RAGING HORMONES

Spring is in the air. Flowers are blooming, the sun is making a brighter, longer appearance. Summer will be here soon. Thus, it is time for me to think about the bright side of having thyroid disease.

I once heard someone say that thyroid disease is a “hormonal” disease. Hmmmm I wonder if this is why I’m the only one in the family who truly understands my teenage son, because after all, the teenage years are a “hormonal disease“ as well… who is with me on that?!

It's like we speak, the same language or something.

Getting along with my teenager is definitely a plus! Another great benefit is that once upon a time I was socially inept, but now, after thyroid disease not only can I relate to teens, I can converse with menopausal and pregnant women. However, I can only interact with a pregnant woman for about 2 hours then things turn ugly.

I've got wacky and wild hormones gyrating, pumping, and…uh-whatever else hormones do-all throughout my body. This automatically places me with the “in” crowd. Yea!

How did I get so hip? Many theories abound about how severe hormonal diseases occur...

I do kid, but hormonal imbalance of any kind is serious business, it can cause a myriad of issues like thyroid disease, diabetes and some cancers. Many believe that this hormonal imbalance stems from years of ingesting excess hormones found in red meat, dairy products and eggs (to name a few). Not only are hormones eaten, but there are also chemical herbicides and pesticides that are hormone mimicking, and considered to be endocrine disrupters.

Various research institutes, universities, environmental protection organizations and concerned citizens believe the slow process of ingesting and inhaling hormones have caused the rise of illnesses over the past decades.

I am not sure if this contributed to my hormonal disease, but I do know that I can hang out with my son and his teenage buds anytime I want…hmmm where did he go, he was supposed to wait for me???

Crazy Thyroid Lady

Many experts believe that getting too much of a certain hormone can throw other hormones out of balance, perpetuating the hormonal disease we see today.

Below is a list of some well-known human hormones (not an exhaustive list) and their role in the body. I've also listed what they effect. If you are having serious issues in these areas, it may be a good idea to get your hormone levels checked.

OUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT

Hello my thyroid family,

KUDOS to any family member who’s been able to snare an awesome thyroid doctor, for those who haven’t - keep searching. Good luck!

In past blogs, you've read about my tumultuous relationship with my Endo. I was so close to divorcing her again, however, recent events have led me to want to stick with her a little longer. She accepts me now because I have given her the one thing she truly loves most, a non-thyroid ailing patient.

Allow me to explain…

It all started one day when my Endo had grown tired of me complaining about my symptoms(I must have received 10-12 sighs during that particular office visit). You know the type, the huge loud sighs, accompanied with her hands on her hips and some eye rolls...

Because I told her many of my symptoms were exacerbated around "that time" of the month, she promptly cut me off and said. “Well this all sounds period related, you should go see your gynecologist. “

Oh the joy when specialists pawn you off onto another? Cha Ching!

Meanwhile, at the Gyno, he heard my concerns and ran a battery of tests (without the sigh’s and eye rolls).

The tests showed my progesterone was off the charts "low", almost non-existent. Progesterone is nicknamed “The feel good hormone.” You mean there is a hormone that is supposed to make you feel good? I’ll take a few cases please!

In addition, my blood sugar was high...

Fast forward to my next Endo visit, she immediately asked how my appointment with my Gyno went. I told her about my progesterone (rather lack thereof), then I told her about blood sugar.

And…amazingly, it was like I turned into a shiny new toy for her to play with! She became somewhat giddy, it was weird. She began talking 100 miles an hour about my health and all the things I should do from here on out. She wanted me to come back to see her physician assistant, who is also a registered dietician to chart out a comprehensive dietary plan. She suggested exercises, recommended books and a few websites.

I could not believe this change in her attitude, (now I’m sighing)...But ya know, I can’t even get mad anymore. Still, I’m a little frustrated. Where were the exercise tips, the dietician, the passion to treat me when I gained 20 pounds after radio-active iodine treatment? The only response I received then was…”Are you sure you are taking your medicine at the right time each day.”

Thyroid sufferers, if we aren’t treated like hypochondriacs then we are treated like five-year olds!

But alas, I am an optimist! I know one day we pioneers will not have suffered in vain. The medical community will eventually know how to treat those of us afflicted with thyroid ailments. Our future looks bright. We will have "on-call" massage therapists to work on our achy joints, round the clock maid service to keep our houses clean, and in-home chefs to cook nutrient enriched but, tasty meals-all paid by insurance companies.

Sigh

Crazy Thyroid Lady