I've learned so much since being diagnosed. Getting hit with hypothyroidism at middle age forced me to reevaluate nearly every habit I've picked up over the first 40 years of my life. It really does change everything.
Does hypothyroidism change who we are? - Thyroid UK
Does hypothyroidism change who we are?
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lonely_pioneer
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We change all the time !!
You can’t just blanket your condition as ‘hypothyroidism’ and sometimes it is temporary. Also there is a strong link that it ‘runs in families’. And taking Prozac and calcium supplements? Write responsibly if you’re going to write about your condition! That means do your research first.
Meant with love but I’m a bit disappointed! Ofcourse hypo changes you, mental health is a HUGE symptom but luckily with optimal treatment we can have good mental health.
I don’t deny that there are cases where people recover, but I might argue that recovery isn’t the goal. The original title of this piece was “living with hypothyroidism”, and in hindsight, that might be a more fitting headline.
I’m sorry you feel that the piece is under-researched or irresponsible. It was/ is a subjective look into my own personal experiences. The goal is to help people, particularly men, feel less alone by sharing my experiences and my discovery.
By no means is it expected to be considered medical fact. We’re all searching for answers to an an already ambiguous, underrepresented condition. Everyone is different.
Regardless, thanks for reading. I wish you the best of luck navigating your own condition. We’re all fighting the same battle.
But recovery IS the goal, it’s one that’s being denied to many of us through poor treatment and the common man thinking he can’t understand his/her own condtion because they don’t have a medical background. Those with diabetes aren’t treated that way.
The reason why you can’t just call it hypothyroidism is because that’s just not correct. Hypothyroidism is a symptom not a condition.
I hope you know why you are Hypothyroid at least? I dunno, I think if someone is in a position of influence as a writer then they need to do a good job because we can agree that it’s under represented but the answers are not ambiguous, it’s very clear what needs to be done to treat those with thyroid conditions.
If you want to post your results, maybe you can get some real help here and do a follow up article. I’ll always make time to read, I always do when it comes to thyroid issues.
Sorry I’m coming across to cynical, maybe I’m easily triggered 😬 Not difficult when I’ve had to deal with so much nonsense.
Out of curiously how exactly do you recover from hypothyroidism? I was under the impression that for the majority it’s a life long condition that you can’t “fix”
Recovery is being optimally treated. I will always have Hashimotos but I am not at present hypothyroid. I am optimally treated and so have no symtoms. I have recovered by being given the right medication.
This is what we want to promote. Not the doom and gloom that these articles seem to hone in on. I want to see articles that promote recovery. At the moment Hashi’s and other thyroid conditions as simplified to such an extent that our medics think that one size fits all. This young writer should be well by now after 3yrs. It’s not rocket science but it is very individual.
No one should fall as ill as many of us have been and are still. We need to raise the standards 1000%.
Hypothyroidism IS a condition/illness/disease/malfunction, not just a “symptom”. It causes a myriad of symptoms. I’ve had it ever since childhood but didn’t really suspect it until my early twenties and was officially diagnosed several years later when my blood test results came back looking pretty bad. If I had a better idea of what hypothyroidism was many years ago and there were actually caring and educated doctors around, I am sure I would have been diagnosed much earlier.
But it is a condition I have lived with and suffered from my entire life and no, it never fully went away for me...even when I was on thyroid medication that worked for me. I agree that if doctors and the medical field cared enough about thyroid illnesses and thyroid disease sufferers to come up with much better medications treatments and even cures that actually work that a patient’s thyroid symptoms may very well disappear altogether but it’s very rare. If someone has had hypo/hyperthyroidism for a few years or more then it’s definitely a medical condition that requires treatment for life. Even if some thyroid disease sufferers are lucky enough to find a medication that works wonders for them, they would still have to remain on it for life to keep the condition under control and the symptoms at bay.
If someone happens to develop a thyroid malfunctioning issue at a certain point in life due to a certain event or major change and it eventually goes away once they have fully surpassed whatever traumatic or stressful situation that brought it on then it could be considered a temporary situation/symptom/side effect that can be cured. However, most of the time, it doesn’t go away and it becomes a permanent condition and that is because the person was already predisposed to developing the illness because of their genetic background. Some babies are even born with hypo/hyperthyroidism.
Lol, if hypothyroidism was just a symptom then it would have been a lot easier to treat and get rid of!
That’s not how I see it. I view my condition like those with Diabetes can/do. They will always have diabetes (type 1 for life, type 2 maybe, maybe not), they can be hyper or hypo. Those who have a good grasp on it may be stable for weeks/months/years and it would take something out of the ordinary to destabilise them. Same for us.
