My introduction to thyroid disease came at a very stressful period in my life. Two years prior, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, had a baby, and other madness I didn't invite into my life. Shortly after beginning a drug therapy to slow the progression of MS, my body began another cycle with
other symptoms. My skin began to itch uncontrollably, it was so dry. Nothing I used, chamomile lotion, tea bags, alcohol rubs, all the natural remedies, nothing worked. I'd be in the store scratching, driving and scratching, at work scratching, at home scratching, seemingly worse than a drug addict, all day and night. My heart raced rapidly to the point it effected my breathing, my beautiful hair became dry and brittle.
In addition to that my mood was volatile. I became someone I didn't recognize or like. What an evil witch I was. I remember being so tired all the time, just out of the blue. Recalling all the symptoms I knew about MS just didn't line up with what the new ones were at that point. This lasted about three weeks, and I had enough. I felt I was losing my mind. It was time to see my doctor. Upon stating my issues to her, she said these few words, "It's either your liver, kidneys or thyroid.". Blood work was done. I got a call a couple days later and was told my thyroid levels were very low.
Having done some reading about all the possibilities it could be, I was relieved it was my thyroid. It seemed the lesser of all evils. I also began to reread the exhaustive fact sheets for that drug I was taking for Multiple Sclerosis. I remembered reading the thyroid could be effected. There was the link - hypothyroidism was listed as a possible contraindication. No one needed to confirm or deny the link to me, that $1,400.00 a month drug killed my thyroid. It could have eventually done me in had I not been concerned about the telltale signs that something was terribly wrong. The doctor expressed the immediacy that I get my prescription filled and begin thyroid replacement. Although I have to take a pill for the rest of my life, along with blood work every few months, it was a welcome diagnosis considering the other possibilities. That little pill began working within 24 hours. My major symptoms were gone.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (An underactive thyroid)
fatigue, exhaustion
feeling run down and sluggish
depression
difficulty concentrating, brain fog
unexplained or excessive weight gain
dry, coarse and/or itchy skin
dry, coarse and/or thinning hair
feeling cold, especially in the extremities
constipation
muscle cramps
increased menstrual flow
more frequent periods
infertility/miscarriage
Symptoms of Hyperthryodisim (An overactive thyroid)
nervousness
irritability
increased perspiration
thinning of your skin
fine brittle hair
muscular weakness especially involving the upper arms and thighs
shaky hands
panic disorder
insomnia
racing heart
more frequent bowel movements
weight loss despite a good appetite
lighter flow, less frequent menstrual periods
This LADIES, is the lighter side of thyroid disease. A simple blood test may easily get you on the way to resuming your life as you knew it. Do nothing, and the extreme side eventually may pay a visit.
SISTERS, I know how hard we work, our dedications to family and home, but PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES. Pay attention to what your body is telling you, if it's something abnormal, a contradiction to your normal life rhythm, have yourself checked out and strive to be in optimum health. I am passionate about being healthy in spite of the disease I live with. I had no control in it taking up residence in me. When we can do better, it is BETTER WE SHOULD ALWAYS CHOOSE - BE BLESSED!
