I wasn’t contemplating suicide, but I certainly didn’t mind the thought of not waking up. It was a strange feeling, and I couldn’t shake it. Fatigue, depression, and a shocking 40-pound weight gain in just one year left me bewildered. Something was amiss. After obtaining my blood test results, I dove into research and requested a referral from my doctor.
His reaction was less than enthusiastic. “Doctors are human too,” he sighed, avoiding my gaze. He scribbled down a prescription for my sixth antidepressant in four years. Antidepressants? No problem. A referral? That was a different story. Still, I pressed on.
“When a doctor sees you’re on antidepressants,” he explained, “they might not take you seriously. I mean, you’re on one. We’re just human.” With that, he handed me the prescription and the referral before leaving the room.
I was overwhelmed and utterly exhausted. For years, I had voiced my concerns about depression, brittle hair, weight gain, dry nails, insomnia, achy joints, and relentless fatigue. Instead of looking deeper, my doctor attributed my struggles to children and age. If I had accepted that, I might have been dead or divorced by the age of 50.
Like countless others, my symptoms were chalked up to something else, as my blood work indicated my hormone levels were “normal.” But I was convinced that my body needed more thyroid hormone than it was producing. Each individual has an ideal hormone level; just because I was “normal” didn’t mean I was okay. My doctor had been treating my lab results, not me.
Understanding Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects millions globally, predominantly women. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked and misdiagnosed. The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located just below the Adam’s apple, plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. According to the American Thyroid Association, too-low thyroid hormone levels can lead to symptoms that disrupt your entire life.
After taking the referral and visiting an endocrinologist, I was met with disbelief. Upon mentioning my antidepressant use, the doctor shifted focus, suggesting my symptoms could be due to a multitude of other factors. Despite having a family history and classic symptoms, his response was disheartening. “No self-respecting endocrinologist would prescribe thyroid hormone given your numbers,” he said, shaming me into leaving his office.
My life continued to unravel—my marriage faltered, my parenting suffered, and I felt like a failure. A few months later, I returned to my original primary care doctor, desperate and weary. Armed with the endocrinologist’s report, he offered me another referral—but this time to a psychiatrist for an antipsychotic. If I’d had the energy, I might have confronted him. Instead, I left the office feeling defeated.
Eventually, I found a new doctor who actually listened. As I shared my symptoms, my hair loss caught her attention. After examining my lab results, she agreed to a trial of thyroid hormone, even though it was reluctantly due to my levels. Three months later, my thyroid numbers improved, and I felt rejuvenated. I had been suffering from a treatable condition all along, but it took years to get a proper diagnosis because my previous doctors were limited by conventional practices.
Like many, I had trusted my doctors implicitly, never considering they might lack full knowledge about hypothyroidism, its symptoms, and its causes. I respect the medical profession, but I learned the importance of questioning my doctors, seeking second opinions, and persistently advocating for myself when I felt something was wrong. After all, doctors are human too.
Additional Resources
If you’re curious about home insemination methods, check out our blog on the Cryobaby at-home insemination kit. Also, for those navigating the path to parenthood, this resource on ovulation prediction tests provides valuable insights. Furthermore, for a week-by-week guide on pregnancy, visit March of Dimes.
Conclusion
In summary, hypothyroidism is a condition that can significantly affect your quality of life, yet it remains frequently undiagnosed. Symptoms often overlap with other issues, leading to misdiagnosis. Staying informed, seeking second opinions, and advocating for your health are essential steps towards understanding your body and getting the care you need.