Being a mom is exhausting and there’s never enough time for ourselves. But what if your skin isn’t dry because you need a better moisturizer? It’s possible those puffy eyes looking back at you every morning aren’t from lack of sleep. And maybe your excruciating exhaustion is more than just being a tired mommy.
It’s estimated that nearly 30 million Americans are suffering through thyroid disease, most often hypothyroidism. At least half of them are undiagnosed, and the majority are women. Are you one of them?
I have thyroid disease. Though everyone’s experience is different, I’ll share mine with you. It crept up on me, slowly. After each of my children were born the symptoms got more and more severe. It started with migraines. I tried many things to prevent them, nothing worked. After I had my third child, the migraines got worse. Additionally, I noticed intense lightheadedness when I stood up, to the point of near passing out. The doctors weren’t sure what was wrong.
But there were other, smaller, problems I’d never really considered could all be related. My hair had never stopped falling out after my youngest was born; she was now 18 months. I had bruises everywhere. My nails (once strong and healthy) were splitting, creaking and peeling. And I was tired all…the…time. I mean whole-body-hurting-wanna-cry-by-2 p.m. tired. I told myself that’s just how a mother of three young kids feels.
Finally, I had enough. I knew in my heart something wasn’t right. I researched thyroid disease symptoms and brought the evidence to my doctor. I can’t tell you how much my life changed after starting thyroid medication. I felt like the person I used to be; energetic when I got out of bed in the morning and enthusiastic about life. I could participate in life, because my body was working again! Sounds like depression, doesn’t it? Thyroid disease is also often misdiagnosed as depression, so make sure you speak with a doctor well educated in both thyroid disease and depression to make sure he or she can spot the difference.
Even if you don’t have thyroid disease, this is a vital gland to keep your body functioning properly. Make sure your diet is supporting your thyroid. You can incorporate Vitacost Thyroid Complex or add the thyroid-friendly herb bladderwrack into your daily supplement regimen. (Please remember, supplements are NOT a replacement for medications and you should always talk to your doctor before starting any supplements.) If you have any of the symptoms listed below, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor.
Symptoms of hypothyroid disease:
- Fatigue
- “Brain fog” or forgetfulness
- Dry skin
- Peeling, brittle or splitting nails
- Constipation
- Muscle fatigue
- Weight gain or fluid retention
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Infertility