As woman, we seem to have the never-ending schedules. We are always on the go. We are working (sometimes a full-time job), driving the children to soccer practice, shopping for dinner, helping with homework, keeping our husbands’ happy and then, finally, taking care of our own needs, if there is time and if we are not too tired! Our husband, children, pets, work and social come way before we do. So when do we get a break? It’s all up to you. You never want to get to the point of “stop everything, I am sick!”
We need to slow down, take in the views and smell the roses or other flowers for that matter. We need to start paying attention to ourselves. It is hard to put ourselves first given our daily challenges, but if we don’t, pretty soon the life expectancy between men and woman will be the same! I don’t know about you, but I want to live well into my nineties with little degeneration. We all need to focus. Don’t put it off; it’s not in your head.
The reason I am telling all of you this is because I did not pay attention to my symptoms. I knew three years ago that something was not right. I did see a doctor, but I was told, “it’s all in your head.” I decided that I could solve my problems by following a very strict diet and increase my workouts. Well, I prolonged the inevitable. Three years later, I am faced with many, many more symptoms. This time I know it’s not in my head.
The dysfunction of the thyroid hormone and the thyroid gland is commonly under diagnosed. The reason being is sometimes the thyroid hormone is functioning properly, but not the thyroid gland. This was the case with me, so extended testing was not considered. As time progressed, I was experiencing many more symptoms that relate to the thyroid gland. Further testing revealed a dysfunction with Reverse Thyroid Three (RT3). Meaning, Thyroid Four (T4) and Thyroid Three (T3) were not converting properly resulting in an increase in RT3. This diagnoses usually is not determined because T4 and RT3 resemble each other. Most people diagnosed with thyroid insufficiencies usually are taking Synthroid for T4, a synthetic thyroid support and it is recommended by the M.D. for the rest of their lives.
If you are experiencing fatigue in which you take naps often, easy weight gain, fluid retention, hair loss, irritability, depression, decreased memory or concentration, dry and itchy skin, cold intolerance, irregular periods, light headedness, muscular and joint aches, constipation, and low sex drive, I suggest a doctor’s visit! I, also, suggest taking your body temperature with an oral thermometer three times per day for one month. A low body temperature consistently below 97 degrees relates to Multiple Enzyme Dysfunction, which are the symptoms I just noted. This will help determine if your disorder is thyroid, adrenal or female hormone related. Also, if you are currently on Thyroid medication and have some of the same symptoms that you had before you went on thyroid support I suggest a further testing of your Thyroid to determine if RT3 is working properly. If T3 or RT3 is not working properly, Liothyronine will be prescribed. If both T4 and T3 functions are not working, Armor, a natural pig hormone will be prescribed.
Another aspect relating to the dysfunction of the thyroid gland is a female hormone. For most of us as we get older, it is inevitable our bodies will experience pre-menopause and then, menopause. As in the case with me, I produce too much estrogen and not enough progesterone. This explains why I am having Thyroid problems. It is all related.
Now that the Doctors and I know the entire situation with my health, I will be, temporarily, taking Thyroid and Female Hormone support until my chemistry is balanced. At which time, I won’t need to be on medication anymore.
I wish all of you the best in your quest to health and wellness. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I will be happy to recommend my doctors who helped me discover the cause to my problems and not to treat just the symptoms!