Use the following resources to educate patients about signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for thyroid disorders.

American Thyroid Association

http://www.thyroid.org

This educational website is designed to help patients and the public to learn more about thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, postpartum thyroiditis, and more. Patient education brochures are available for download and the page for consumers offers links to help patients find answers to frequently asked questions, a free newsletter, and thyroid specialists.

Hormone Health Network (HHN)

http://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/thyroid

The thyroid disorders section of HHN's website provides fact sheets and patient guides for some of the most common thyroid conditions. Using easy-to-understand language, the patient guides include an overview of thyroid disease plus signs and symptoms and treatments for specific disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. HHN also provides a short section on lifestyle that discusses how patients can get the most from therapy and prevent problems while undergoing treatment.

Healthy Women

http://www.healthywomen.org/condition/thyroid-disorders

Healthy Women's website focuses on how thyroid disorders affect women, who are five to eight times more likely to have thyroid problems than men. The site has sections dedicated to healthy living, pregnancy and parenting, thyroid disorders at midlife and beyond, and expert responses to common questions. Patients can click on links to find a local clinic and publications with helpful information on such topics as how to talk with a healthcare provider.

Medline Plus

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/thyroiddiseases.html

This is a great resource for patients who want to learn more about the endocrine system and thyroid dysfunction. Besides the basics on diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and screening options, it provides sections dedicated to alternative therapies, related healthcare issues, and specific conditions. An interesting extra feature on the site is an interactive tutorial about thyroid surgery.