I have Hashi’s (Ords actually) I’m not hypo. If you don’t know why you went hypo and you want to use it, that’s up to you but for me it’s not useful as it’s not specific enough.
I wasn’t aware you could even have Hashi’s and not be hypo because Hashimoto’s is what causes hypothyroidism. Usually, people with hypothyroidism eventually realize that at some point later on because it’s not always apparent from the beginning. I, myself, have stated to suspect I have Hashimoto’s but since my antibodies are never visibly elevated, I can’t be too sure...though one’s antibodies don’t have to be elevated to have Hashimoto’s. Again, it’s not that cut and dry and it doesn’t help that doctors and labs are yet to come up with better methods of diagnosing and treating thyroid illnesses.
I admit I did not know of Ord’s until now and I see that it is described as the shrinking of the thyroid gland, rather than developing a goiter. Not as common as Hashi’s.
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented if a person takes the precautionary measures in time but it is, otherwise, a lifelong disease. Heck, even being pre-diabetic type 2 can feel like having a lifelong condition because one always has to make sure to follow a certain regimen in diet and lifestyle to suppress its onset.
Having or being predisposed to diseases is almost always due to genetic mutations that were passed down through family members and relatives...one or a few bad chromosomes can cause so many issues, it’s really that simple. The reason the onset of a disease is different for everyone is because we don’t all have the same exact DNA sequences.
I’m not using the article or any excuse as a reason to base my own personal diagnosis of hypothyroidism on, I know why I developed it, it runs in my family. I have two elder sisters with PCOS and hypothyroidism and one with a severe case of Hashi’s. I also have uncles, aunts, grandparents that suffered from both types of diabetes so thyroid issues could also stem from those illnesses.
I was just pointing out that hypothyroidism is a condition that causes many symptoms and not just one “symptom”.
Traditionally, it was suggested that Ord's was more common in northern Europe - Scandinavia, UK. Whether this was based on genetic differences is unclear.
Nowadays, medicine appears to have consigned the distinction between goitrous and non-goitrous forms to the bin. Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies are about the only factor that is considered in many cases.
Yes, I read about that (referring to Ord’s.)
And yes, today’s doctors still don’t care to make the distinction between different types of thyroid illnesses and just prescribe the same medicine for everyone and then blame the patient for not getting better, lol. It is, quite frankly, pathetic and sad at the same time. Trying to give a doctor/endocrinologist an understanding of our thyroid issues is like trying to get through to a brick wall.
Especially when you’re a woman. I mean, no offense helvella...I know a lot of men do have a thyroid disease, too, but it’s a lot harder to be taken seriously by most doctors as a woman.
Good chat, thanks 😊 For me I guess the blanket term of ‘hypothyroidism’ is being used by professionals flippantly. Many of us are told by GP’s, on discovery of high TSH that we have ‘Hypothyroidism’ told to take a pill for the rest of our lives and we’ll be as well as someone without the condition. It’s just not good enough and it is I feel one of the main reasons why it’s not being investigated, researched and progress in treatment is delayed and/or not optimal.
It was several years into my diagnosis that I was told the reason for my hypothyroidism. I had asked several times, what’s the cause, why am I not feeling better by taking this ‘magic’ pill? That’s when I found out it was ‘Autoimmune thyroiditis’ then later called it Hashimotos, then recently learnt from helvella that actually it’s Ords as I’ve never had a goitre. My Nan, my mum and sister all had/have some sort of thyroid trouble. I suspect I’ve had it from childhood, possibly after a specific trauma at 8yrs. I suspect that I was predisposed to the ‘switch on’, I suspect that my 18yr old has it also.
Just like Type 2 I believe that I will always have to make choices to maintain my state of well being. Combo treatment, vitamin and mineral supplements and gluten free, this along with a healthy lifestyle mean I do not experience hypo symptoms but I am not ‘cured’ I have just recently been hypo for 3wks, I recognised the fatigue and fogginess, got myself tested and sure enough, I need to up my T3 and be more consistent with Vits/minerals. I am no longer hypothyroid, I can go about my day the same as someone without a thyroid condtion.
Interestingly the ‘free’ prescription for Levo means we tick the box ‘Myxoedema’ (sp?)
My hypothyroidism actually got worse after a very traumatic phase in my life...and yes, exactly...it was like it was “switched on” or aggravated. In this day and age, though, it’s very easy for a thyroid illness to get worse because there are almost daily stressors everywhere. I was once discussing this issue with some other members of this forum - that if one (a person predisposed to developing a thyroid illness) was living in the calm and peaceful country side far away from all the troubles of the bustling cities and the extreme air pollution and living off of only fresh produce and organic food then the likelihood of developing any illness would be very slim.
