130 lbs weight gain. Horrible cramps /periods. Feeling super anxious. Dry skin and rash that comes snd goes on my face. Feeling like I can’t ever get enough sleep. I had all the symptoms for the last couple yrs. I finally found out this week I have hypothyroidism. I could cry. I finally will be able to get on meds and start feeling better
I really appreciate that you mentioned the psychological effects of hypothyroidism. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder after years of feeling there was something wrong with me. It took a heavy toll on my academic and personal life. I've been taking levothyroxine for three years and it has changed my life for the better. I wish more people got their hormones checked when they feel extremely sad or tired for long periods of time. Thank you for making this information accesible, Dr. Dray.
I understand. I remember being in my Pcp’s office trying to get a prescription for anti depressants and he (& others) telling me I should talk to a therapist, when all a really needed was some levothyroxine!
I'm waiting to hear back from my Dr to get approved for lithium for my bipolar 1 but my blood test showed my TSH was higher than normal. I'm REALLY struggling because I was hoping the lithium would be the miracle cure for me too. My skin has gotten so freaking dry in retrospect and I have no idea when it happened, my cheeks, forehead, arms, legs hands and feet are particularly awful. I've wondered if I've had a thyroid issue for years due to other issues but the Drs and nurses don't seem to take me seriously. 🤷♀️
Thank you so much for "talking up" to your viewers instead of "talking down". I am so thankful for the way you unabashedly dispense medical vocabulary to get your points across. Thank you for believing in the intelligence of your viewers and giving us am opportunity to be more educated on anatomy and physiology. I wish that basic comprehension of human bodily functions were more common knowledge, maybe the ER and Healthcare systems would be less congested if people's understanding were raised to a greater level. They might be less stressed and feel more empowered in their own bodies. Thank you for getting the public a little bit closer to that idealistic reality by not being afraid to talk to us like we are smart (Google is here to help you understand the words she says. Learn Latin roots, prefixes, suffixes, to help understand more medical terminology).
Well put, couldn't agree more! This is so, so important and yet hardly ever addressed. Education can't stop when you leave school anymore. Dr. Dray is doing an outstanding job, sharing important knowledge with us and it always feels, like a good friend is talking to you!
Valuable PSA Dr. Dray! One of your RNs here. I can spot a lady with hypothyroidism from across the supermarket. Pale, overweight, baldness/alopecia, dry flaky skin...an affect of depression. I want to run up and suggest that they have a full thyroid panel. Of course I don't, but I send a silent prayer they get tested soon.
What's really horrible is that the total lack of energy/drive makes it so very hard, to even look for help. Never mind persuing a diagnosis, when first possibly not being taken serious by your doctor. It's just so tragic, when people just suffer completely avoidably 😕
I have no problem telling anyone they appear to have thyroid issues. I was checking out at the chiropractor and the receptionist's neck was extremely swollen. I asked her if any of her doctor's have ever mentioned she has a goiter, or tested her thyroid levels. Nope. She has never heard of thyroid issues. She got tested and was diagnosed with severe hashimoto's. She then had her daughter tested with the same results. I temporarily embarrassed her, but my refusal to stay silent to avoid discomfort rescued her from years of suffering. She spoke at my church this week. Her neck was slim, her skin glowed and she spoke on the miracle she experienced from going from unable to get out of bed each day to the joy of having the energy to keep up with her toddler granddaughter.
I’ve had Hashimoto’s thyroiditis for almost a decade. It’s well managed at this time by taking 112mcg of levothyroxine a day and a great endocrinologist. My previous PCP failed to properly diagnose and treat it (he didn’t want to treat it at all 🥴). Needless to say I also have a new PCP who is also great. Don’t settle for mediocre care people! Thanks for your content Dr Dray ♥️
Holy moly! I’m sorry you had to deal with that A-hole! Nobody deserves to feel unheard by their doctors! I bet you feel so much better! I’m glad you’re all straightened out now💕
Don't take CBD oil if you're taking Levothyroxine. It counteracts the medicine. In fact don't take CBD at all if you have hypothyroidism, it just makes it worse.
@@loloholmes2793 oh wow!! That’s incredibly interesting! I GUARANTEE YOU that sooo manyyy people don’t know this and are taking it! Thanks for sharing this very helpful information. This will help loads of people 💕
It took me 8 years of asking to be tested for hypothyroidism and changing doctors 3 times and finally after refusal after refusal I got an at home test kit and went to my new doctor with the results. Yet again I was being fobbed off. My tsh levels were 9.3 and they were trying to tell me I didn't need to start any treatment. I insisted that something HAD to be done as I'm almost bald (51 year old woman), I eat like a bird and I'm 5 stone overweight, my skin is a mess, tired all the time and I've been admitted to hospital on a beautiful August day with hypothermia!! And STILL had to go through 8 bloody years of begging to be tested. Doctors are useless at this. If you think you have thyroid problems go to your doc and DEMAND to be tested and REFUSE to leave the surgery until the test is done. Or get a home test kit like I did. My heart is permanently damaged from the hypothyroidism being left untreated for so long. I'm so angry at Irish "so-called" doctors who do little to help patients and are only interested in the money they get out of you at the end of the consult.
As someone who has post surgical hypothyroidism, that is now resolved (thank goodness), I actually broke down crying when you talked about how taxing it can be on a person. I went years feeling horrible, and it changed my relationships and changed my life. I am in a better place now, but it still feels good to be validated and educated.
