Friday, February 08, 2008

Thyroid disorders

Check out my article on Thyroid disorders in the Health issue of JustFemme. For a long time, I have been thinking of writing about thyroid disorders here on my blog, but I have never got around to doing it.

It is one of the most common disorders around, but very rarely is it correctly diagnosed. But once diagnosed and treated, you are as healthy as anybody else.

I have been hypothyroid for the past 7 years, and am on thyroxine supplements. In the beginning, I was upset - What? Take tablets for the rest of my life? But now, it is second nature. Asking me, "Have you taken Eltroxin today?" is akin to asking me "Have you brushed your teeth today?"

As for my health, I couldn't be more normal (Physically at least!). Being hypothyroid hasn't affected my life in the slightest. Thyroxine levels change slightly during pregnancy, and all pregnant women are screened for it nowadays. Since I was already on thyroxine supplements, they just had to adjust my dosage slightly for a brief period. I had a healthy pregnancy, and have a normal and healthy daughter.

Thyroid disorders are more common than you think. Do read the article, and if you suspect that you or somebody you know might have a thyroid disorder, please get yourself checked at the earliest!

While you are there at JustFemme, do read my mom's story about surviving cancer. For all those who couldn't read the Kannada article, this one is for you!

8 comments:

Lavs said...

I suffer from hypothyroid too. This was diagnosed about a year back. I also have PCOS which was diagnosed at the same time. When the doctor announced that I might have to take Eltroxin forever, I was pretty scared. We went for second opinion and that doctor gave the same opinion as the first. Now with pregnancy, my gyneac asked me to continue Eltroxin so that the baby does not develop this.

The doctor also informed us that such conditions can go away in the long run if one maintains their weight and go for exercises regularly. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Interesting articles at JustFemme. I have been a lurker here for a long time and with this comment, I de-lurk:-0

Anonymous said...

Hi Shruthi, long time since I commented here, but I've been a regular reader as always! Glad to finally get to read your mom's article. It was very inspiring and reassuring, truly! As your mom said, the very thought of cancer is so scary to most of us, it's nice to know that with timely help and a positive attitude it need not be as scary as we imagine.

And there's a tag waiting for you at my place. If you can snatch a few minutes away from Puttachi (and Maggi/LOTR of course!)... :-)

mouna said...

same here. have been hypothyroid for the last 8 years. blood test are the norm, and taking pills every morning is like eating food to keep yourself healthy.

it's a small world afterall :)

praneshachar said...

shruthi
read both articles of amma and magalu wonderfully crafted my comments are left there congrats for the good social awareness work by both
pranesh

Wunderyearz said...

Thats truly useful information you have passed on.
There are so many people around us who have been really brave to face any situation with a smile on their face and I'm sure you and your mom are one among them.
Keep up the spirits.

Anonymous said...

I have been disganosed with hypothyroid as well, inspite of taking the morning pill as prescribed by the doc, don't find much difference.
Can someone suggest a good Endocronolgist to consult as I have known people coming back to their normal weight after starting the right treatment and I seem to be continuing to put on weight and facing all other problems as well.

Violeta Corona said...

About three days after I started taking 12.5 mg bovine thyroid every day, my hair stopped falling out. And I was practically losing my hair. I have more energy, too.

JadePatterson said...

During my youth I was overmedicated, with intolerance to medications, foods or chemicals. Around age 40 I decided to try a supplement for thyroid to treat my hypothyroidism, so I decided to initiate treatment of herbal thyroid supplements . It's the best decision I could make.

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