I also show, in chorus with Mary, that Dr. Guttler’s false beliefs represent those of other "real thyroid experts," such as conventional endocrinologists and thyroidologists. Some of these "experts" espouse the beliefs quietly; others, boisterously. Most, however, do so dogmatically. But to my knowledge, none espouse the beliefs with the brusk pomposity of Dr. Guttler.

At dissenters like Mary and her supporters, Guttler barks out his beliefs like a testy omniscient. In debating scientific issues, I prefer civil, give-and-take dialogue. But in this debate, perhaps Guttler’s brusk, pompous, commanding way is best. After all, it has forced the false beliefs of his "real thyroid experts" directly into a critical analyst’s line of fire. Readers can judge for themselves whether, as a result, those beliefs lie dead on the ground.

Professional scientists resist changing their cherished scientific beliefs, often slowing the advancement of science. In principle, though, when enough evidence shows their beliefs to be false, they change them to concur with the evidence. The old beliefs are, so to speak, laid to rest.

Because Dr. Guttler pronounces the refuted beliefs true, we can classify them as unscientific dogma. Medical regulatory boards, however, impose this dogma on doctors as the "standard of practice" for diagnosing and treating hypothyroid patients. That standard of practice, based on the false beliefs, has profound implications for the health and welfare of hypothyroid patients. Studies show that for many, the false beliefs lead to three potentially-tragic outcomes for patients: chronic suffering from hypothyroid symptoms, increased risk of potentially-fatal diseases associated with untreated or under-treated hypothyroidism, and increased use of prescription drugs.

But if you’re a hypothyroid patient, you don’t have to put yourself in harm’s way. You can avoid potential risk by doing the following:

(1) Read widely about hypothyroidism and its diagnosis and treatment—but always with a skeptical mind. Read informational websites such as Mary Shomon’s, Thyroid UK, drlowe.com, and, yes, even Dr. Guttler’s Thyroid.com. As you do, accept only the beliefs that you yourself— based on your wide and skeptical reading—tentatively judge to be true: they should make sense to you.

(2) Refuse to be harmed by T4-replacement. If your doctor shares Dr. Guttler’s beliefs about hypothyroidism, he’ll probably give you no other option. If you complain of continued suffering, he’s likely to parrot the "real thyroid experts"—explaining that hypothyroidism can’t be causing your suffering; it’s impossible since you’re on "adequate" T4-replacement. Despite the doctor’s reassurances, you may gain weight, become depressed, or no longer think clearly. You may develop chronic aches, pains, and burdensome fatigue that your doctor will diagnosis as fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome. If this happens to you, consider that the most likely antidote to your suffering will be "alternative" thyroid treatment offered by doctors given voice at websites like Mary Shomon’s.

(3) If T4-replacement is harming you, and your doctor denies you alternative treatment, find another doctor. Make sure your new doctor has your best interests  at heart and will help you get well by treating you, not your blood tests. With every passing week, your chances of finding this type of doctor get better; ever increasing numbers of doctors are expanding their knowledge and skills beyond what conventional (corporation-dominated) medicine has imposed on them. So persist, and you’ll find a doctor who’ll treat you with a safer and more effective therapy than T4-replacement.

I now invite you to read my critique of Dr. Guttler’s beliefs, where I justify the comments I’ve made here. —Dr. John C. Lowe