“Why are your hands so cold?” “Why can’t you just remember things?” “Why don’t you just eat better to clear your acne” “Why are you always so tired?” 🙄🙄🙄🙄 it’s so annoying
@@npnpnp858 see my problem is iodine is known to sometimes exasperate acne so that’s why I’ve avoid multi vitamins that include it, let alone the isolated one 😥 I just cleared my acne too so I’m too scared
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism since I was 12. My parents weren’t aware that I would constantly skip my daily pill of TSH, I would always take naps after school and be constantly tired in highschool. Fast forward to turning 18 and leaving my home, I went 4 straight years with out taking my TSH and let me tell you... i felt very very depressed & I was falling asleep anywhere.. and everywhere. I looked awful. I’m 25 now and have been taking my pill everydat for 3 years and My energy has been phenomenal. No more naps. I go to the gym 4 days out of the week. Better hair. Better skin. Moral of the story. Please please take your tsh pill everyday. It’s so important!
@@missvelvetorchid1047 Yes, It's very unfortunate. I'm doing much of my own research into hypothyroidism & have found much more information than any doctor has ever given me.
I really appreciate that you mentioned that people with hypothyroidism are misdiagnosed with depression. I learned that hypothyroidism is the most common cause of depression on the planet as a medical student, long before I became a psychiatrist. Yet virtually every day I see people with untreated or under-treated hypothyroidism referred for “treatment resistant depression.” Their endocrinologists don’t recognize it, let alone their PCPs. Furthermore, there is a LOT of data, going back to the 1980s and regularly replicated in different settings, that treating TSH is critical in all mood disorders. Yet again, at least in the US, psychiatry is the red haired stepchild and “regular” doctors couldn’t care less. Also - apropos that Hertoghe sign (sorry if I misspelled) - this is, believe it or not, one of the questions on the MMPI (a famous personality test) designed to see if people are LYING. IOW, if you “strongly agree” with that statement (“I am missing the outer third of my eyebrow”) you get put into a category of people that answer questions randomly or untruthfully. What a world we live in.
@spacemilk hypothyroidism causes thinning and loss of the outer third of the eyebrows. This is called Hertoghe's sign. It can be the first sign of hypothyroidism and is considered pathognomonic for hypothyroidism. However, on the famous personality test, the MMPI, "I am missing the outer third of my eyebrows," when endorsed, is counted toward the lie scale. Not sure what was so unclear to you.
Thank you so much for giving us such inform ative & validating information Far too many of us have had deal w/ bias, egoes & inade quate or no treatment. It's been said that patients' BP go up bec we're intimi dated by "our white jackets." No, w/in 2 mins of entering the exam room, or walking past us in the hallway, you're con cerned that you waited, for however long it took, just to get another "moron" etc. Again, thank you, on behalf of the many who've had to deal w/ "You need ..." when we knew "No, I know my body, my lifestyle, you are the arrogant, TMN (Toxic Malignant Narcissist etc. You are a blessing to your patients. I wish I could be so blessed!
Just a note, it can be very difficult to get diagnosed if you have a thyroid disorder, most doctors, even if looking specifically for a thyroid disorder, will only order standard labs, but to really see your thyroid levels you need specialized lab work done. So be prepared to advocate for yourself, likely to multiple doctors, don’t give up and research what tests you’ll need done so you can request them specifically.
I started noticing those symptoms at around 12 years of age. They labeled me lazy, cranky, attention seeker(even though I was a quiet introvert who hated attention) when I complained about feeling unwell. Even though some of my symptoms were observable, like I had to be taken to the hospital a couple times because of an impaction of my bowels because I couldn't use the bathroom! I probably ate healthier than all the other kids in school, yet drs only ever told me to eat more fiber. I already ate prunes like candy, veggie salad was one of my favorite foods! I was finally diagnosed when my mental fog became so terrible I felt like I was hallucinating. Then one of my doctors actually took me seriously and sent me to get the proper labs that finally lead to my Hashimotos diagnosis. It only took 16 years of me complaining of worsening symptoms and worsening quality of life. So many things I had to give up because of my symptoms. I used to be in track till 7th grade and I just couldn't anymore because I felt so sick, I couldn't finish University because of my brain fog and falling asleep constantly anywhere 😔 I used to be an A student and had a grant and I lost it all as I progressively felt more tired and ill. But drs never took me seriously and made me feel like I was exaggerating or something.
Very similar tale for me to. I am a male and at the age of 16/17 I was taking 2 hot water bottles to bed, had 2 quilts and a blanket on top. I was constantly feeling cold in summer too, my grades started to deteriote because of brain fog and inability to concentrate. However, most of my skin colour became pasty and almost colic. People started to call me yellow head. I started to lose my body hair and completely became covered in pimples and itchy rashes. My hair on my head started to drastically drop out that it caused me severe depression and anxiety. It wasn't until I stated to feel vertigo and almost collapsed at work that I was finally given a blood test and identified as having low thyroid and being close to death. 14/15 years had past at this stage to get to this point. I was told it is rare for a male to have under active thyroid, however a male and a teenager as I was, was extremely rare, hence why doctors for many years were very dismissive of my concerns. I started on a dose of 250mg of thyroxine for several years once I had been diagnosed.
@@romeodelta7004 I was jaundiced too! I wonder what's the connection with low thyroid and issues with the liver or red blood cells, because I've heard of people who have a similar problem but I can't find online why it would cause high bilirubin in the blood and urine to the point of jaundice.
Thank you for mentioning the emotional aspect of hypothyroidism, which can be really terrible. I went to one doctor who wanted to put me on Prozac and said that my TSH of 7.25 was "just a bit out of range" without treating me for it. I told him he was a moron and I didn't go back there.
