I wasn’t contemplating anything drastic, but the thought of not being here didn’t seem so terrible. What was happening to me? I felt exhausted, downcast, and had inexplicably gained 40 pounds in just a year.
Something was clearly amiss. I took charge and requested my blood work, conducted some research, and then sought a referral from my doctor.
His reaction was far from enthusiastic. “Doctors are human too,” he sighed, refusing to make eye contact. After some reluctance, he scribbled a prescription for my sixth antidepressant in four years. He had no qualms about prescribing antidepressants, but a referral? That was another story. Still, I persisted.
“When a specialist sees you on antidepressants,” he explained, “he’s likely to dismiss your symptoms. After all, you’re on medication for depression. We’re only human.” With a mix of frustration and desperation, I took the prescription and the referral and left his office.
I felt overwhelmed and drained. For years, I’d been vocal about my struggles with depression, dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, brittle nails, sleeplessness, painful joints, and relentless fatigue. Time and again, my doctor handed me prescriptions for sleeping pills and antidepressants. He attributed my fatigue to parenting and my weight gain to aging. If I had accepted those explanations, I might have faced a dire future by 50—either divorced, dead, or both. I was utterly miserable.
Like many other healthcare providers, he failed to connect the dots and recognize that I was exhibiting classic symptoms of hypothyroidism. My blood tests indicated that my hormone levels were “within the normal range,” leading him to conclude my thyroid was functioning adequately.
Despite his reassurances, I was convinced that my body required more thyroid hormone than it was producing. Each person has an optimal hormone level, and merely being “within the normal range” doesn’t mean one is healthy. For years, he focused on my lab results rather than on me as a patient, and I had to fight for that referral.
Hypothyroidism affects millions globally, predominantly women. Yet, it remains one of the most frequently overlooked and misdiagnosed conditions. The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located below the Adam’s apple, plays a crucial role in our health. According to the American Thyroid Association, insufficient thyroid hormone levels can lead to a variety of debilitating symptoms.
Taking the referral, I visited an endocrinologist, only to feel dismissed once again. Upon mentioning my antidepressant use, he shifted gears, suggesting my symptoms could stem from a myriad of other issues. Ironically, I was the embodiment of hypothyroidism, yet he insisted, “No reputable endocrinologist would prescribe thyroid hormone with your results.” He made me feel ashamed and I walked away, my life spiraling further downwards—my marriage, parenting, and relationships all suffered. I felt like a failure.
A few months later, I returned to my primary care physician, still battling the same issues. Prepared for my visit, he handed me a referral for a psychiatrist who, he claimed, could prescribe antipsychotics. If I’d had the energy, I might have confronted him. Instead, I left in tears, feeling defeated and questioning my own perceptions.
Eventually, I sought out a new doctor. I walked in, resigned to sharing my familiar list of symptoms. Thankfully, my thinning hair caught her attention. As she examined me, she noticed the short, broken strands scattered across the exam table and my shoulders.
She referred me to a different endocrinologist who, after reviewing my lab results, reluctantly agreed to a three-month trial of thyroid hormone therapy. Within that time, my thyroid levels improved significantly, and I began to feel revitalized. I had a treatable condition that took five long years to diagnose due to my previous doctor’s narrow focus on conventional practices.
Like many others, I had placed my trust in my doctors without question. It never crossed my mind that they might be lacking in knowledge regarding hypothyroidism, its symptoms, and its causes. I hold deep respect for medical professionals, but I learned the importance of advocating for my health, seeking second opinions, and, most crucially, never giving up when I believe there’s a legitimate health concern. After all, doctors are human too.
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Summary:
Hypothyroidism is a frequently overlooked condition that affects many, particularly women. Symptoms can be misattributed to other causes, leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. It’s essential to advocate for yourself and seek further evaluations if you suspect thyroid issues. Always remember that while doctors are knowledgeable, they are also human, and it’s crucial to question and pursue your health concerns.