Thyroid Awareness Month

January is Thyroid Awareness Month! A couple years ago I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, which basically means my body doesn’t produce enough of the Thyroid hormone. My dad and older sister, Adrienne, have the same condition. When I went to a health screening I found that my Thyroid levels were off and went to the doctor. I have now been on medicine to help keep my hormones in check and it has seemed to work for the most part!

It is very important to pay attention to your body and the changes that your body may go through in life. I was feeling very tired and lethargic but assumed that I was tired because of teaching! I had no idea that my body was trying to tell me that something wasn’t right.

Hypothyroidism has lots of different symptoms that can include the following: weight gain, puffy face, hoarseness, muscle weakness, elevated blood/cholesterol level, muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness, dry skin, painful joints, thinning hair, slowed heart rate, depression, and impaired memory. Just to name a few—Ha!

Hypothyroidism can be pretty well controlled with medication but it can be frustrating to deal with because your levels don’t always stay the same. If your levels change, the dosage may need to be altered also.

No but really, having hypothyroidism sucks! It is what it is but it makes it difficult to know if I am feeling tired from work or if my levels are off again. It can also make it difficult to lose weight which I am currently battling with. Anywho I am making the best of it and if you are suffering from the same thing please don’t hesitate to reach out! I would love to help anyone else through this with me! J