@@jillholod34 my story is similar to yours: thyroid #’s slightly out of range, depression. My pcp wanted me to see a therapist. I finally saw an endocrinologist and she put me on levothyroxine. When I told my pcp how the meds fixed my depression and other hormonal issues, he told me that wasnt the reason 😐
It is sad that there are so many doctors like this. My story is similar. Women are dismissed constantly. Meanwhile we're out here suffering with autoimmune diseases galore and trying our best to hang in there..taking years for a proper diagnosis. It is infuriating and it needs to stop.
I had my thyroid removed 20 years ago due to thyroid cancer - and have been on Synthroid ever since. It’s been smooth sailing, so I want to tell people out there in similar situations that if you follow Drs orders you should be fine.
As a rare person with congenital hypothyroidism, thank you for covering this! At last someone covered hypothyroidism and did not leave out the neonatal type. It is annoying for me, though, because my PCP still writes off a lot of health concerns of mine even with my known condition.
You just described my Hashimoto thyroiditis the last year. I found out after my third baby. Thank you for shedding light on this disease and its challenges. As a mother and graduate student, it has been very challenging. I found a functional MD, and she has helped turn my life around.
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's almost 5 years ago. I used to be very skinny, quite underweight, so, when I suddenly gained 8 kilos in less than half a year, everyone was complimenting me saying "you finally look normal". However, to me such a drastic weight gain didn't feel normal. I also had dry skin, my hair was falling out a lot, I felt cold all the time and my memory was foggy. For example, if I was having a conversation about something or I wanted to do something, in the next moment I would totally forget what I wanted to do or say. I booked a doctor appointment and, luckily, the endocrinologist who diagnosed me also agreed that something was not right in all this. I was tested, diagnosed with Hashimoto's and was put on medication right away. It changed my life drastically and it led me into a deep depression (joined by anxiety and panic attacks). And, yes, my face did change and, as compared to before, I also felt often that my voice got slightly deeper. I know that there are many people out there who suffer because of low thyroid levels and for everyone else is different. But it's so frustrating to hear someone disregard your symptoms and say "Oh, I know this person who has thyroid issues and she is fine, nothing serious". For some the symptoms are mild, for others they are more serious - this is what I wish people to be able to understand. At the same time I think that, although there are many people who suffer because of low thyroid levels and there is no known cure for it, this is something that is not talked about a lot. Hence, people are not really aware how difficult of a disease it is. On a positive note, I feel that I was somewhat lucky because I was diagnosed early on. This is why it's so important to listen to your body and go see a doctor if you feel that something is wrong. I felt so well understood just by watching a single video. As always, thank you Dr. Dray.
So what have you done now to alleviate your condition? Did you take a specific kind of medication? Are you fully recovered and how long did it take, if so?
@@potatoes1234 It's a lifelong condition, so you have to take thyroid medication for the rest of your life. I have it and I take Levothyroxine and it's a total game changer.
I agree its worse and more complicated than it sounds, i also have Hashimotos but as far as autoimmune diseases go we win the lottery. The others are way worse!
I saw so many doctors from the age of 12 when my symptoms started becoming unbearable, and yet they always dismissed me. My mom took me to endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, dermatologist, and many general practitioners to check the many different symptoms I had and they all downplayed and dismissed me. One even said it was normal for girls that age to make up things, like what I was feeling, for attention. I stopped going to drs thinking it was just my normal to feel like shit, till I was in my 20s and things just got way worse. Still got dismissed and gaslighted for years. Finally got diagnosed right before my coverage ran out.
Love your earrings! I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s a year and a half ago! I suffered for over a year with head to toe hives! All day, everyday!!! No relief! It was during lockdown so I could only see my dermatologist virtually. I was given prednisone for 2 whole months which really reeked havoc on my body! No one knew how to diagnose the hives until I went to the allergist and they took bloodwork and discovered the autoimmune disease. Thank you for doing this video! Hopefully it will help others discover the signs and they won’t have to go what I went through!
Dr. Dray - be my endo!!!!! This is something I have been battling for about 15 years now, along with diabetes. (I won't write about how many doctors told me my levels were "normal," despite all of my symptoms.) The fatigue and cold intolerance are my biggest issues, but my dry skin is minimal. However, I "fight back" every day by taking my meds, working out regularly, eating healthy and moisturizing!!! I appreciate your videos! I may be doing some things right, but there's always something I can do better or something else I can learn! Thank you!!!
Diagnosed with hashimotos when I was around 13-14. I’m 24 now. I was so depressed and my skin, hair, nails were dry. Best thing I did was go on meds, go gluten free, Whole Foods, and focus my energy on things that bring me joy
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in college, and my levels were insanely high. Even now, 10+ years later, I'm learning more about how the condition has presented and the side effects that I previously thought were innocuous. I've also had eczema for most of my life, and I've been curious how these impact each other. Thanks for you knowledge!
@@suzanneemerson2625basically your body is pushing very hard to get your thyroid to start working properly while also attacking it, the blood test level will end up with high numbers but your thyroid is underactive. If you have very low levels, your thyroid is overactive and consuming all of what your body is giving it leaving not much left to see in blood work
I cant tell you how appreciative I am of this video. 2 months into the beginning of Covid and the shut in, my thyroid went crazy. All the symptoms but I really saw it I could barely walk when I would first get up, having soreness in both feet. Then it started happening to both hands. To this day, I still cant bend my left 3 fingers due to the swelling that is still there. I cant lift weights, take clothes out of the wash, open lids, etc. All the things we take for granted. I was tested and my levels were off the charts and I was positive for Hashimotos. I do believe I have congenital hash as I have always had a huge intolerance to cold (I used to get teased for it), heart palpitations, and my growth was so slow (17 lbs at 3 yrs old) and I've always been very tiny. Until covid hit and my hash came out, I gained 25 lbs in 2 months and to this day cant get it off. I'm on the medication for the thyroid and they have taken the severity or edge off but I still cant use my hand much and the muscle pain is awful sometimes. I've also always been oily skinned and when it hit hard, my skin went dry, irritated, flaky. Something I had never had before. Now, I have an extensive skin routine because I have to and my skin glows now. My HMO did and still does nothing about my symptoms except a little pill that doesnt do much so I really appreciate you making people aware. It's no joke.
