Some folks like to say that the discomforts of middle age are merely psychological. However, I’m here to suggest that they might actually stem from an unexpected source: your neck.
Just last weekend, while I was swimming in the chilly waters of the Atlantic with my daughters-in-law in Maine, I sensed something was awry. “Wow, this water is COLD!” I exclaimed. “Wow, you are strange,” they replied, sharing a hearty laugh at my inability to submerge my hands in the waves—like a toddler unsure of the ocean. Meanwhile, my two 38-year-old companions were effortlessly collecting shells and spotting fish, clearly enjoying the water temperature.
My eccentricities aren’t surprising considering I’ve been grappling with some unusual symptoms as I approach 50, starting at age 47. I frequently felt drained, akin to a Cro-Magnon woman trudging around with my knuckles dragging on the ground. My fingernails would split at the slightest breeze.
Initially, I attributed these issues to my environment. I was living in a desert climate when I noticed my hair turning into a frizzy mess. Naturally, I thought, “It’s the heat!” Puffy eyes? Just a family trait! I even splurged on an expensive moisturizer to combat my dry skin, but my arms and legs still felt parched by day’s end. I initially blamed cosmetics marketing for misleading me, but then I redirected my frustration at the harsh climate. My swollen hands seemed to echo my discomfort.
Among my most troubling symptoms was the persistent brain fog. In our family history, Alzheimer’s lurks ominously, especially since my neurologist father passed away from it three years ago. I knew too well when a brain isn’t functioning properly. I couldn’t even find my to-do list, let alone recall its contents. Anxiety set in as I thought this could be the beginning of the end. Consequently, I increased my life insurance policy, feeling a slight sense of foreboding.
Over the years, I also noticed some extra weight settling around my waistline. Despite my exercise efforts, nothing changed. Three months ago, I decided to cut out alcohol, feeling perpetually fatigued and bloated from too much white wine. Yet, trading in those calories didn’t yield the expected transformation; instead, I felt like a recovering alcoholic still trapped in a downward spiral.
I compiled a list of symptoms to share with my doctor—except I genuinely forgot about the brain fog until the last moment in the waiting room, hastily noting it down. Our discussion covered my high blood pressure, low pulse, unwanted belly fat, parched skin, and other issues like snoring, possibly even sleep apnea.
We also touched on emotions I hadn’t documented: bouts of sadness and uncharacteristic rage. Already on antidepressants, I found myself questioning why I still felt down. I rationalized my anger as a response to the world around me and made excuses for my diminished libido, convincing myself I had experienced enough in that department.
A simple blood test revealed the underlying issue: low T4 and high TSH levels. The culprit? My thyroid, a vital gland responsible for various metabolic processes, was not functioning properly. How had I overlooked this? I had friends who battled thyroid issues and recognized the signs.
Just four days into taking Synthroid, I can feel the shift starting. Though it may take months to regulate my thyroid, I hope to soon enjoy the Atlantic waves without hesitation, before the water turns too frigid.
For those considering family planning, exploring options such as at-home insemination can be valuable. Check out this resource from Make a Mom for insights on artificial insemination. Another helpful link is this one for information on intrauterine insemination, which provides excellent guidance for aspiring parents.
In summary, if you’re feeling off, don’t overlook the potential issues stemming from your neck. Sometimes, the answers lie where you least expect them.
Keyphrase: neck health and middle age discomfort
Tags: “home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”