Hypothyroidism: causes, symptoms, treatment and diet

It affects at least 5% of people worldwide. Its symptoms are easily overlooked and trivialised because initially the symptoms are difficult to distinguish from the normal hardships of everyday life.

Hypothyroidism has already been called a disease of civilisation. However, the diagnosis is not a sentence. Hypothyroidism can be controlled and, despite the inconveniences associated with its course, we can enjoy life to the full. Together with Witold Tomaszewski, MD, PhD, and clinical nutritionist Julia Skrajda, we suggest how to do it.

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Are you experiencing the symptoms described in the article? Perform thyroid tests and consult an endocrinologist. Early diagnosis means a better chance of effective treatment!

What is the thyroid gland and what is it responsible for in our body?

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The thyroid gland is a small organ that is located at the base of the neck, slightly below the laryngeal cartilage. It is classified as one of the so-called endocrine glands, and its main function is the production and release of two hormones: triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4).

The thyroid gland is responsible for the production and release of two hormones.

Both hormones are responsible for regulating the functioning of most of your body's tissues, are responsible for thermogenesis (i.e. stimulating the body to heat up), and also affect our metabolism. In addition to this, they are also involved in your body's growth process, regulate the heart and the entire vascular system, and help maintain mental-emotional balance.

Thyroid function is controlled by the pituitary gland, more specifically by the thyrotropic hormone (TSH) it produces, which stimulates the gland to produce T3 and T4.

What is hypothyroidism?

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Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce and release enough hormones to satisfy all the necessary functions and processes in our body. Based on the causes, there are three types of hypothyroidism: primary, secondary and tertiaryand.

Primary hypothyroidism

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It is caused by a direct disruption of hormone production by the thyroid gland. It is characterised by high TSH levels and low FT4 levels.

Recurrent hypothyroidism

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It is diagnosed by finding abnormalities in the production of thyrotropic hormone (TSH) by the pituitary gland.

Tertiary hypothyroidism

 

Tertiary hypothyroidism

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This is referred to when there is a disruption in the synthesis or secretion of thyroxine (TRH) by the hypothalamus (this hormone stimulates the secretion of TSH).

Subclinical hypothyroidism

 

Subclinical hypothyroidism

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Subclinical hypothyroidism is a mild insufficiencyand - it is sometimes called latent or dormant. It is mainly diagnosed when thyroid hormones are within reference values and TSH levels are slightly elevated. It is estimated to affect 3-15% of people worldwide depending on where they liveand.

Hypothyroidism versus Hashimoto's disease

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Contrary to popular belief, Hashimoto's disease is not the same as hypothyroidism. As an autoimmune disease o is nowadays one of the most common causes of hypothyroidismand. You can read about the others later in this article.

Want to know more about thyroid health?

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See also:

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• Thyroid - what it is, functions, research, diseases, treatment
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• Hypothyroidism: symptoms, causes, treatment
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• Hashimoto's disease: what is it, symptoms, what tests, how to treat it
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• Thyroid tests - which ones and when to do them?
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Hypothyroidism - symptoms

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Hypothyroidism manifests itself in many ways and to varying degrees. Symptoms of this condition depend on the specific type of dysfunction, as well as your own individual factors and general health.

The fact that your thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones may be indicated by physical, psychological or neurological symptoms.

Hypothyroidism - physical symptoms

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Typically, physical symptoms of hypothyroidism may manifest on the face and skin or abdominal obesity. Your mental warning light should go on if you notice such and symptoms as:

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• disruption to your menstrual cycle,
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• frequent constipation,
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• weakness and hair loss,
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• hoarse voice,
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• rough and dry skin,
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• swelling of the face,
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• breakable nails,
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• bradycardia (slowed heart rate),
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• lower blood pressure,
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• problems with libido and fertility,
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• weight gain and difficulty losing weight,
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• decreased immunity,
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• increased thyroid gland (goiter) may occur,
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Hypothyroidism - facial appearance

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Hypothyroidism can manifest as changes in facial appearance in several waysand. Sufferers may experience puffiness around the eyes and loss of some eyebrows and eyelashes. Severe and advanced cases also develop what is known as mucous oedema, which usually involves the face, around the mouth, eyes and nose. The face then has severely thickened features and the skin begins to hardenand.

