I wasn’t contemplating suicide, but I certainly didn’t mind the thought of not being here anymore. What was happening to me? I felt exhausted, downcast, and had gained 40 pounds in just a year. Clearly, something was amiss. After obtaining my blood test results and conducting some research, I requested a referral from my doctor.
His reaction was less than enthusiastic. “Doctors are human too,” he sighed, avoiding my gaze. He scribbled a prescription for my sixth antidepressant in four years without hesitation, but a referral? That was not happening. I persisted.
“When a doctor sees you’re on antidepressants,” he warned, “he’s not going to take you seriously. I mean, you’re on an antidepressant. We’re human.” He handed me the prescription along with the referral and left the room.
I was overwhelmed and fatigued. For years, I had expressed my struggles with depression, along with symptoms like brittle heels, hair loss, weight gain, dry nails, insomnia, joint pain, and fatigue. Yet, my doctor continued to prescribe sleeping pills and antidepressants, attributing my fatigue to my children and my weight gain to my age. Accepting that could have led me to a much darker place—I was genuinely miserable.
Like many other medical professionals, he failed to connect the dots, overlooking the signs of hypothyroidism that I had been presenting. My lab results indicated that my hormone levels were “within the normal range,” leading him to dismiss the idea that my thyroid was a problem. However, I knew my body required more thyroid hormone than it was producing. Each individual has their own ideal hormone level, and just because I was deemed “normal” didn’t mean I was well. He had been treating my lab results rather than me, and I had to insist on the referral.
Hypothyroidism impacts millions globally, predominantly affecting women. Yet, it remains one of the most overlooked and misdiagnosed conditions. The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located below the Adam’s apple, plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. When thyroid hormone levels drop too low, it can lead to symptoms that disrupt every aspect of life.
Taking the referral, I consulted with an endocrinologist, but I quickly realized my concerns were dismissed again. The endocrinologist seemed uninterested, and after I mentioned I was on an antidepressant, he abruptly changed direction, suggesting my symptoms could stem from several other causes. The irony was that I was practically a textbook case for hypothyroidism.
“No reputable endocrinologist would prescribe thyroid hormones based on your numbers,” he insisted, shaming me into leaving. I walked out feeling like a failure as my personal life unraveled—my marriage, parenting, and relationships were all suffering.
Despite feeling defeated, I returned to my primary care physician a few months later, still grappling with the same symptoms. My doctor was prepared; he handed me a referral to a psychiatrist who could prescribe antipsychotics. If I’d had the energy, I might have reacted more strongly, but instead, I left his office in tears, questioning my own sanity.
Eventually, I found a new physician. I entered her office, listing my symptoms yet again. Fortunately, my hair loss caught her attention. She noticed the short broken strands scattered across the exam table, my shoulders, and my back. She referred me to a different endocrinologist, who reluctantly agreed to a three-month trial of thyroid hormone, despite my lab results.
Within three months, my thyroid levels improved significantly, and I finally felt like myself again. I had been living with a treatable condition for five years because my previous doctor didn’t look beyond conventional practices. Like many, I had blindly trusted my doctors, never considering that they might not be fully informed about hypothyroidism, its symptoms, and its causes. I hold great respect for the medical field but have learned the importance of questioning my healthcare providers, seeking second opinions, and advocating for myself when I sense a legitimate health issue. After all, doctors are human too.
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Summary:
Hypothyroidism is a common but often overlooked condition that can severely impact quality of life, especially for women. Many individuals may experience symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and depression without receiving proper diagnosis or treatment. It is crucial to advocate for oneself in healthcare settings, seek multiple opinions, and trust one’s instincts when it comes to health concerns.