My thyroid was removed at 13 and it was huge. I'm 58 and I weigh nothing and I am riddled with many other autoimmune diseases. They've never had my thyroid right. Spot on analysis of a horrific disease nobody takes seriously.
I love how fearless you are to be your natural, beautiful self on camera. Dressed up or down, make up or not, you always radiate this natural, healthy vibe. You give me confidence to be my natural self
Thanks for this video Dr Dray! I had my thyroid removed over 10 years ago (i am 37 now) and I struggle with trying to keep my levels right and other complications. I finally found a endocrinologist that I liked. But we have very few where I live. I felt like you were speaking right to me with this video! I can relate to so many things you mentioned. Thank you again! People need to be aware of what their body is telling them. ❤
Omg you just described my hypothyroidism symptoms that I never connected to my condition. Half my thyroid was removed 7 years ago due to a large goiter& I was put on Synthroid & have labs done every 6 months but my endocrinologist never discussed any symptoms of hypothyroidism with me. From the cold hands & feet, the outer eyebrow hair loss & hair loss in general, brittle nails, sluggish metabolism, omg I had no idea. Thank u so much Dr. Dray.
Thank you Dr. Dray!!! I had a full thyroidectomy summer of 2021 and three months later developed carpal tunnel on both wrist and forearm which still have. I told my thyroid doctor and my pcp and they keep telling me it's not related. This video is so validating!!
I have Hashimoto’s and have changed my shower routine to accommodate. I use an extra heater to warm up the bathroom so I can use lower temp water and not get cold. To limit the amount of water on my skin I use a shower chair and wash my hair first upside with a shower wand. Then I use a soapy washcloth (Cerave Hydrating Bar) to just armpits, bottom, and feet. Then I rinse off quickly with the shower wand. This limits the amount of time I have water running over my skin and use a cooler water temp. Then I apply moisturizer. Helps a lot with preventing dry skin.
This has been on my horizon since 2001, when my then Doctor told me I had Hashimotos, but that it would not be treated then , just 'watched'. Here we are in 2023, and I still have all the symptoms you have discussed, but still have not been given help or treatment for the condition. I am overweight, tired, dry skinned and losing my previously thick hair ....spoke to current doc a couple of weeks ago, had more blood tests, but have not had any information, so presumably I just go on waiting....depression is a very real consequence.
Please find a doctor who will listen to you and help you!! Your doctor is getting paid to do nothing for you-- Don't pay for not getting any answer or treatment ❤
I was curious about this recently as my late mom had hypothyroidism. I was wondering what were some signs to watch out for that may seem unrelated. Thank you for sharing this information and for helping to educate people on how these things occur and the impact. Not all doctors share this much information during the appointment and that is a disservice to the patients. Thank you Dr. Dray for giving us your time! 💜
I was just diagnosed with Hypothyroidism at the beginning of the year. I have most of the symptoms you discussed. Your explanations were very helpful. I’m still working through getting my medication balanced. You are always very reassuring!
As a person with Hashimoto’s, thank you. I’ve always wanted to know why my body attacked my thyroid. Maybe someday we’ll have the science and research to answer that.
It is thought to be the fluoride in our water also is thought all autoimmune disease may be caused from leaky gut. To help this I have noticed when I go gluten free I feel much better and making my own fermented foods and drinks defiantly help my energy level.
I had Hashimoto's as a teen and nobody understood what was happening to me -- especially me -- and it was pure h***. I wasn't taken to an endocriniologist for almost 2 years. My thyroid was removed in my 20s and in 20 years since I have tried to explain the condition, how it affects someone, why I'm sometimes not as together as other times, why my weight fluctuates and why my hair has thinned. Your video is the best summation of living with this that I have encountered so thank you! Your validation helps a great deal because autoimmune diseases aren't visible (their symptoms sorta are but not like a physical disability) and unless one has been through it -- or treats those patients -- they don't understand. One thing about it though is that it's a great litmus test for friends: if they can't understand it or won't take the time to learn, bye bye. Hypothyroidism is exhausting and I definitely don't have the time to explain my illness to someone over and over and over. Thank you again!
Thank you, Dr Dray! I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s over 10 years ago. I went from finishing menopause to Hashimoto’s. A rough few years. As you mentioned, extreme exhaustion was the symptom that caused me to see my doctor. Happily, he thought to have my thyroid checked by blood tests. It came back as hypothyroid. I was put on levothyroxine. But I still was suffering symptoms and this doctor refused to increase my medicine because my TSH was "within normal range." I then went to a functional medicine doctor, who did the blood test for Hashimoto’s and it came back positive. He gave me dietary advice, which greatly improved many symptoms and my overall health. Thank you for your sympathetic insight into the disease. People minimize it sometimes thinking you just take a pill and all is well. But with Hashimoto’s that is often not true. It is a constant and ongoing struggle to maintain good health. I have researched it extensively, so I can be my own health advocate with doctors. After moving to Poland and over a few years time, I found a few great doctors and I am grateful for their care.
So spot on with some of these symptoms. I have fired 2 doctors over their inability to listen to me about my thyroid levels and moods. I have found an integrative health medical doctor who listens and cares. Worth the money. Also, Dr. Dray, could you do a sample morning and evening routine and products for those of us with hypothyroidism?
