I have hypothyroidism. It sucks. Energy draining, slow weight loss, hair loss, cold hands, tired...the list goes on. I found out I was hypo about 10 years ago. I had been putting on weight. Being an avid gym rat this was unusual for me. I was also feeling more and more tired - sleeping any chance I got. Hours and hours of sleep without feeling rested. I went from a healthy 110 lb 5 foot tall girl to 145 lbs, tired, and exhausted...within two months. Despite my low calorie diet and running 2-3 miles during the week I was still gaining. I finally saw my doctor and I was tested...I had something called hypothyroidism. Fantastic. I cried. I was happy to have an answer but also knew that I was going to have to deal with the for the rest of my life.
My first question was, what exactly is hypothyroidism? Your thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that assists with hormones and metabolism. When your thyroid is under-active (hypothyroid) it is not producing enough hormones, therefore making your metabolism slow. I'm lucky in the sense that my is on the low end of the spectrum. Some people develop far worse complications with an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's. Currently, there is no real cure. Most of us with thyroid issues are on medications like synthroid or naturethroid. Others may need to have their thyroid removed or partially removed. Over all, I am lucky to only need medication.
My first medication was synthroid. I had been on it for years. Then I stumbled across the book Hypothyroid, Health, and Happiness by Steven F. Hotze, MD. It has changed so much for me. As I was reading it, I nearly came to tears because how I was feeling, was in that book. Despite having normal labs, I still felt "off." I honestly thought it was something I was going to have to live with for the rest of my life....and what I have been living with for the past 10 years. In this book, Hotze really dives in and explains everything for you. He is also a big advocate for desiccated thyroid medication. It's something I had never quite thought about before. I mean - why would I want to switch when my labs have been normal. The more I read the more I wondered why I wouldn't. I mean - the natural medications have been working for YEARS! And here I was taking something synthetic. So I talked to my doctor and he hesitantly agreed to switch me.
What a difference! First thing I've noticed is that my brain fog is gone. I'm starting to feel like the old me again. My weightloss, although slow, is happening. That is success in my opinion! I'm actually feeling rested and happier. Your thyroid is a funny thing. Most people think it effects just your thyroid and metabolism. It's so much more than that. Energy levels, hair loss, depression, digestion, sleep, mood, libido.... the list goes on. Today - yes, I have hypothyroidism. Yes I'm overweight. Yes I get more tired than usual. But I am growing as a person. I've learned to deal with this in a way that works for me. Weightloss is happening, sleep is improving, energy is improving and I am happier. While my weightloss my be slow and at times, disappointing, I will succeed. I will not be controlled by my thyroid. I will control my thyroid.
Sources:
Hypothyroid, Health and Happiness by Steven F. Hotze, MD
http://thyroid.about.com
