Some say that the discomforts of middle age are all in your head, but let me assure you, they might just be hanging out in your neck.
Just last weekend, while splashing around in the chilly Atlantic with my sisters-in-law in Maine, I sensed something was off—or more accurately, down. “Wow, this water is freezing!” I exclaimed. “Wow, you’re quirky,” they replied. We all burst into laughter as I awkwardly waddled through the waves, hands flailing above my head like a startled toddler. Meanwhile, my two 38-year-old companions were happily collecting shells and spotting minnows, blissfully enjoying both their youthful energy and the temperate sea.
My peculiarities shouldn’t come as a shock; I’ve been grappling with the strange symptoms that accompany nearing 50 since I was 47. My energy levels have plunged so low that I often feel like a prehistoric woman trudging through life. And don’t get me started on my nails—splitting at the slightest breeze!
Living in Abu Dhabi, I vividly remember the day I noticed my hair resembling a tumbleweed. “Of course it’s a mess! I’m in a desert with temps soaring past 110!” My puffy eyes? A family trait, thanks to the Bercaws! I splurged on a fancy lotion to combat my dry skin, yet my arms and legs still felt parched by day’s end. I cursed the cosmetic industry for selling me overpriced nonsense, only to backtrack and blame the Middle East instead. My swollen hands seemed to echo my discomfort, as if they were just as overheated as the rest of me.
But the most unsettling symptom? The brain fog. Puffy eyes aren’t the only genetic inheritance in our family—Alzheimer’s lurks, too. My neurologist father passed away from the disease three years ago, and I’m all too familiar with the signs of a malfunctioning mind. I could use a beacon to cut through the haze! I often forgot where I left my to-do list, let alone its contents. “Is this the beginning of the end?” I worried, as I increased my life insurance policy.
And then there’s the extra weight around my midsection. Despite my efforts to exercise, nothing changed. Three months ago, I decided to stop drinking alcohol; I was exhausted and felt heavier than ever. Cutting out about 2,500 calories of nightly wine didn’t magically transform me into a slim version of myself. Instead, I found myself lamenting, “How is it possible that I’m a recovering alcoholic and still feel worse every day?”
Before my doctor’s appointment, I jotted down my symptoms—except for the brain fog, which I genuinely forgot about until the last minute while waiting. I hastily wrote it down in bold, alongside some other barely legible notes.
Once in the doctor’s office, we went over my symptoms and vital signs: high blood pressure, low pulse, stubborn belly fat, dry skin, swollen hands, achy legs, and dry, red, crusty eyes. We also discussed some issues I hadn’t included on my list, like feeling depressed and irritable. Despite being on antidepressants, I still felt down. And the rage? Well, as a woman navigating this world, who wouldn’t feel a bit riled up? At least I could justify my nonexistent libido; clearly, I’d had more than my fair share.
A simple blood test revealed the root cause: low T4 and high TSH levels. My thyroid, that little butterfly-shaped gland nestled in my neck, was underperforming. How did I overlook that? Friends had battled thyroid issues; I knew the symptoms!
Four days into my Synthroid treatment, I can feel myself slowly transforming back to my former self. It may take months to stabilize my thyroid levels, but I’m hopeful I’ll be able to dip my hands back into the Atlantic before it gets too chilly!
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Summary:
Middle age can bring on a host of odd symptoms, many of which may be linked to your thyroid health. Experiencing low energy, brain fog, and unexplained weight gain? These could be signs that your thyroid is out of balance. After a blood test revealed my issues, I began treatment and am already feeling the effects. Don’t ignore the signs—your neck might just hold the answers!