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! This is everything I've been through. There's people that think we make up these symptoms. We don't. Sometimes even doctors underestimate what we ate feeling. They say we need therapy. But it's a relief to know what we are dealing with. There's where we can finally have hope. I'm feeling better now, but when I didn't know, I felt so lost. I thought they would have to put me in a mental institution. Serously.
Thank you so much for this video. When I had my radioactive iodine therapy as treatment for hyperthyroid, my elbow length thick hair over the last 3 years is ruined and so are my nails. I asked my family doctor if my low thyroid would have anything to do with that and he said no not at all. I didn't think it sounded right, but that was when i gained weight, hair started breaking and ended up so short and my nails wont grow without breaking. I'll def start taking my meds. Thank you again for this all this info. I never thought i would say I miss my hyperthyroidism lol, I was so skinny, my hair was beautiful but i had hot flashes constantly and went through energy spurts where people thought i was on drugs. The only reason I had it treated was because of a growth on my thyroid
I absolutely love your insight into hypothyroidism, as someone who has been diagnosed with Hashimotos for years. I wish you’d touched on the fact that it can cause premature ovarian failure or early onset menopause which is irreversible and can greatly affect your skin. I went through menopause at 29 and that, combined with Hashimotos has my skin requiring extra effort to look young and healthy. At 33 I have my skin and hair finally under control, but I’m post menopausal and will always have to be diligent about skincare and medication.
Wow thanks for sharing I did not know that Hashimoto could cause this. I had it for about 6 years and am now 29.. Crazy what this disease can do to the body!
That had to have felt beyond crazy, being so mentally and physically young, yet going through menopause before 30! I hope that you feel better now! Hormones are NO JOKE! They effect sooo much of our lives!
@@missvelvetorchid1047 I actually noticed the signs of menopause first so I booked an appointment with my pcm to see what was going on with my body. She did a full hormone panel and a thyroid panel then referred me to an endocrinologist. The endo was the one who diagnosed me with Hashimotos, but he said that I’ve likely had it for years and didn’t know. He was able to say with certainty the Hashimotos was causing ovarian failure. It’s not super common, but it does happen to some women. If I’d known the signs of hypothyroidism earlier I would have gone to the dr sooner, and it may not have happened. According to my OB, It’s irreversible once it starts, but can be noticed early and managed with yearly hormone labs. I didn’t catch it in time and based on my hormone levels, I have been post menopausal now for about two years. As long as you’re proactive about getting your regular lab work done you should be okay. The odds are in your favor, it only happens to a smaller percentage of women with Hashimotos. Sending best wishes to you!
I had chronic hives and carotenemia before being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis at 17. My doctors had NO idea of what was going on at the time and I wish I’d had these resources then, as the aforementioned symptoms resolved with treatment. Thank you for bringing attention to this issue and for all you do!
I’ve been dealing with 2 autoimmune diseases for about 2 decades now. Hashimoto’s & Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. And while I have had doctors ranging from bad to great, none of them we're able to address my skin issues the way you have. I’ve just ordered the products you use for your nightly foot care routine and will look at your dry skin care routine video. Thanks, Dr. Dray!
I cannot thank you enough for posting this particular topic. I've been a battling butterfly (Hashis pt.) Diagnosed since 2009...probably had it longer but yeah...moving on. January is thyroid awareness month. Tagline is "Check your Neck!". That thing has receptors in Every Part of the Body. Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love this series because it has a lot of practical applications for your everyday viewers and helps us to more easily recognize health problems. Excited to see more like it
I am 58. Was diagnosed with low thyroid after birth of my child when I was 36. I have taken medication (frequent testing to maintain proper levels) since diagnosis… BUT… I still have ALL the symptoms listed here. I have recently been diagnosed with MCAS. I have been tested for many autoimmune conditions… all negative. Sometimes my ANA is positive, sometimes not. I have been told that I do not have Hashimoto’s.
I have hypothyroidism since my early twenties (52 now), supposedly because of the quality of the water of my village at that time (our GP said so...), lived in another country for 10 years, and NEVER EVER EVER, did my endocrinologists (both in Québec and México) give me that much information about this condition !! - THANK YOU SOOO MUCH. - You're a God sent. I've been enjoying your videos for 3 years now, and I just cannot live without them. :) Never stop please :D, you are appreciated, and recommended to everybody I can !
Appreciate the education of hypothyroidism. I have been taking medication for over 40 years. Also, I notice how the color of your jewelry and clothing light up your face! You must have a cool skin tone and the colors you have on today bring out your skin's luminosity!
then I have to say that my dermatologist I've had for years does not really know her job. In fact, many of the skin, nail and hair problems I have that point EXACTLY to my thyroid issues every single doctor, no regard to speciality, have not seen them. I went YEARS before finally diagnosed with Hashimoto's YEARS of dry skin, brittle hair, loss of outer eyebrows,etc. STILL they do not see these things, even when pointed out. At one point for a long while I had jaundiced eyes, brought it to the attention of that physician and they said I did not. I see it, it can go away and come back also, but in 202 it stuck around for a very long time. Now it's back.
I watched this on the TV. Lord, I thank you for my health. However, when it comes to my skin it's ok, but I am tired, hair loss, pain in my joints, they said my hormones were ok. I don't like when I don't get to see the papers with the results. But wow, may God be with all going through this horrible situations.
I continually told docs I felt like I had hypothyroid symptoms, hair shedding, cold, tired, dry, unbalanced skin, rashes.... all those things you mentioned. Finally got a prescription for levothyroxine and many symptomsimproved. I still have hair loss and coldness. But my concentration improved, rashes cleared. Keep telling your healthcare providers what you believe is going on.
