So without boring you guys with lots of medical jargon, here’s a little low down on hypothyroidism.
First things first, what is the thyroid and why do we need it?
The thyroid secretes hormones which influence your metabolism, appetite, gut absorption, heart rate, body temperature and growth development- to name but a few.
Those hormones are namely the two thyroid hormones (thyroxine/T4 and triiodothyronine/T3), and a third called calcitonin.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland in the neck (cuteee) but when it doesn’t function properly, symptoms and after affects are not so cute.
Enter hypothyroidism. Also known as an underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism often occurs when the immune system, which usually fights infection, attacks the thyroid gland. This damages the thyroid, which means it's not able to make enough of the hormone thyroxine (T4), leading to the symptoms of an underactive thyroid (see below).
I think for a lot of people they know that the thyroid affects the metabolism so therefore affects your weight; but there’s so many other symptoms that can (and sometimes do) affect day to day life.
Common symptoms include:
-tiredness
-being sensitive to cold
-weight gain
-constipation
-low moods/ depression
-slow movements and thoughts
-muscle aches and weakness
-muscle cramps
-dry and scaly skin
-brittle hair and nails
-loss of libido (sex drive)
-pain, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hand and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome)
-irregular periods or heavy periods
Basically I tick six or seven out of the above list. And most days I get the 3pm slump, foggy brain, loss of concentration and crave sugar and carbs to counteract these (thus adding to my podgy belly boooo).
I lived majority of my life with an overactive thyroid (or hyperthyroidism) the opposite of what I have now. I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease aged three and have the ‘starry eyed condition’ as one doctor called it; so that explains the big eyes for all those wondering. I was on three tablets a day to help my thyroid function normally; butttt back then I was super ignorant about the condition (my mum understood it all, that’s all that mattered right?) And I went to uni and felt ‘fine’ so rebelled and stopped taking my tablets, thus causing my thyroid to flip. (I know, what an idiot right?) And only as recently as six months ago did I get back on medication, after patching it for seven YEARS. So now I’m re-learning how to handle my condition through medication, fitness and diet- so please bear with me as it’s all a learning process (and so is this blogging stuff). Stay tuned for more posts about my thyroid journey and experience, probably a couple of rants and maybe some recipes!
Speak soon,
Wee Eb
*Disclaimer- I know you guys will have(obviously and hopefully) gathered but to keep in check, I am not a medical doctor or a thyroid expert so always seek advice / help from a professional (ballroom dancer).
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