Hypothyroidism - skin symptoms

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In hypothyroidism, the skin is usually pale, severely dry and flaky. This is caused by a slower metabolism. Skin cracks, scratches and even wounds that are difficult to heal are also characteristic. As a result of the deposition of carotene, the complexion can also take on a slightly yellowish colour. Hormonal imbalance can also cause acne lesions.

Hypothyroidism - psychological symptoms

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Hypothyroidism can also manifest with psychiatric symptoms, which are behavioural, affective and cognitive changes. The most commonand of these are:

• problems with memory and concentration,
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• psychomotor slowing,
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• visual-perceptual disturbances,
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• chronic fatigue,
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• emotional instability (mood swings),
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• inattention,
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• decreased mood,
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• anxiety,
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• depression,
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In addition to these, it is also worth mention of apathy and psychosisand, which are often combined with paranoia, which can occur in more severe and late-diagnosed cases. Prompt implementation of treatment will be extremely important here, as procrastination can lead to irreversible brain changes.

Hypothyroidism and anxiety neurosis

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Researchand shows that people with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's are more likely to develop anxiety neurosis, as well as other anxiety and social disorders and sleep problems. Hypothyroidism affects the production of hormones responsible for your mood, including serotonin and norepinephrine. Deficits in these hormones can lead to mood disorders, as well as causing depression and anxiety.

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Sometimes psychiatric symptoms can be so intense that they may suggest a primary psychiatric disorder rather than hypothyroidism in the first place.

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Hypothyroidism - neurological symptoms

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People with hypothyroidism may also experience neurological symptoms related to the central and peripheral nervous system. The most commonand are:

• headaches,
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• tingling and tingling in the limbs,
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• pain, tenderness and weakness in the muscles,
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• burning sensation in the tongue,
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• a feeling of cold or chill,
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The symptoms of hypothyroidism vary depending on age, gender, time of diagnosis and severity of the disease. It can also produce no symptoms despite test results that might suggest it. This also works the other way round - even healthy people can have symptoms indicative of hypothyroidism.

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This is why prevention and regular thyroid examinations are so important. Symptoms of thyroid problems are easy to confuse or let pass in passing - how many times do you explain your complaints to yourself with stress, busyness and everyday problems? If you've been observing some of these symptoms in yourself for a while, see your GP, endocrinologist and get your thyroid checked!

What are the causes of hypothyroidism?

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There are several main causes of hypothyroidismand. These are:

• Hashimoto's disease, which is a chronic and autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland. The body's own antibodies attack the thyroid gland, leading to painless inflammation that gradually destroys the thyroid gland over the years and impairs its main functions,
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• thyroid surgery: the degree of hypothyroidism depends on the extent of the surgery - the entire thyroid gland or one lobe of it can be removed,
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• Iodine deficiency,
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• radiotherapy and treatment with radioactive iodine.
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It can also be caused by:

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• pregnancy and postpartum thyroiditis,
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• subacute thyroiditis, or de Quervain's diseaseand,
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• field hypothyroidism caused by the use of, among others, amodiarone, interferon or phenobarbital,
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• pituitary dysfunction,
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• congenital defects,
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You are at increased risk of hypothyroidism if:

• you are female,
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• you are over 60 years of age,
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• you have a family history of thyroid disease,
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• you suffer from an autoimmune disease (e.g. type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, pernicious anaemia),
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• you are pregnant or have given birth within the last 6 months,
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• you have had thyroid surgery,
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• you have been treated with radioactive iodine,
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• Your diet is deficient in iodine.
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Hypothyroidism can also accompany genetic syndromes, such as Down's syndrome or Turner's syndrome.

How to diagnose hypothyroidism - tests

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Basic investigations needed to diagnose hypothyroidism primarily include an extended thyroid package (determination of TSH, FT3 and FT4 levels, as well as antithyroid antibodies aTPO and aTG ) and an ultrasound of the gland.

Hypothyroidism - test results

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Unmedicated subclinical hypothyroidism may develop into the clinically overt form.

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It is also worth checking your lipidogram regularly. Hypothyroidism can cause an increase in blood cholesterol levels, which leads to, among other things, myocardial infarction. It will also be useful to have a systematic blood count, which will help determine whether you additionally have anemia, which can be caused by hypothyroidism.

Find out more about the tests themselves and the reference values for each indicator in the article: Thyroid tests - which ones to do and why are they so important? Symptoms, preparation, norms.

How is hypothyroidism treated?

