My Journey with Hypothyroidism: From Ignored Symptoms to Reclaimed Life

How long did you struggle with hypothyroid symptoms before you were diagnosed? Have your treatment with Thyroxine or something similar changed your life, abilities, health, or energy level or worldview? How long did it take to notice that change?

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Symptoms of hypothyroidism usually appear slowly over several months or years. However, some people develop symptoms quickly over a few months. In general, the lower your thyroid hormone levels become and the longer they stay low, the more severe your symptoms will be. If your TSH level is elevated to between 4.5 and 10 mIU/L and your T4 is normal, you should be considered for treatment with thyroid medication, especially if you have symptoms of hypothyroidism or have a positive test for thyroid antibodies, a history of heart disease, or risk factors for atherosclerosis.

A Personal Story of Ignored Symptoms

I was ignoring all the symptoms I had for about 3 years. Eventually, they became difficult to live with and my doctor sent me for a thyroid check. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism last year. I am taking 50 μg of Levothyroxine every day, and it is really helping. Before taking the medications, I was consistently tired, my blood pressure was often 85/65, and I had problems with my metabolism—it was very slow, but it didn't really have an effect on my weight—I was lucky. My menstrual cycle was irregular, like 50–60 days, and I was 20 years old. I was also experiencing bad cramps during menstrual bleeding. My hair was thin and dry, and my skin was dry and sensitive.

Changes Noticing After Starting Treatment

It takes time to start noticing changes after starting treatment. Initially, I noticed changes in my metabolism about 2–3 months after taking medication. My menstrual cycle started getting more normal as the months passed. Now, it has been about 9 months since I started taking the medications, and the cramps are gone, and my cycle is fully regular. I have so much more energy than before, I am less depressed, and I enjoy life more. My blood pressure is perfect now. My hair is still thin but I am noticing it is better than before. My skin is also improving gradually. It takes time to see and feel the changes, and it is different for everyone.

A Personal Story of Early Onset Hypothyroidism

I started having periods when I was 12, which were very heavy, requiring 40–60 pads per period. My parents kept yelling at me, thinking I was using too many, when in fact I was bleeding a lot. I had a lot of constipation and cold feet, I was nodding off in class, and no matter how much I slept, I still was. I kept yelling at my parents to get me to the doctor to check my hormones, but they wouldn't do that. I went on like this for 4 years. By the 4th year, I could barely breathe climbing up a hill. I was so depressed and tired. I got my own insurance and the high school got me on Medicaid because they knew something was really wrong with me. I went to the doctor and broke down telling her I was tired all the time and was so winded going up a hill. She tested my iron and thyroid. I got on 130 mg of elemental iron, two green pills, and 25 mcg Levothyroxine. In a week, I could walk up hills not winded at all! I was no longer requiring three coffee drinks a day to stay awake. At the follow-up, I was crying; it was not "all in my head" and that the pills were working so well. We had a long hug before I moved out of state. I usually feel great on a new dose for a month but then feel worn down and fatigued all over again. I am on 88 mcg and have been on pills for 4 years, had hypothyroidism for 8 years.