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I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease when I was 28 years old.  It was more than a year after  the birth of my first child and four or five  months after I stopped nursing him. 

My body was so different during pregnancy and breast feeding that I didn’t think much about unusual symptoms.  Yes, I was tired, but I had a wild one-year-old to chase around.  My major symptom?  I hadn’t started menstruating since my son’s birth.  I didn’t worry at first as many woman don’t have periods while they are breastfeeding.  My concern grew when I didn’t return to normal after I stopped nursing him.

I visited my gynecologist who referred me to an endocrinologist.  After testing, I was told that I had a  hypothyroid condition and that, if left untreated, I would never menstruate again.  We also discussed the longer term impact on my overall health of being hypothyroid (fatigue, goiter, weight gain, elevated cholesterol levels, depression,  fluid retention, lack of sex drive).  

Because my condition was diagnosed quickly, I never experienced many of these symptoms.

I started taking Synthroid and have been taking it ever since.  I’m tested at least yearly, sometimes biannually to make sure the hormone levels are correct.  Over the years, my doctors have had to adjust the level of medication.  If I feel sluggish, cold, my hair starts falling out, it’s a sure sign that I need to increase my medication.

What I know now:

-Look for signs or the disease : fatigue, weight gain, puffy face, hair loss, constipation, dry skin, always cold

-Tell my daughter what to watch for.  Hashimoto’s can run in families.

-Make sure I take my medication each day.  When I skip a day, I tend to retain fluid.

-Be diligent about having my thyroid levels checked at least once a year.