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Hypothyroidism is a common chronic disease. It is assumed that around 5% of people worldwide suffer from it, with a further 5% not officially diagnosedand. It affects women more than five times more often than men.

The treatment of hypothyroidism is primarily based on two pillars: pharmacotherapy and regular medical check-ups and examinations.

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Adequate diet and supplementation will also be of no small importance.

How long do you live with hypothyroidism? If you regularly check in with your doctor, take your medication and take care of your diet and healthy lifestyle, hypothyroidism will not affect your life expectancy. Hypothyroidism symptoms can go into remission and significantly improve your quality of daily functioning.

Treatments for hypothyroidism

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Pharmacotherapy for hypothyroidism is primarily aimed at supplementing thyroid hormone deficiencies. For this purpose, patients are prescribed synthetic levothyroxine, which is identical to that produced naturally by the thyroid gland.

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There are many preparations of levothyroxine on the market. They can vary in potency and effect, so it is worth taking the same medicine regularly.

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Consistent and systematic intake of medication at the same time (in the morning, on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before a meal) balances TSH concentrations and leads to a balanced functioning of the whole body.

At your regular appointments and based on your check-ups, your doctor will determine the appropriate dose of your medication. In the initial stages, these can be quite frequentand, even every 6-8 weeks. Once the condition normalises, it is sufficient to check TSH 1-2 times a year.

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Although in most cases treatment lasts a lifetime, hypothyroidism can be successfully controlled with appropriate medication, medical appointments and regular examinations.

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Always follow your doctor's instructions and do not exceed the recommended dose. Doing so may cause undesirable side effects characteristic of hyperthyroidism (we are then dealing with iatrogenic hyperthyroidism) such as:

 

• increased appetite,
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• sleep problems,
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• shaking hands,
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• palpitations of the heart,
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Hypothyroidism and diet

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Medication in the treatment of hypothyroidism is not everything. Proper diet, lifestyle and also supplementation are also very important. We asked clinical nutritionist Julia Skrajda about what the daily menu should look like.

 

Along with thyroid disease, other endocrine disorders, carbohydrate disorders or problems with nutrient absorption are very common.

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Very often there is not only inflammation of the thyroid gland, but of the whole body. They are also accompanied by a slowed metabolism, which means that a large part of the energy supplied with food is stored.

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"Storing energy" means gaining weight. So if you are not of a normal weight (BMI > 24.9), it is worth following a slightly reducing diet, which should also be adapted to your physical activity.

Also supplement your diet with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients. Do not forget healthy fats, that is, above all omega-3 acids such as DHA and EPA, which have the greatest anti-inflammatory potential.

Products rich in omega-3 fatty acids should not be overlooked.

Products rich in omega-3 are primarily:

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• avocado,
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• olive oil,
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• fatty fish,
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• pumpkin seeds,
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• nuts,
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Above all, your diet should be varied and well-balanced, so bet on products rich in protein (fish, dairy products, lean meat).

Care for the glycaemic index and glycaemic load (that is, avoid simple carbohydrates such as white bread, choose complex carbohydrates such as wholemeal bread).

• Complement your diet with vegetables that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
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• Beware of vegetables from the cabbage family (Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, kale) - they contain so-called goitrogens (goitrogenic agents) that can disrupt hormones. Fortunately, these are volatile compounds, so if you really like these vegetables, cook them uncovered.
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• Limit your intake of millet groats and peanuts.
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• Avoid smoked and canned foods.
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• Include liver and fermented dairy (such as kefir) in your diet, as well as lean fish and white meat, which are sources of protein, omega acids, including EPA and DHA.
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"Don't be afraid of food! Follow balance and healthy eating principles in your diet, not bans or prescriptions. Don't let yourself go crazy," advises Julia Skrajda.

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The simplest way is to simply eat 'colourfully'. - The more colourful the vegetables, fruits and protein sources, the more balanced your diet will be.

The more colourful the vegetables, fruits and protein sources, the more balanced your diet will be.

Bananas and hypothyroidism

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If you're wondering if you can eat bananas while hypothyroid, I have a great answer for you! These fruits are even recommended for this condition. They are a rich source of potassium, magnesium, calcium, iodine, phosphorus, as well as the vitamins C, B6, A, E and K. Besides, thanks to them, you also provide tyrosine - an amino acid that supports thyroid function and the production of thyroid hormones.

