I found myself staring at a sink filled with dark red strands of hair. Hair was also scattered on the floor and clogging my shower drain. While it wasn’t large clumps, it was noticeable and concerning. This alarming sight had become a daily occurrence for weeks. My hair, which was once thick and shiny, now appeared dull and lifeless, thinning with each passing day. I swept it up, tossed it in the trash, and dismissed it as just winter shedding – nothing serious.
However, when I glanced in the mirror, I hardly recognized the person staring back. My face was swollen, my eyes sunken, and my complexion pale. Summer had long since faded, so perhaps I was just losing that summer glow. Maybe it was water retention, given my high blood pressure. But that didn’t explain why my clothes felt tighter despite my minimal eating.
Along with the hair loss and swollen face, my skin was perpetually dry and itchy. I developed eczema on my knuckles, which cracked, bled, and burned. I attributed it all to the cold, dry air. My skin itched to the point of flaking off, yet there were no bumps, bites, or rashes to explain it. Surely, it was nothing. My partner, however, was not so convinced.
Soon, fatigue became my constant companion. With two small boys—one just two and the other under a year—I was juggling a full-time job and often collapsed into bed after dinner. Time with my partner dwindled as I prioritized sleep over everything else. I started napping daily after work, which only heightened his concern.
“Could I be pregnant again?” I wondered. A negative test quickly ruled that out. Having previously battled an eating disorder and depression in my youth, my partner speculated that I might be experiencing a relapse. I insisted I was fine—not sad or angry—just feeling strange. No, I felt unhinged.
He genuinely feared I was losing my grip on reality. The array of symptoms left me puzzled and unable to articulate what was happening. I felt terrible, struggling as a mother and partner. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t pull things together. One morning, it all came to a head. He urged me to see a therapist, convinced I was battling depression. I didn’t believe that was the case, but perhaps he had a point. I decided to make an appointment—I was out of options.
The next day, I met with a psychiatrist. After filling out numerous forms and discussing my medical history, the doctor suggested I might be depressed, but he wanted to conduct blood tests to rule out other issues. I thought, fine, but what could be wrong? I was a healthy, 31-year-old woman.
Not an hour after leaving the lab, my phone rang. The doctor reported that my TSH and T4 Free tests were alarmingly abnormal. What did that mean? It turned out to be my thyroid. I had heard of the thyroid but was clueless about its role. He recommended I see an endocrinologist without delay for treatment.
Fortunately, I was able to see an endocrinologist quickly due to my brother’s history with juvenile diabetes. During our consultation, the doctor revealed that my numbers were the highest he had ever encountered and expressed disbelief that I was functioning at all. What did this imply, and more importantly, what could I do to improve my condition?
I was officially diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce essential hormones. The thyroid regulates various bodily functions, including metabolism, heart function, and even brain development. When it malfunctions, you feel utterly depleted. Thankfully, treatment can be straightforward and can commence right away.
My doctor prescribed a high dose of Synthroid, a synthetic thyroid hormone that enables the body to function as if it were producing its own hormones. Within weeks, I began to experience relief. Gradually, my body returned to normal. I lost weight, my face became less puffy, and my hair and skin improved. I looked like myself again. Over several months, my TSH and T4 Free levels normalized to those of a properly functioning thyroid. My medication dosage has since decreased, and I now take a maintenance dose for life. The best part? Once your levels stabilize, it’s manageable. Just one pill a day for me—simple.
I am immensely grateful to my partner for encouraging me to seek help and to the doctor who thoroughly investigated my symptoms. Eleven years later, I still take my little blue magic pill and feel great every day. I knew I wasn’t losing my mind; I just needed to trust myself and listen to my body. If something feels off, it likely is. Never let yourself get so lost in your own thoughts that you neglect your well-being.
For more insights on health and wellness, check out this informative post on pregnancy and home insemination here, or learn about fertility journeys at Make a Mom. Additionally, Resolve provides valuable resources on family-building options.
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Summary:
In this personal account, the author shares her struggle with hypothyroidism, detailing how the condition affected her physical and mental well-being. Initial symptoms included hair loss, fatigue, and skin issues, which led to feelings of confusion and distress. After seeking medical help, she received a diagnosis and began treatment, ultimately restoring her health and well-being. The story emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking help when something feels off.