Little known fact about me...

I feel that by talking about this, I can perhaps help others that may be feeling the same way, by shedding some light on topics that aren’t often discussed.

I have been battling with my thyroid for most of my adult life. It has been a big struggle. The thyroid is the master gland for metabolism. Every part of the body requires the thyroid to function properly. When it doesn’t, the effects can be a critical blow to a person’s life. Millions of people walk around each day with thyroid problems and don’t even know it. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism when I was in my early 20’s and was on medication for years. Upon a routine blood test, I was told that my T3 and T4 (thyroid hormones) levels were within normal levels and that I no longer needed to continue with medication. A number of years later, I was ordered back on the medication when newly pregnant with Aubrey, after being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Yeah.....you read that right. Hyper to hypo. I am still not sure exactly how...as I was never diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disorder. After taking medication for a period of time, I was told that I was ok to go back off of it. Fast forward to just over a year ago.

So, I am pretty in-tune with my body and I know when it is out of whack. When it is, I have huge brain fog, I can’t concentrate and I get irritable and frustrated. My body hurts, I’m really tired and I get headaches. Ok, so it sounds much like how many people feel these days. Just the stresses of life getting the best of you, right? Wrong. This time was different for me. Not just the average feeling of being physically drained and unable to focus or concentrate. It wasn’t just the uncomfortable feeling in the front of my neck. It wasn’t just feeling extremely cold all of the time or losing a bit of hair. This time, it was like my body time travelled 50 years into the future. I felt so weak and frail, so tired that I could barely function both physically or mentally. My whole body ached from my skin down into my bones.....something that my daily yoga practice couldn’t even help. Forget the feeling of being cold all of the time....I would break out in hot flashes! Regardless, I kept pushing myself through each day. There were days where I actually felt amazing and days where I could barely get out of bed. I literally had a hard time lifting my limbs, pushing my torso up and getting myself steady and on my feet. I have always taken good care of my body and kept myself in shape....how could I feel so damn sick??

Back to the Doctor I went....I remember sitting in the Doctor’s office crying because I was so exhausted. Because I had no energy to do anything, yet I had a child, a house, yoga school to complete, a full-time job and so much riding on my shoulders that I couldn’t afford to feel this way. I remember crying because I was scared that there was something wrong with me. I remember feeling foolish for bursting out into tears, but I was so drained that I didn’t know what else to do but that. I love my Doctor, she is very attentive and caring and my first reaction I think, was to just release. I was sent for a complete set of blood tests, including testing to see if I was in a pre-menopausal state. Who gets ‘hot flashes’ at 37? I think she pushed for the results to come back quickly, because it was not even 2 days later when they called me. (Maybe the crying helped...? haha!)

Not only were my thyroid levels off, I was anemic and B12 deficient. Now I have known for many, many years that I have iron-deficiency anemia. I would take prenatal vitamins often as they provide more iron than a regular multi-vitamin for women. There were times where I felt more tired than usual and I would know at that point, that I needed to focus on taking my multi-vitamins on a more regular basis. Not tired like this though. Cognitively, I felt as if I maybe shouldn’t even be driving because there were times were I would find myself confused throughout the day. Often forgetting things, only moments after I would remind myself about them. I felt like my body was fighting against me. The B12 problem was completely new to me. I had never really known that a person could be so deficient in a vitamin, that it could completely affect their life. Hypothyroidism, iron-deficiency anemia and B12 deficiency.....the not-so perfect trifecta. Together, it’s a doozy.

As ordered by my Doctor, I went on B12 supplements. After some more recent bloodwork, it was determined that the dosage I was taking was not enough. I have upped my daily intake of B12 through a time-released vitamin and have vowed to continue with daily doses of iron and thyroid mediation. Over the last week, I have come up with a new system for timing these daily doses, making sure that I’m taking them at the same time each day. I’m hoping that I get back to my regular ‘spirited’ self. I have done a lot of research over the last while on B12 deficiency. More so as of recent, as I have been battling another episode of exhaustion, among other symptoms, for the last month or so. I know that have slacked on taking my iron medication and have really let some stress get the best of me. After all….I am human. As much as I am in-tune with my body….I realize and then kick myself for slacking on keeping everything in check.

Many of you may have the following symptoms and not even realize that a bigger issue may be at play. I don’t have all of these symptoms, so if you’re concerned with some that you may be having, it may be in your best interest to do some research of your own. I am no Doctor and am just going by my own experiences. Thyroid, iron and B12 are not tested with standard blood work….you must request that they be done.

Symptoms associated with Hypothyroidism:

• Hair and skin changes: hair becomes more brittle, coarse and dry. It can fall out easily. Skin can become thick, dry and scaly.

• Bowel problems: severe/long-term constipation or diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome.

• Muscle and joint pain: weakness in arms and tendency to develop carpal tunnel in arms and hands.

• Cholesterol issues: high cholesterol, when it is not responsive to diet, exercise or cholesterol lowering medication.

• Menstrual irregularities & fertility problems: heavier more frequent & painful periods or shorter, lighter and infrequent periods can also be associated with thyroid issues.

• Depression & Anxiety: a sudden onset of panic disorder, can a symptom of thyroid disease.

• Weight change: unexplained weight changes & issues can be signs of both hyper and hypothyroidism.

• Body temperature regulation: inability to withstand cold or difficulty regulating your body temperature can signal of hyper or hypothyroidism.

• Fatigue – feeling exhausted when you wake up or being unable to function all day without a nap, can be a sign of thyroid problems.

Symptoms associated with B12 deficiency:

• Brain fog, confusion, memory loss

• Premature aging

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Cognitive decline

• Weakness

• Fatigue

• Reduced appetite, weight loss

• Constipation

Symptoms associated with iron-deficiency anemia:

• Fatigue

• Cognitive decline or impairment

• Gastrointestinal disturbances

• Hypothyroidism

• Dizziness

• Pale skin

• Irritability

• Reduced immunity

• Problems regulating body temperature

• Restless leg syndrome (RLS)

Can you see how these three conditions seem so much alike when it comes to their symptoms? These can all be thought of as stress, anxiety or depression related….when there could be an underlying cause. These can be brought to light by a simple blood test. If determined that there are problems, they can be corrected and maintained by medication, supplements, diet, exercise and stress reduction. I urge anyone who may be experiencing these symptoms, to contact their Doctor.

xo

#thyroid #hypothyroid #hyperthyroid #anemia #irondeficiency #b12deficiency #healthychanges #listentoyourbody #goodhealthchoices