You’ve been diagnosed with thyroid disease. Now what?
As mentioned in my previous post (What is the Thyroid?) , the thyroid is the master gland in our bodies. It regulates metabolism, body temperature, digestion, menstrual cycle and so much more. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will develop thyroid disease. When PROPERLY diagnosed with thyroid disease, you either have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). I recommend all my clients get properly tested through a series of blood tests to determine if they truly have a thyroid disease or if something else is at play.
People who have been diagnosed with thyroid disease may experience several of the following symptoms:
-difficulty losing or gaining weight (depending on the condition)
-fertility issues
-difficulty regulating body temperature
-irregular periods
-difficulty swallowing
-fatigue
-dry skin
-depression
-slowed heart rate
-menstrual irregularities
-irritable bowels
The autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s, is the most common cause for hypothyroidism (which is what I have). On the flip side, Grave’s disease is the autoimmune condition for hyperthyroidism. Please note that not everyone who has a thyroid disease necessarily has Hashimoto’s or Grave’s. In fact, the autoimmune disease is what leads to the thyroid disease.
When I was diagnosed with thyroid disease, I didn’t understand that I had an autoimmune disease. I heard the doctor say “Hashimoto’s” but I didn’t know what that meant. I was also barely 18 and not focused on “adult” things like that at the time.
Looking back, I wish that I would have asked about the depth of the disease OR that my doctor would have explained the diagnosis to me. Sending me on my way with medication to take for the rest of my life was pretty bold without an explanation. There isn’t anything I can do to change my experience, but I can certainly changes others’ experiences with these types of diagnoses.
I thought the only way to manage symptoms was through medication. I didn’t realize how important other lifestyle factors can be to managing thyroid disease. I was on different medications for years and although my lab work looked great, I still wasn’t feeling my best. I knew there had to be another way to live. I finally found what I was looking for when I discovered the holistic way of living which means working on my entire self- not just the symptoms.
I made changes to my lifestyle such prioritizing sleep, incorporating relaxation techniques, dialing down my intense workouts, and focusing on nutrient-dense food rather than short-term diets. I’ve been able to manage my symptoms with minimal medication and have a much better understanding of my diagnosis than I did when I first was diagnosed.
Does this story sound familiar? Are you confused on what to do with your thyroid diagnosis? Schedule a consultation with me by clicking the contact button. Together, we’ll discuss your symptoms, causes and create a plan for you to work towards an asymptomatic life. I look forward to hearing from you!