Thyroid disease affects millions of patients every year, and has one of the fastest rising rates of any disease in the country. With new studies revealing that potential causes of the disease are chemicals present in your home and kitchen, you and your family need to take extra precautions to stay safe. This authoritative, updated resource offers helpful and professional guidance, from causes to first diagnosis, including: *How the thyroid functions (and malfunctions!) *Who is at risk for thyroid disease *Well-known thyroid disorders like hyper- and hypothyroidism *Thyroid disease in pregnant women and young children *Treatment options and living with the disease Featuring an exclusive section detailing potential causes of the disease that lurk in nearly every kitchen cabinet, and providing safer alternatives, this guide is the reassuring resource you need, whether you are a patient, spouse, or parent. AUTHOR: Theodore C. Friedman, MD, PhD is an associate professor of medicine at UCLA School of Medicine and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. He is the Chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Molecular Medicine, and Metabolism. Dr. Friedman is board certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. He has a private practice (www.goodhormonehealth.com) in Los Angeles, specializing in hard-to-diagnose cases of adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid disorders. Winnie Yu Scherer is a health writer who has coauthored several books and articles, including The Everything Health Guide to Fibromyalgia. She has written several features for numerous national magazines such as Weight Watchers, Fitness, Healthy Kids, Cooking Light, and Natural Health. She holds a BA in journalism and psychology from Syracuse University. *