Literally watching this while in a Hashimoto sad/depression phase… It makes me so sad that I can’t be who I used to be. More energetic more excited about life too. Good thing I’m going to my Dr to get my levels checked again 🥺
I had a thyroid issue that I believe was diet related. I was on meds for six months but now my diet is better and I haven’t had issues since. I felt nothing but brain fog (not sad, not happy) my skin flaked so bad, my hair stopped growing and started falling out, my breathing was very very slow, my eyes couldn’t refocus quickly, my eyebrows were very short, walking was achey and slow. I got random stomach aches and never ate, I was never hungry, yet I still gained weight. When I did feel an emotion it was sudden anger. My husband became very worried I’d get a case of road rage and I almost did. Medication was affordable even in the US and it started to work very quickly. Please everyone go see a doctor if you have any concerns for yourself. I wasn’t myself and no one should have to live that way. I still get tested, so far so good.
So grateful to you DR Imagine poor people who cannot afford to see a specialist Dr go untreated until the conditions are very bad .This is why she has chosen to become a doctor.
I was diagnosed with Hashimotos over 20 years ago. I had a wonderful endocrinologist back then and it was diagnosed quickly and has since been well controlled. I still suffer from dry skin and thin hair but I also have lupus so there's that. I'm loving these educational videos! I had no idea my thyroid condition could affect my eyebrows! Mine are very thin on tail part. Once again, you've taught me something I didn't know. Thank you so much! Happy Monday, Dr Dray! I hope you have a peaceful evening. 💚
Thank you, Dr. Dray for bringing awareness to this common yet overlooked disease. Listen to your body everyone, and do your research. Advocate for yourself. Dr. Dray, everything you said is spot on. I have noticed some dermatologist are more educated in the thyroid than many general practitioners, which is amazing, but kinda sad too. So many people get disregarded for their issues.
I’ve had a total thyroidectomy in 2015 and a bilateral salpingo oophorectomy in 2023. I have thyroid cancer, anxiety, pancreatitis, diverticulosis, and NAFLD. I’ve also had my gallbladder removed. I’m taking 50mg x 2 Metoprolol and 88mcg Synthroid. My hair has been really thinning or falling out. And I’ve also got lower back issues…when I was young, I fell down some wet steps and I must’ve fractured my lower back. As I get older, it’s been haunting me. I will be 60 in Nov.
I’ve had all the symptoms for 5 years & many tests. My mom & her sisters all have it. I am a fitness instructor & don’t eat much. And still I gained 70 lbs in 3 mo 5 yrs ago. I even lost my eyebrows & lashes
I had all the symptoms for years and drs always dismissed because my ramges were close to normal. You have to keep looking for a doctor that will take you seriously before it gets worse. Trust me, it can get so much worse! I was super active, I even competed in track and field as a sprinter, and it all went to hell because of my symptoms. I had to give it all up. I had to drop out of University because of my symptoms and I used to be an A student and had a grant, all lost thanks to doctors not taking my complaints seriously. I was so depressed because I thought that it was my normal to feel like a pile of useless shit and I had no hope. My symptoms got bad enough that one of my doctors finally took me seriously and was able to diagnose me with the proper test. Have they tested you for thyroid antibodies yet? Because the tests to determine tsh, t4, t3 levels don't cut it for many people. The ranges might seem "normal" but what is normal for some might not be normal for you! Those "normal ranges" were obtained incorrectly anyways!
My wife only found out about her thyroid issues because she had horrible issues with hives and had to work with doctors a long time before figuring it out. Cool to see that that was mentioned because it didn't seem very well known even by doctors.
Thank you so much for this video, Dr. Dray! I have hypothyroidism and it's changed my life. I used to love working out, but I can't anymore like I used to because I'll crash ( plus I also have fibromyalgia, which causes flare ups). like you say, it is emotionally taxing. fort a while I was prey to those gimmicks, but nowadays I just stick to my treatment, and I'm doing better. Something that has helped me though, was cutting out gluten and lactose from my diet. Have a happy Monday! 🦋
Man, this really makes me want to get my thyroid checked. I have so many of the symptoms she listed. And a number of family members have thyroid issues.
Dr. Dray, I really want to thank you for your content. As I’m listening to this video I’m looking at my skin and it is transforming. I look younger as and the stubborn acne I’ve had for the majority of my life is disappearing. I thought I was just unfortunate in the skin wellness department but my skin is getting better and better. It’s amazing, thank you so much!
Impressive ! Dr. Dray, you have, mentioned and describe every symptom, I’m dealing with, due to Hypothyroidism. As a dermatologist, you have much knowledge understanding, and compassion, than most endocrinologists. Thank you so much, for a great constructive video.
My brother and I both have Hashimoto’s and we struggle with some similar and some different symptoms. As a critical care nurse, I see how hypothyroidism affects my patients and their long-term health and they motivate me to do better. When my brother came to me with a rash, I showed him this video to encourage him to take better care of his body. Thank you, Dr. Dray, for your caring and informative videos for all. (P.S.- I am loving the Cerave cleanser and LaRoche Posay sunscreen that you have recommended!)
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! You described me COMPLETELY. I was diagnosed and have undergone treatment for my hypothyroidism and haschimoto disease going on Two years now, without success or relief of ANY symptoms. Three dosage increase of levothyroxine, monthly injections, daily B12, iron supplements with symptoms becoming worse. From a Dermatologist,receiving clear explanations of why these debilating symptoms are happening means so much, when it seems like you're in a battle without a fighting chance.