Tomatoes and hypothyroidism

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Although tomatoes are a capital source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (including lycopeneand) they are low in calories and high in water, people with hypothyroidism should be wary of them. Tomatoes belong to the so-called solanaceous plants. They contain alkaloids, excessive consumption of which is dangerous for people with autoimmune diseases and intestinal barrier problems.

Tomatoes are not prohibited in hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's. However, it is worth approaching them with moderate caution. The most important thing is that you observe your body and its reactions. 

If you enjoy eating tomatoes, do not give them up, as long as you are not experiencing symptoms such as bloating, abdominal overflow or irritable bowel problems. However, they must not form the basis of your diet. Eat them in reasonable quantities, preferably every few days, with spices and herbs.

Curcumin and hypothyroidism

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The most important ingredient in curcumin is curcumin, which, among other things, relieves inflammation, inhibits nodule growth, acts as an antioxidant and supports the gut and digestive system.

Adding turmeric to your favourite foods is a shot in the arm, but for more serious inflammatory conditions - and Hashimoto's is one - supplementation would be better. Supplements with turmeric extract are more concentrated and potent than curcumin alone.

Gluten and hypothyroidism

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Hypothyroidism is often accompanied by coeliac disease, a permanent intolerance to glutenand. Some studies show that when gluten is eliminated from the diet, the condition of people with hypothyroidism significantly improved, and the doses of l-thyroxine taken were reducedand.

Do you suspect you have hypothyroidism and wonder if the ketogenic diet is for you? Check out what Dr Witold Tomaszewski, M.D., thinks about it in his article: Ketogenic diet - what is it, how to use it, what to eat on it? [discussion of pros and cons]

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Hypothyroidism and alcohol

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Alcohol abuse can become a serious threat to the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and produce symptoms similarand to hypothyroidism (i.e. increased fatigue, weight gain or problems with memory and concentration). It can also affect its function, as well as its fibrosis and gradual atrophy .

To date, a direct link between alcohol consumption and the onset of hypothyroidism has not been scientifically proven . However, there are studies that suggest that alcohol in reasonable doses that do not exceed three units per day (e.g. 0.75 litres of beer or 1.5 glasses of 12% wine) , may reduce the risk of hypothyroidism - in both men and women aged 60 years and younger, as well as thyroid nodules, goiter and cancer.

Of course, alcohol is still one of the most common psychoactive substances in the world and the third biggest risk factor for diseases and disordersand it affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Its long-term abuse can lead to a number of dangerous consequences, so we do not recommend its use as a preventative or prophylactic measure.

Supplementation

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For hypothyroidism, year-round supplementation with vitamin D3 and omega-3 acids will be necessary.

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In the case of vitamin D, it is advisable to determine its concentration before starting supplementation and to monitor it regularly. Unfortunately, there are increasing cases of its overdose.

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Other ingredients worth supplementing with include zinc, selenium and iodine.

Also consider using black cumin oil. It has zinc, potassium, copper, as well as iron and calcium, among others, whose deficiencies are often found in thyroid disease.

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Black cumin oil will help lower LDL, or 'bad' cholesterol, as well as blood glucose levels. In addition, it lowers TSH and anti-TPO levels.

 

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In addition to supplementing needed nutrients and minerals, people with hypothyroidism often look for weight loss tablets. All because of the aforementioned metabolic problems and excess weight.

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Hypothyroidism medication does not cause weight gain - this is a myth! The opposite is true. They are necessary to stabilise weight fluctuations.

 

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Is there anything else I can do?

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In addition to medication, diet and supplementation, it is still worth taking care of lifestyle hygiene and physical activity.

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Just start moving. This will help you regulate your appetite and metabolism, as well as your stress levels, which are downright deadly with thyroid problems. Cortisol concentrations rise dangerously and interfere with other hormones.

 

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All these treatments may have no effect if you don't take care of healthy sleep and recovery.

What effects can untreated hypothyroidism have?

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Undiagnosed and untreated hypothyroidism - especially in its subclinical form - can lead to a number of serious consequences, some of which can even be fatal.