And yes, definitely, none of the treatments we are given today is good enough...not even close! If the medical field had already come up with a proper treatment or cure for thyroid diseases then one would not actually have to live as though walking a thin line in order to maintain good and/or optimal health. That’s not *really* living, is it? It’s more like...dying at a slower rate. I do imagine a 3D printed thyroid gland will eventually be the cure but not for a very long time, in my honest opinion, and I doubt it will be easily available or affordable for everyone in the first few years of its implementation.
I really hope that the current pandemic crisis the world is going through will eventually bring about a lot of the necessary good changes the medical field and world has needed for so long and that all the devastating and preventable losses will not be for naught, and perhaps it will get better but it’s going to get a lot worse before it does. Greed always comes first for governments and major industries, sadly.
"Over the next six weeks, I logged my progress and tracked my moods just to see if there was any difference. From simple quantifiers like ‘Up’ or ‘Down’ to ‘Way Up’ or ‘Way Down’, I tried to track my feelings. The Ups were remarkable, almost scary high, and the lows slipped into almost insurmountable darkness.
Tracing back the thread, it’s nothing short of manic. I found that I could almost predict the crash. If one day was remarkably high, the next was bound to hit the tarmac."
Sounds like Hashimoto's.
"Even with all the information surrounding thyroid issues, the causes behind thyroid conditions are still largely unknown."
The vast majority of cases of hypothyroidism are caused by Hashimoto's disease. This is a well-known fact.
But not all, some of us have “acquired hypothyroidism” post thyroidectomy or RAI treatment. Quite often we’re the worst served people
Hence "the vast majority"
Why the depressive black picture at the headline? that was enough to put me off reading it. People can have strong reactions to photos, mine was ugh dull, depressing poss suicidal so not reading a link to a misery fest.
On the other hand, I could relate to the picture because I know how negatively my own mental health was affected by not having the right levels of thyroid hormone. So I was curious to read someone else's take on things. I didn't expect t to be a 'misery fest', and it wasn't.
Thank you StitchFairy . I hope you took something from it. I'm always struck by cavalier comments like the one above. I know we all might be struggling, maybe a little raw from time to time, but this space, of all spaces, should be one of kindness and compassion.
Thanks again for your response.
I can relate to the title you chose. Hypothyroidism defintely changed who I was, from the mental health perspective. I didn't recognise myself at all and was devasted at what was happening to me. Years down the line, I understand that with the correct medication, I can mostly be the person I was before things went so terribly wrong. So I would say that the condition hasn't changed who I am, but it has affected how I live my life. The two things can't be disentangled completely though.
Sorry to sound cynical, harsh or 'cavalier' but you posted this 2 years ago, exact same post?? not sure if you are just promoting your blog or genuinely in need of help. I like many others share my experience in the hope it helps someone else, we are not doctors nor are we paid for this, this is a forum, not a vehicle for self promotion.
I'm obviously being naive here because I just thought he was posting it again for the interest of anyone who didn't see it two years ago. I must have missed the blindingly obvious to you self promotion aspect.
The poster has never commented on any other post but his own in 2 years. So no interest in engaging with others, just posts with links to his own blogs. Call me cavalier but that doesn't sound like a 2 way street to me.
It’s so disheartening when people think the worst of one another.
Yes, I’ve posted this before, but given that this month is the 3-year anniversary of that discovery, I thought I’d share it again in the event that it might resonate with someone. If that’s “promoting my blog”, then so be it.
As far as engagement goes, I see this space as a resource, one that I’ve referred back to to learn and ground myself on my own journey. Just because that doesn’t fit within your guidelines for engagement that doesn’t make it wrong, does it?
Lastly, it’s a little odd that you’re digging through people’s profiles, and for what gain, just to prove that you’re right?
There are no guidelines for engagement. As no test results posted it is the norm to check if any recently posted, all your posts and replys are on profile page so no digging needed just the ability to read. The reason this forum is so successful is because everyone shares and supports, if we all just took without giving in return it would not be much of a resource.
We have many thousands of members who have never posted anything at all. In general, we cannot know whether they only read, possibly click “Like”, communicate by Private Message, or never ever come back after joining. (Admins have little information not available to all members.)
I think we should be happy to accept members of all degrees of activity – including only reading. They might get everything they need from that. But if they don’t feel they have anything to say, or have difficulty in expressing what they possibly wish to say, the welcome is still extended.
I don’t see that what lonely_pioneer has posted is in any way wrong, inappropriate or shows a lack of involvement. I don’t know, can’t know and, quite honestly, don’t want to know how individual members use the forum except where it impacts the rest of us or indicates some need.
I am a regular poster and (usually) think I have something to say even when I don’t and everyone wishes I would shut up! But both ends of the spectrum are fine.