As a person with Hashimoto's I can say 1,000% I wish I had found this video when I was in my 20's. Things I wish I had known: 1 - IF you live in a country where iodine is added to a lot of foods (like your salt, for example) you're more likely to get Hashimoto's because of iodine overexposure. AVOID iodine at all costs. All of those "thyroid" supplements on the shelves? Avoid them like the plague... 2 -avoid multi-vitamins, they contain iodine. The ONLY brand I found that didn't wasn't discontinued a year ago. 3 - Check your bread products for "potassium iodate"...it's iodine. Avoid it. 4 - Supplement B vitamins. Not just 12, but also all the rest. 5 - Supplement Magnesium (SUPER helpful for anxiety-prone people) Thyroid conditions will ruin your entire life, I promise you. When your hormones are off, you will literally go "insane" and do things you would never do otherwise. I have so many instances of going off the wall and literally scaring everybody around me because I was untreated. Looking back now is SO embarrassing, and I wish I could explain to anybody who had to deal with me... Hormones are NO joke.
You’re wrong! Iodine is the basic building blocks of thyroid hormones. Every single cell of the human body has a receptor site for iodine, and therefore every single cell requires thyroid hormones to function optimally. I’m talking about elemental iodine of course, not the radioactive kind that most people may be confusing it with.
I am one of those people born with hypopituitarism which gives me hypothyroidism. It’s really annoying when I get told I’m being lazy but in reality I’m half drained from everyday events.
Your videos just seem to get better every day - if that's even possible - because they are all excellent. You have such a natural way of speaking that is so easy to understand, yet all of your medical expertise and training also comes through. You're #1 for my medical info!
It's so important. that you emphasize the emotional toll these kinds of skin issues bring with them. People can blame themselves, or they are misdiagnosed, and suffer a lot because of this. You bring an understanding of how this affects the whole person.
I have hypothyroidism also known as Hashimotos Thyroiditis. To get it under control I had to start a Vegan diet with low starch, low sugar and no gluten… also I needed to take bone strengthening vitamins, iron supplements, and start taking cholesterol medication and synthroid. I am doing well now though a year after making these adjustments.
Thank you for this!! I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after my pregnancy at 27 years old. I was told that I don’t have Hashimoto’s and that it was brought on by pregnancy. My doctor at the time basically gave me the medicine and no other information. I made an appointment with an endocrinologist recently (4 years after my diagnosis), and I can’t wait to learn more about what I can do to take care of my body.
Another great video about a serious condition! Thanks so much for doing these. I think a lot of people notice changes to their skin, hair, and nails before they notice other changes to their body, and these videos can motivate people to get the help they need. A lot of the symptoms of hypothyroidism--especially in women--are common enough that people blame them on other factors, like work stress or running after the kids or poor eating habits. I'm hopeful that people will see your video and make an appointment to talk with their doctors.
When I was being assessed for depression, one of the first things my doctor did was get lab work done to test me for hypothyroidism; I didn't develop it until later on, but was actually prescribed a low dose of a thyroid medication to augment my antidepressant, which turned out to be really effective.
I love the before and after pics. Very dramatic differences that give people hope that they will see real improvement with treatment. My husband did not have outward symptoms but his energy levels were fairly non-existent and he gained a lot of weight. 2 years later and after med adjustments , he now has normal energy level again, more hair and he has lost weight. The worst thing for him was edema/water weight which is now gone. He switched to a new BP med and now does not need a diuretic. The diuretic did not work that great. Thyroid problems run rampant in his family btw. No one should put off testing and treatment. It truly is a quality of life issue and is worth taking a tiny pill every day.
I never realized that panic attacks could be a thyroid problem, b/c I use to have them. My hair started shedding extremely one day, I was freaked out! I went to many doctors, but an endocrinologist noticed a small lump on my neck, it was a goiter! I had a biopsy which was not cancer, thankfully. So even though none of the doctors could explain my hair loss, I’m sure it was when the goiter was growing. I am hypo and still have hair shedding problems even on Levothyroxine. I get checked regularly. I feel like this is a support group and I’m so thankful for Dr. Dray!!
I also have Hashimoto and hypothyroidism and it is indeed an accumulation of symptoms, it can develope very, very slow over many years like mine. High temper, irritability, fatigue, small weight gain, irregular, heavier periods, strong PMS,...and acne! Since I took care of it (meaning blood tests since last years June and adjusting the hormone dose) I don't deal with acne as much anymore (sometimes some small breakouts due to period) and my skin isnt as oily. Its really, really worth to check it as women are 7 or 8 times more likely to have thyroid problems. Symptoms are sneaky but one day it might feel like its too much, Im a better person since I have it under control. Please, if you feel like something is wrong, go check your blood (TSH, Ft3, Ft4, antibodies, Vit D, B12, iron, ferritin..and whatever is there I forgot, best to talk with an endocrinologist). Cheers!
I didn't expect to learn so much about the thyroid from a dermatologist! Thank you for this! I'm one of those who knows something is a problem but my doctor is only looking at TSH and not seeing the full picture. Luckily, I recently found a Functional Medicine dr to work with and hope to have a better idea of what's going on and what to do with that info. This video was so helpful in affirming my suspicions and will help me communicate better with my dr.
Thank you Dr. Dray! You have helped me so much for over a year now! I have hypothyroidism and had most of the symptoms you mention. Felt terrible and thought it was depression. Fortunately a blood test through my GP revealed this issue. It took many months revisiting the endocrine specialist to get to the right dosage of medication. Finally now I am better and even losing weight. My dry skin is better thanks to you! Also alopecia is correcting itself. Sending love ❤️
Thank you so much for this video! I started taking medication for hypothyroidism a couple of years ago. I have so so many of these symptoms. I think I will be making an appointment to get my TSH levels tested again. ❤
I have hypothyroidism. It's been several years. I also have pernicious anemia and had carpal tunnel surgery 2 years ago. My Mom had a goiter when I was small and had surgery for it, so I assume my condition is hereditary. I remember she always had very dry skin on her legs. I appreciate that you spoke of the correlation between carpal tunnel and hypo, because that was a connection I didn't know about. Love your videos, Dr. Dray.