The most serious complications of untreated hypothyroidismand include:

• cardiac problems,
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• peripheral neuropathy,
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• neuropathy,
• nerve damage,
• neuropathy.
• mental health problems,
• thyroid problems,
• thyroidism.
• thyroid gland disorders,
• thyroidism
• pre-eclampsia and anaemia during pregnancy,
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• congenital malformations in children,
• infertility,
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• infertility,
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• pain in joints and muscles,
• pain in the joints and muscles.
• sleep apnoea,
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• balance problems,
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• weight gain,
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• hypometabolic coma, in which there is a drop in heart rate and blood pressure, hypothermia, oedema, hypoglycaemia, electrolyte disturbances or hypocortisolaemiaand.
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Hypothyroidism has also been linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer mortality, arthritis, renal dysfunction and diabetes - in most cases a causality suggestedand that requires more thorough research to prove.

Hypothyroidism in women

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Women are particularly prone to thyroid problems. Some of the most sensitive areas in their lives that are affected by this gland are the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and the menopause, as well as fertility.

Hypothyroidism in women

Hypothyroidism in women

Indothyroidism and the menstrual cycle

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The thyroid gland helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. Hypothyroidism makes menstruation irregular (it can disappear for up to several months), painful and heavy.

 

Hypothyroidism in pregnancy

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Pregnancy itself may be hampered by ovulation disorders, but the treatment undertaken should significantly facilitate conception.

All deficiencies during pregnancy are dangerous, but thyroid hormone deficiency is particularly dangerous. It can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or pre-eclampsia.

All deficiencies during pregnancy are dangerous, but thyroid hormone deficiency is particularly dangerous.

What the effects on the baby can be

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Mother's thyroid problems during pregnancy can have a direct impact on the development of the baby before and after birth. During the first three months of pregnancy, the foetus receives all the thyroid hormones from the mother. If she suffers from hypothyroidism, the baby will not get enough of them, which can lead to problems with growth, as well as with the development of the brain and central nervous system, among other things. In women who consistently treat their hypothyroidism, there should be no such problems.

About 5% of women experience changes in thyroid function after childbirth. This is usually a temporary condition that passes over the next 12-18 months. When the hormonal fluctuations are not severe (in extreme cases hypothyroidism may progress to hyperthyroidism), no medication is necessary. However, when the symptoms and condition are more severe, the doctor may prescribe additional pharmaceuticals.

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The key is about 1.5 years after birth. If neither blood tests nor symptoms improve during this time, permanent treatment may need to be introduced.

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Hypothyroidism and contraception

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Hormonal contraception involves the delivery of synthetic versions of the female sex hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone.

Increases in TBG concentrations were only observed with oral contraceptives - with other methods of hormonal contraception this phenomenon does not occur.

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Interestingly, the addition of progesterone to the pill did not change anything in the observed TBG and T4 concentrations. However, progesterone used separately had the opposite effect - it lowered TSH levels and raised FT4 concentrations.

The following is a conclusion.

Conclusion:Progesterone-based contraceptive pills proved to be a safer choice for women with or at risk of developing hypothyroidism.

The link between the use of birth control pills and thyroid disorders and the induction of hypothyroidism has not been fully investigated over the years. Researchers have only suggested a potential risk on the basis of studies with a small sample size.

The risk of thyroid disorders has not been fully explored.

The results of a study published in British Medical Journey in 2021and may prove to be a breakthrough. They show that women with more than a 10-year history of taking the contraceptive pill are more likely to develop hypothyroidism.

The conclusions were drawn from data collected between 2007 and 2012, which included 30442 participants, of whom as many as 5116 women met the study's inclusion criteria. As many as 830 of these were identified as having hypothyroidism, of which as many as 17.7% had a history of receiving.

The study itself - despite the fact that it was not a study of the hypothyroidism of women - was not a study of the hypothyroidism of women.

The study itself - despite its undoubted strengths (large sample size, strict assessment and inclusion criteria) - nevertheless has several weaknesses:

• Lack of data on the type of tablets taken and their chemical composition.
• The study's findings are not clear.
• Possibility of anomalies in the data obtained - it was obtained from a questionnaire.
• Possibility of anomalies in the data obtained.
• No possibility of demonstrating a strict causal relationship - the results of the study only show a correlation.

Nevertheless, it is worth considering the long-term health effects of birth control pills and the possibility of developing hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism and the menopause

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A study by the American Society of Clinical Endocrinology foundand that only one in four women who talked to their doctor about menopause and its symptoms had been screened for thyroid disease.

Hypothyroidism - especially in its subclinical form - and menopause have many overlapping symptoms. These include fatigue, mood swings or sleep disturbances. Hypothyroidism can increase the number and severity of overlapping symptoms. A 2007 study shows that women with thyroid disorders and severe menopause experienced an improvement in symptoms after thyroid therapyand. This suggests that treatment of thyroid disorders - including hypothyroidism - may also help to manage menopausal symptoms.

