I wasn’t contemplating suicide, but the thought of death didn’t feel all that terrible either. What was happening to me? I was constantly exhausted, feeling low, and had inexplicably gained 40 pounds in just one year. Something was definitely amiss. After obtaining my blood work, I did some digging on my own and requested a referral from my doctor.
His reaction was far from enthusiastic. “Doctors are human too,” he muttered, avoiding my gaze. While he readily scribbled out another prescription for yet another antidepressant, he was resistant to providing a referral. “When a doctor sees you’re on antidepressants,” he explained, “he’s unlikely to take you seriously. You know, you’re on an antidepressant. We’re all human.” He handed me the prescription and the referral begrudgingly before exiting the room.
I felt overwhelmed and utterly drained. For years, I had voiced concerns about my depression, brittle nails, hair loss, dry skin, insomnia, achy joints, and relentless fatigue. My doctor attributed my tiredness to being a parent and my weight gain to simply growing older. Had I accepted his explanations, I might have found myself facing a grim future by 50—unhappy, possibly divorced, or worse.
He, like many physicians, failed to connect my symptoms to hypothyroidism. My lab results indicated that my hormone levels were “within the normal range,” so he concluded my thyroid was functioning just fine. However, I believed my body needed more thyroid hormone than it was producing. Each person has an ideal hormone level, and being “normal” didn’t mean I was healthy. He had been focusing on my lab results rather than my actual health for years, and only after my insistence did he finally agree to a referral.
Hypothyroidism impacts millions globally, especially women. Yet, it remains one of the most frequently overlooked and misdiagnosed health issues. The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located below your Adam’s apple, plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. According to the American Thyroid Association, insufficient thyroid hormone levels can lead to symptoms that disrupt every facet of life.
Taking the referral, I visited an endocrinologist who unfortunately echoed my doctor’s sentiment. After mentioning my use of antidepressants, he dismissed my symptoms, attributing them to other causes. Despite having a family history and clear symptoms, I felt as though I was being ignored. “No respectable endocrinologist would prescribe thyroid hormone with your numbers,” he insisted, making me feel ashamed for seeking help. I left his office feeling like a failure as my life continued to deteriorate—my marriage, my parenting, and my relationships were all suffering.
A few months later, I returned to my primary care doctor, still grappling with the same issues. He seemed prepared, taking the endocrinologist’s report as an opportunity to refer me to a psychiatrist who could prescribe antipsychotics. If I had the energy, I might have confronted him, but instead, I walked out, feeling defeated and questioning my own sanity.
Eventually, I found a new physician. I walked in with my usual list of complaints, relieved that my hair loss had caught her attention. She sent me to a different endocrinologist who, after reviewing my lab results, reluctantly agreed to a three-month trial of thyroid hormone therapy.
Three months later, my thyroid levels had improved significantly, and I finally began to feel like myself again. I had suffered from a treatable condition for five long years simply because my previous doctor had neglected to consider more than just the standard protocols.
Like many, I had placed my trust in my doctors without realizing that they might not fully understand the complexities of hypothyroidism. While I respect the medical field immensely, I learned the importance of questioning, seeking second opinions, and advocating for myself when it comes to my health. After all, doctors are human too.
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In summary, hypothyroidism is a common yet often missed diagnosis that can significantly affect your quality of life. It’s essential to advocate for your health and seek the right help.
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