Finding Out I Have An Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)

By this point, I’m not sure how much more I can take with my health complications.

I was very recently diagnosed with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and well, it explains a lot.

What is Hypothyroidism exactly? “Hypothyroidism is the name given to the condition resulting from an underactive thyroid gland. This means that the thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormone for the body’s needs.”

I said to my well-being coach the other day, “my problems and medical conditions seem like a drop in the ocean compared to what some people are battling and facing with.” But I’ve been through a heck of a lot.

Any who…

I actually had some thyroid blood tests in the UK last year and it must of been over-looked as they said my blood tests were “fine”. When I had tests done in Spain, my blood test levels for my thyroid were 7.04 which is rather concerning and delays our DEIVF journey even further as they need to balance things before undergoing embryo transfer.

I’m having the blood tests re-done with my GP and local hospital as they want to make sure before undergoing medication for the rest of my life.

Yesterday was exhausting, I was back and forth at the doctors for several reasons, rushed to the hospital before 4:30pm to get my bloods done and slept on and off for hours when I got home. And now I’m awaiting the results and next steps…

Now, I’m not a doctor or health specialist. But I’ve taken the below information from my IVF clinic’s Doctor, the NHS and British Thyroid Foundation websites.

I really don’t know too much about the thyroid and the impact it can have on your life, but a lot of people have reached out to me and said they or a family member has thyroid complications, so I some-what feel less alone.

I’m sure as time goes on, I will understand more and more about the impacts. Some have said going gluten-free has changed their lives and improved their symptoms. So, this is something I’m currently looking into and have began today.

Symptoms:

  • fatigue and tiredness
  • increased awareness of the cold
  • dry and coarse skin
  • dry and thinning hair
  • hoarse or croaky voice
  • constipation
  • muscle weakness, cramps and aches
  • pins and needles in the fingers and hands (carpal tunnel syndrome)
  • heavier and longer periods
  • fertility problems
  • low libido
  • weight gain
  • puffy face and bags under the eyes
  • slow speech, movements, and thoughts
  • low mood or depression
  • memory problems
  • difficulty in concentration
  • slow heartbeat
  • slightly raised blood pressure
  • raised cholesterol
  • slowed growth (in children)

My symptoms

My main symptoms are fatigue and tiredness (this week I haven’t been able to do much of anything really), always cold, dry skin, extreme weight gain and trouble losing weight, bowel issues, sore throat, puffy face, low moods and memory problems. As well as potentially loss of hair a couple of years ago, but they said it could have been my anemia and undergoing stressful major operations over the years.

I do have difficulty in concentrating as well, for example, it’s very rare that I can watch an entire film all the way through.

What happens next?

The IVF doctor wants to put me on Levothyroxine immediately but my GP wants to wait until the results come back before putting me on life-changing medication which is understandable.

It could takes months to balance my thyroid before undergoing embryo transfer. It’s yet another set-back and I’m quite (ok, I’m REALLY) upset by it.

Help needed…

Does anyone I know who’s reading this have thyroid complications, as well as undergoing IVF or DEIVF? Any information is extremely helpful for me. I know I’ve talked to a portion of you and you have been SO helpful and I’m super grateful. I’m trying to get my head around it all. Feel free to leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram.

10 Comments

    • Zoey
      Author
      April 8, 2023 / 7:43 am

      Thank you xx

  1. April 7, 2023 / 9:32 pm

    I’m so very sorry to hear about your thyroid problems. I hope everything gets much better for you soon.
    FASHION TALES

    • Zoey
      Author
      April 8, 2023 / 7:44 am

      Thanks lovely. xx

  2. Danielle Beautyblog
    April 10, 2023 / 6:07 pm

    So sorry to hear you’ve had another set back Zoey! I hope things get sorted for you and people in similar positions reach out! xx

    Danielle’s Beauty Blog

    • Zoey
      Author
      April 11, 2023 / 10:41 am

      Thanks love. I’ve had a few reach out which I’m really grateful for. Hope you’re doing ok! Xx

  3. Marianela Beauty Tips
    April 13, 2023 / 10:48 am

    Very interesting post. Thanks for sharing.
    I invite you to visit my last post. Have a good week!

    • zoey
      Author
      April 13, 2023 / 10:58 am

      Thank you. xx

  4. May 23, 2023 / 8:13 am

    I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid when I turned 40, and I have been on thyroxine for nearly 15 years now. I gained 16 kilos and unfortunately nothing I do shifts that weight, it is very annoying. I did have hair fall out, I now take an iron supplement every day, not the usual iron like Ferrograd but a weaker dose, and that seems to have controlled that. My feet get so sore, I have a foot massager and that helps. I get quite tired too. My body has not been the same since being diagnosed, I just learn to do things at a slower pace. You really have been through a lot, I hope things go well for you. xx
    Janet
    http://www.rediscoveringmystyle.com

    • zoey
      Author
      May 23, 2023 / 11:00 am

      So sorry to hear this Janet. I have to take 600mg of iron supplements. Ooo a foot massager sounds lovely. Thank you. Sometimes it’s important to listen to your body when you need to slow down. Yesterday was the first ‘relaxing’ day I’ve had at home in a really long time. I went to bed at 7 and woke up at 7:30am, I was in desperate need of some sleep. xx

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