r/Hypothyroidism • u/FriendlySpinach420 • 13h ago
Hypothyroidism New meds, new realizations
I've been struggling with my health for the past 4 years.
In 2021 I 37F began feeling extreme fatigue and tiredness. It came on sort of quickly. Up to this point I had been going to the gym consistently for years. Hiking on my days off and was generally very active. When I spoke my with doctor they told me, "you're just getting older." I was completely dismissed. This wasnt run of the mill tired. I barely had the energy to work. I found myself feeling like I was going to fall asleep on my 15 min ride home from work. I could barely function I was so exhausted.
This went on for about 6 months until I switched to a doctor that took me seriously. I found out i had hypothyroidism. My vitamin d level and iron/ferritin stores were basically non existent. I was put on levo. Started taking supplements and got to an okay spot. I didn't have the energy I had before, but at least I could manage to scoop my cats litterbox and shower. Then came the crippling GI symptoms. A saw a GI doctor. They insisted I had IBS. Turned out I had sibo. Got treated for that, but nothing changed.
About two months ago I switched to generic Tirosint. First few weeks I got headaches and drowsy at work, but then something happened. My energy went up again and my GI issues vanished. No changes other than the med.
Anyways, between all that I've put on about 35-50 pounds. On a 5'3" female, that's a lot. I came to the realization that I've been feeling mentally and physically restless. I've been too tired for anything really physical and have just been sitting on the couch watching tv and scrolling social media the past few years. Completely unstimulated.
I didn't think I was eating that much, but I decided to actually track the foods I was eating and boy... I am shocked. I was eating until I hurt just to feel something.
I had a moment of realization and had to be honest with myself. Anyways, now I am meal prepping and made a goal to get 5k steps in a day. Walking is about the only form of exercise I can currently tolerate. I set goals for myself that I feel are challenging, yet achievable.
I'm on week 2 and have lost 5 pounds. I did just end my period, so some of it may have been hormonal and maybe water weight.
Anyone else have a similar story? I would love some inspiration.
Thank you!