Hypothyroidism in men

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Thyroid problems are commonly thought of as a female ailment. However, men also struggle with hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, they often underestimate its symptoms, which - in addition to the common ones - also include sexual dysfunction, including problems with erectile function, libido and fertility.

 

Hypothyroidism in men and libido and fertility

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Sexual dysfunction affects as many as 59-63% of men with hypothyroidism; for women, this percentage is much lower at 22-46%and.

Hypothyroidism can also affect the quality of male semen. It is primarily concerned with reduced sperm production and sperm motility, which has a direct impact on a man's fertility.

Treatment of hypothyroidism can also affect the quality of a man's sperm.

Treating hypothyroidism and returning to a state of euthyroidism (hormonal balance) definitely improves male sexual functionand.

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The Polish Society of Endocrinology's guidelines for couples trying to conceive give specific recommendations on the management of hypothyroidism . If you or your partner suffer from diagnosed hypothyroidism or suspect it in yourself, it is essential that you inform your gynaecologist before you start trying for a baby. He or she will then be able to take the appropriate steps to normalise the condition of the gland and increase your chances of getting pregnant.

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Hypothyroidism in children

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Hypothyroidism in children is demonstrated by different symptoms and degrees of severity depending on the age or cause of the condition.

Hypothyroidism in infants

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Hypothyroidism can affect anyone of any age - including infants. Most babies born without a thyroid gland or with a gland that is not working properly do not always have immediately visible symptoms.

It is also common in infants.

The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism in newborns are:

• problems with feeding and eating,
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• low growth and weight gain,
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• dry skin,
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• weak muscle tone,
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• increased tongue,
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• constipation,
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• increased somnolence,
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• coughing and indistinct crying,
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• children's jaundice,
• infantile jaundice,
• infantile jaundice,
• infantile jaundice
• umbilical hernia (soft swelling or bulge in the umbilical region),
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Hypothyroidism in children and adolescents

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In addition to symptoms characteristic of adults, children and adolescents may also experience:

 

Hypothyroidism in children and adolescents.

• problems with growth and development,
• delayed growth and development
• delayed development of permanent dentition,
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• delayed entry into puberty,
• delayed growth and development problems,
• delayed development of permanent dentition,
• delayed entry into puberty
• problems with mental and psychological development,
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How does hypothyroidism affect children's behaviour?

Because hypothyroidism affects the mental state and increases the risk of depression, a child may be apathetic, lethargic and withdrawn.

How does hypothyroidism affect behaviour?

Many parents explain this by character, personality or 'moods'. However, the cause may be much deeper and more serious, so if you see your child being like this for an extended period of time - consult your doctor and get a thyroid test.

The cause of hypothyroidism may be much deeper and more serious, so if you see your child being like this for an extended period of time - consult your doctor and get thyroid tests.

Is hypothyroidism a judgment? Natalia's story

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For many people, a diagnosis sounds like a sentence. Anxiety, uncertainty, lack of knowledge and support all compound the condition. It was the same for Natalia Grajcar, one of the founders of Natu.Care.

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"For years I had a lot of symptoms that I couldn't deal with on my own. My hair was falling out by the handful, my skin was severely dry. I could sleep for up to 12 hours and still wake up drowsy. I was cold all the time, I couldn't concentrate, I was tired all the time, I had severe anxiety," Natalia recalls.

I was able to stabilise myself.

Stabilising the disease did not come overnight, and learning to live with hypothyroidism is an ongoing process that will require effort, work and sometimes even re-evaluating one's life and facing one's weaknesses.

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Choosing the right doctor is extremely important: "When I started my struggle with Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism the level of awareness and knowledge about them was much less than it is now. After many attempts, I finally came across a committed and empathetic specialist who I felt safe with. His support during diagnosis and during treatment were really important to me. Without him - and the help of those closest to me - it would have been much more difficult for me."

What was the most important thing in all this?"

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I had certainly worked for this condition for years: a life of constant running, lack of sleep and balanced nutrition. For me, it was a breakthrough to look at my illness from the side and realise that I was in the process of healing. I may have been going in small steps, but I was doing it consistently. I had my goal - to make my life more comfortable and put my disease into remission. I succeeded!

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Summary

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