I thought it was self promoting rather than ‘as part of a community’ I have no problem with writers who have something to share but if your gonna write then let’s get it right. This fella is 3yrs in and has nothing new to share? Surely if one is sharing for the good fight then they’d have an update by now. If this post is for the sake of the community, for us to relate or gain from then updates, relating to one another would go a long way. If not then it’s self serving.
Everyone else can be as PC, all inclusive as they like but me? I’m cynical. Cavalier even 😩
I’ve just read article as at first I was put off by photo ( thought it was an article by a ‘medium’)
Silly man . If he felt better after natural remedy why didn’t he stay with it or go back to it . ?
I think the question is an interesting one, but i have a couple or 3 concerns with how your piece comes across. Firstly, i'm uncomfortable that it gives the impression that taking Prozac is in some way part of the necessary treatment to feel better, but doesn't pay as much attention to the Thyroid Hormones which are of course the point if you are talking about Hypothyroidism. I agree with others comments about the choice of the word 'Hypothyroidism', it's an oversimplification of many different disease states/causes.
And i too was put off by the picture choice..... i don't think a 'dark' picture of a miserable woman is what is needed to further understanding of dealing with Thyroid Disease.
But to answer the question.... yes of course it does, it's massive. (unless you are one of those people who (allegedly) just need to take the little Levothyroxine pill every day and feel normal again.) Adapt and Survive is a necessary part of being a human. I think it's similar to 'does having children change who you are'...... yes....... but the changes are part of making a more rounded,experienced ,human. Sometimes uninvited changes can force us to develop qualities in ourselves that we were lacking.
We all have very different experiences on our hypothyroid journeys of course, but I certainly don't think my experience can be likened to having changed me in the way having children does. And I don't think having a tough time dealing with hypo has helped me to to be a more rounded expereinced human. It changed my way of life, permanently, and not for the better as I had to very reluctanty give up a job I loved and where I know I made a real difference to others.
I didn't explain my thoughts very well, i'm prone to that , sorry.
i dont mean it's a positive change, just that dealing with adversity can develop strengths that without the challenge, we may never have had the need to use.
I do 'get it',honest, i've lost job, social life, hopes and dreams too.
Perhaps you should have posted a picture of a miserable man instead of a woman because some men do suffer with thyroid disease don't they?
As I increase my dose I feel I am a different person every week to the point that I questioned if I really am this or that kind of a person. Hashimotos has a lot of faces, one second you are all peace and love, the next you are pulling knife out of your pocket. However, long- term, despite of all these changes, we are wiser, we understand ourselves more, we know it is not us, it is the disease, that we do our best and once this is over and we feel better we will know how live better full lives and no small unimportant obstacle would ever stop us. Someone has helped me some years ago through the worst, he told me to write "warrior" on my hand and that whenever I thought of giving up or forgot who I am, to look at my hand, slow my breath and slow down my thoughts. Made me cry several times, but how high was I holding my head when reminded myself of this. Maybe it is cheesy, but I can't care less. Big hug to you!
Thanks for all the kind, loving support from some of you. I’ve considered doing a follow-up with this, being that I’ve moved continents and trouble-shot my dosage for the better part of a year travelling abroad, then waiting out visa clearance to return.
It’s a pretty emotional topic, if I’m honest, and not something I’m comfortable sharing yet, mostly because I haven’t gotten a handle on it personally or medically.
For those that think it’s self-promotion, nothing I can do to change your mind at this point. I’m just thankful that we’ve kept this thread relatively civil, regardless of your viewpoint.
This sounds so much more sincere than your article. I apologise if My criticism have upset you. It’s a touchy subject and I’ve yet to read an article about thyroid difficulties that promote it the way I’d like.
A post being written by a writer will always seem less genuine to me. This post however feels like I’m speaking to ‘a person’
Please post your blood tests and get some help. The emotional stuff can come later when or even if you ever feel up to it.
Big hug my Scrumbler. And don't be sorry, we have our own battles to fight and then we reunite again🤗 not yet, I haven't done well with levo decrease, dire flat moods and palps, and most likely increased t3 too fast too. Consult with endo Thursday. I am not giving up, but I am in a bit of a pit. I'd call it a cuppit 
are you a bit better or are in a pit with me? You know this made me realise that in either situation we are here for each other so the pit has nice strings of lights, comfortable sofas and fresh cup of tea for a great company. maybe I am losing my mind personality-wise, as related to this post, I feel like an eeyore sometimes, and it is okay, I also like this darker side of me sometimes, and eeyore is cute and loses his tail..like I do in my brain fog
Just opening a tin of biscuits and putting a movie on, hurry. I don't mind the pit with such a great company 
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