There are several forms of Thyroid disorders and diagnosis can be difficult because many of the symptoms are the same in many other conditions too. Speak to your doctor, if you feel that you may have this condition.

This is how I found out I had the disease. About 10 years ago I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism which is an "underactive" thyroid. The condition was diagnosed after several months/years of being tired all the time. A simple blood test confirmed that not only was my thyroid gland barely functioning but my hormone levels (had a total hysto) were almost non-existent, too.  Between the two, I was just barely getting things done. Your thyroid and hormones are really important for your body to function correctly. Both can affect you physically, emotionally/mentally and your immune system.

My symptoms included: tiredness, dry skin, weight gain, brittle nails, hoarseness and sometimes, sensitivity to cold. However, there are many other symptoms that I have not had (see the link below for more details)

When I say tired all the the time, it's not just worn down,  like when you have a cold, it's feeling really wiped out as if you have had the flu for a couple of days and it doesn't go away.

My skin gets very dry and scally in appearance, almost as if my body is dehydrated. I call it my alligator skin!

The weight gain is not the gradual over the years adding a pound or two here and there but for me almost within a 3-6 month time frame.

Now as to the brittle nails, I know this is probably not a big deal for most of you  but I have been able to grow my own nails long since I was 18 when I first got pregnant and was on prenatal vitamins. I keep them long and polished 99% of the time so when my thyroid is not working correctly, they will peel in layers at the tips and become more brittle and prone to breakage.

The hoarseness is probably the most noticed by everybody else because my voice actually gets much deeper and huskier in tone and leaves me sounding like I have laryngitis.

These are just a few of my symptoms. Over the years I have had doctor's tell me that "your just getting older".  Now mind you I was in my late 30's when this all stated and just accepted what the doctor's said. It still took several years to find that "one"  doctor to do a simple blood test to see what was going on. 

My condition is easy to control with a daily pill for the rest of my life and annual blood tests to check my levels!

Having an undetected thyroid problem can have very serious consequences to a persons well being and health. So, if you think that you may have it, ask you doctor to test for it!

Mayo Clinic link-Thyroid Disease:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thyroid-disease/AN00986

and specifically more about hypothyroidism:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothyroidism/DS00353

 

 

 

Thank You so very much for this entry I appreciate you taking the time to share a bit of what you have gone through, it is greatly helpful . . . I realize it is important to look into additional info as well locate a good doctor but for myself I feel a great sense of comfort in hearing peoples own experience . . . Even thou we are not in the dark ages often, especially woman, when we mention not feeling well we hear the "oh it is all in your head" . . . with that being said it is one of the reason I think it is good to talk to others so maybe at least one person out there does not feel alone . . . know what I mean?

Thank You again, I really appreciate this!

Hi J'Laine! I'm dropping by to let you know you've been chosen as this week's Community Blog Spotlight. Have a great day and a great week!

Thanks Community Blog! How wonderful!!!