Expert Advice

Acella Pharmaceuticals is partnering with Angela Brown, LPT, CPT, FDN-P, to bring greater awareness to the importance of thyroid care and education. This post is sponsored by Acella Pharmaceuticals and should not be construed as medical advice.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or health care provider if you believe you need medical treatment and before beginning any exercise, fitness, diet or nutrition routine. Acella Pharmaceuticals does not endorse, promote or sponsor any products or brands mentioned in this article. The views expressed are those of the author.

When I first started noticing changes in my body, I brushed them off as “just stress” or “getting older.” It began with small things: my skin felt drier than usual, my hair seemed thinner, and I was more tired than I thought I should be. However, the changes became increasingly difficult to ignore. I was gaining weight even though my eating habits hadn't changed, and no amount of exercise seemed to help. The brain fog was the most frustrating. I’d lose my train of thought mid-conversation or forget simple tasks that once came naturally.

Like many people, I didn't immediately connect these symptoms to my thyroid. At first, I wondered if I wasn't sleeping enough or if I needed to push harder during my workouts. But when the mood swings and fatigue started affecting my day-to-day life, I knew something deeper was going on.

What surprised me most was the wide range of symptoms. It wasn't just one thing that pointed me in the right direction; it was the combination of many seemingly unrelated issues. One day, I would notice the persistent weight gain. Another day, it was my dry skin or brittle nails, and the next, it was a heavy cloud of fatigue and forgetfulness. Altogether, it painted a picture I couldn’t ignore.

Getting the right answers wasn't simple. I quickly learned that thyroid issues are not always straightforward. For some, basic lab work may not capture the entire story, and it can take persistence to receive a proper evaluation. In my case, it took time, but eventually I was able to put the pieces together and gain a better understanding of what was happening in my body.

What this experience taught me is just how much the thyroid impacts nearly every system in the body. From metabolism and energy to mood, digestion, and even skin health, the thyroid is far more influential than I had realized before living through this experience.

Looking back, I wish I had taken my hypothyroidism symptoms more seriously from the start. Too often, we, especially as women, dismiss how we feel or chalk it up to stress, aging, or simply "being busy." I now know that paying attention to those early warning signs can make a difference in getting the right care.

I share my story not as medical advice, but as a source of encouragement. If you find yourself struggling with similar symptoms – such as unexplained weight changes, low energy, brain fog, or mood shifts – don’t ignore them. Listen to your body. Be your own advocate and don’t be afraid to ask questions or request more thorough testing from your healthcare provider.

Living with an underactive thyroid has taught me the importance of persistence and self-advocacy. It’s also shown me that healing isn’t just about one lab number or one symptom, it’s about understanding the bigger picture of how your body is functioning.

If my story resonates with you, I encourage you to take that as a signal to seek medical guidance. While everyone’s journey is different, what unites us is the need to feel heard, validated, and supported in our health journeys. Your thyroid might be small, but its impact is anything but.

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Hypothyroidism may cause many different symptoms. Use this tool to help document and keep track of what you are experiencing to share with your provider.

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To help you feel more prepared and confident in talking with your healthcare provider, you may also download the discussion guide and use it as a starting point for your own conversation.

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