Impaired Sensitivity to Thyroid Hormone (ISTH) is a term which describes a number of genetic defects which interfere with the working of thyroid hormones and cause symptoms similar to hypothyroidism. It is a recognised medical condition although many doctors have not heard of it. Some doctors may however be aware of it under another name such as Thyroid Hormone Resistance or Resistance to Thyroid Hormone. Those doctors who are aware of the condition view it as extremely rare (1 in 50,000) and associated with severe disability. It is therefore not something to consider as a possibility when they see a patient with hypothyroid symptoms but normal thyroid blood tests. They are instead likely to give a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ME or depression.
The UK National Health Service (NHS) website states that the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown and “It's also suggested that some people are more likely to develop fibromyalgia because of genes inherited from their parents.” Impaired Sensitivity to Thyroid Hormone is genetic and is the likely genetic cause of fibromyalgia. Both fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can cause long term illness and disability. Currently the main treatments for both conditions are antidepressants and painkillers.
It is likely that ISTH is not rare and may even be common as indicated by estimates which suggest that nearly 1 in 20 people may be affected by fibromyalgia to some degree. ISTH is a common and treatable thyroid condition and it is essential that the medical profession become aware of it, so that sufferers can receive appropriate treatment and have their health restored.
This book brings together information from many sources and seeks to present it in a concise, easy to read form suitable for people with no medical knowledge. The key information in the book is from published medical research and official medical websites and references to the sources have been included at the end of each chapter to allow verification.
The UK National Health Service (NHS) website states that the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown and “It's also suggested that some people are more likely to develop fibromyalgia because of genes inherited from their parents.” Impaired Sensitivity to Thyroid Hormone is genetic and is the likely genetic cause of fibromyalgia. Both fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can cause long term illness and disability. Currently the main treatments for both conditions are antidepressants and painkillers.
It is likely that ISTH is not rare and may even be common as indicated by estimates which suggest that nearly 1 in 20 people may be affected by fibromyalgia to some degree. ISTH is a common and treatable thyroid condition and it is essential that the medical profession become aware of it, so that sufferers can receive appropriate treatment and have their health restored.
This book brings together information from many sources and seeks to present it in a concise, easy to read form suitable for people with no medical knowledge. The key information in the book is from published medical research and official medical websites and references to the sources have been included at the end of each chapter to allow verification.
