroidism are due to problems within the thyroid but there are other causes that indirectly cause under-functioning of the gland. more...
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disease can present with symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and other neurological problems, which may not fully resolve with hormone treatment in all patients. more...
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Once a treating doctor is administering a dose of thyroid hormone replacement to a patient there are methods for increasing the effectiveness of the therapy. more...
Conditions that Merit Thyroid Removal: When should the Gland be Removed?
Category: Thyroid Disorders
There are a number of conditions that may result in a treating doctor referring a patient for thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine ablation of the thyroid gland. more...
Temporary and Permanent Types of Thyroiditis: Inflammatory Thyroid Gland Conditions
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Thyroiditis is a term meaning there is inflammation within the thyroid gland. There are types of this condition that are short-term and others that are life long. more...
Qualities Needed in Hypothyroid Treating Doctors: What to Look for in Thyroid Specialists
Category: Thyroid Disorders
The symptoms of hypothyroidism can be concerning and severe to a thyroid patient. This, points to the great importance in a qualified hypothyroid treatment specialist. more...
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and NASH: Fatty Infiltration of the Liver and Steatohepatitis
Category: Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease that is non-alcohol related is very common, affecting up to 30% of the general population and is associated with obesity and endocrine disorders. more...
Conditions Related to Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Complications from Thyroid Autoimmunity
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Hashitoxicosis and Hashimoto's Encephalopathy are potentially serious conditions associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, that require specific treatments. more...
Hashimoto's Disease and Hypothyroid Treatment: Hypothyroidism from Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Hashimoto's is an autoimmune type of thyroiditis that leads to hypothyroidism. While there is no cure for the disease, the resulting hypothyroidism can be treated. more...
Cortisol Supplementation for Adrenal Fatigue: Are Steroids Safe for Exhausted Adrenals?
Category: Endocrine Disorders
Cortisol supplementation for chronic Adrenal Fatigue carries potential risks but may be an effective treatment if administered by a qualified, monitoring physician. more...
How Many Americans Suffer Thyroid Disorders?: Statistics Reveal Thyroid Disease is Common in the USA
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid diseases and disorders of all types affect millions of Americans and many more people worldwide. The statistics will be addressed in the following subheadings. more...
Mild Adrenal Insufficiency in Thyroid Disease: Why Thyroid Patients Experience Adrenal Fatigue
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Adrenal Fatigue is experienced in thyroid patients before treatment but the inflammatory effect of thyroid autoimmunity may also contribute to an ongoing adrenal problem. more...
Understanding the T3 and T4 Thyroid Hormones: Facts about Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine
Category: Thyroid Disorders
The two major thyroid hormones are called "thyroxine" (T4) and "triiodothyronine" (T3). Their purpose is to regulate the rate of metabolism in every cell of the body. more...
Effective Adrenal Fatigue Treatments: Boosting Fatigued Adrenal Glands
Category: Endocrine Disorders
Adrenal Fatigue is a stress-syndrome, meaning the adrenal glands become blunted or diminished in their ability to moderate stress but there are treatments that can help. more...
Mitral Valve Prolapse in Thyroid Patients: The Heart Murmur Connected to Thyroid Disease
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Mitral Valve Prolapse is a common heart murmur that has been found to be highly associated with autoimmune thyroid conditions in medical research studies. more...
The Suspected Causes of CFS: Triggers for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Category: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Decades of medical research on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has revealed a number of abnormalities in patients with the syndrome. One definitive cause has yet to be found. more...
Thyroid Autoimmunity and Joint Pain: Rheumatic Symptoms of Thyroid Disease
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Muscle and joint aches and stiffness can be chronic in some thyroid patients. These rheumatic symptoms may need special attention if unrelieved with thyroid treatment. more...
The Accuracy of Saliva Adrenal Cortisol Testing: How does Saliva Cortisol Compare to Blood Levels?
Category: Endocrine Disorders
The development of saliva test kits for measuring adrenal hormones has proven to be an accurate and convenient method of in-home testing. more...
Varied Effectiveness of Thyroid Hormone Therapy: Optimized Treatment for Hypothyroidism
Category: Endocrine Disorders
Hypothyroid patients deserve specialized treatment from treating doctors who monitor and adjust their thyroid hormone dose to best possible symptom-relieving levels. more...
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