I have been w low thyroid since I knew something wasn’t right. No doctor related my symptoms w my thyroid.. until years after I have my twins I was sent to a rheumatologist. Before I was diagnosed doctors told me that my fatigue was due my three little children.
Recently diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. You are on point about everything. For me the biggest issue was deep depression, mood swings, lack of concentration, fogginess of mind and a deep unrelenting fatigue. Like I had yo drag myself to do simple little chores. Also heavy and irregular cycles and infertility.
I was diagnosed with hashimotos disease over 30 years ago, I’m 60 now and I cried listening to you, every side effect you said I have, it’s so emotional and tiresome, yes I’m on medication everyday, but my skin is so dry and wrinkly, my hair still falls out, my nails I can’t grow, and the weight, I’ve never been able to lose it, I put on 20 lbs and never have been to loose it, very very depressing, and because of this I’m on bupropion
I'm dealing with the same issues. Even though, I take medication. It's not enough. You need other nutrients, and possibly T2, T3, in addition to your tsh medication. They know a lot more, now, than when we were diagnosed. I recommend you watch yt channel called Dr. Weston Childs. All he does is Hashimoto's and under active thyroid. He's helped me so much.
I have every single symptom of hypothyroidism and have seen many doctors, including an endocrinologist, who have all told me my thyroid levels are normal. I’m so frustrated.
Thank you for this. You are so intelligent and compassionate. I have hypothyroidism. It was so bad at one time that my doctor wondered how I was surviving because my heart rate was so low. That was years ago and synthyroid helped. However, I recently was diagnosed with a slightly low thyroid for some reason and my hair is falling out. I am also anaemic. And all have severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. Fun. Take care.
@@bdet313 Hello, it actually took several years to discover the right combination of drugs to arrest the inflammation and pain. I take a biological drug and several others to manage the disease. But to answer your question, my medication change was not recent. You take care. I hope your RA is under control.
Thank you? I had blood work my B12 is off, losing pigment, tiny bald spots, loss of body hair just about everything you said. Oh and t4, idk I've been tired all my life I'm 53 and 😢so glad I finally know. This video is it the last bit of research for me now it's time for healing. Exhausted!
I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism after the birth of my son just before I turned 22. Greg who is now 43 yr old. I lost 40 lbs by my 6 week check-up. As soon as I walked in the door the Dr knew what I had before any Labs were taken. Long story short is it burned itself out and turned to Hypothyroidism. Just this Feb. my Labs were so bad the Dr asked if I had quit taking my meds. I told her no . I know the normal levels are between 3.something-5.88. Mine was 14.76. I had gained about 10 lbs if not more and I was very down and out dry skin and very tired. It was all I could do to get out of bed just to do the basic things. My numbers are finally back to normal. I’m 65 now and I feel so much better. I have never felt this bad before.
130 lbs weight gain. Horrible cramps /periods. Feeling super anxious. Dry skin and rash that comes snd goes on my face. Feeling like I can’t ever get enough sleep. I had all the symptoms for the last couple yrs. I finally found out this week I have hypothyroidism. I could cry. I finally will be able to get on meds and start feeling better
I hope you went to a different doctor. You should have never suffered for years like that. The doctor you had was totally negligent in diagnosing you
I really appreciate that you mentioned the psychological effects of hypothyroidism. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder after years of feeling there was something wrong with me. It took a heavy toll on my academic and personal life. I've been taking levothyroxine for three years and it has changed my life for the better. I wish more people got their hormones checked when they feel extremely sad or tired for long periods of time. Thank you for making this information accesible, Dr. Dray.
I understand. I remember being in my Pcp’s office trying to get a prescription for anti depressants and he (& others) telling me I should talk to a therapist, when all a really needed was some levothyroxine!
I'm waiting to hear back from my Dr to get approved for lithium for my bipolar 1 but my blood test showed my TSH was higher than normal. I'm REALLY struggling because I was hoping the lithium would be the miracle cure for me too. My skin has gotten so freaking dry in retrospect and I have no idea when it happened, my cheeks, forehead, arms, legs hands and feet are particularly awful. I've wondered if I've had a thyroid issue for years due to other issues but the Drs and nurses don't seem to take me seriously. 🤷♀️
@@muchasalud2011 Dr igho
How much levothyroxine did they give you? I’m on 50 and still feel off 😔
@@Jacqueline967 Sorry for the late response, I just saw your comment. I'm currently on 50 and I get tested every 6 months to make sure it's working
Who else is always impressed by how often Doctor Dray Posts?
For REAL!! SMART lady!! Cute, too!
Thank you so much for "talking up" to your viewers instead of "talking down". I am so thankful for the way you unabashedly dispense medical vocabulary to get your points across. Thank you for believing in the intelligence of your viewers and giving us am opportunity to be more educated on anatomy and physiology. I wish that basic comprehension of human bodily functions were more common knowledge, maybe the ER and Healthcare systems would be less congested if people's understanding were raised to a greater level. They might be less stressed and feel more empowered in their own bodies. Thank you for getting the public a little bit closer to that idealistic reality by not being afraid to talk to us like we are smart (Google is here to help you understand the words she says. Learn Latin roots, prefixes, suffixes, to help understand more medical terminology).
Well put, couldn't agree more!
This is so, so important and yet hardly ever addressed. Education can't stop when you leave school anymore.
Dr. Dray is doing an outstanding job, sharing important knowledge with us and it always feels, like a good friend is talking to you!
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Valuable PSA Dr. Dray! One of your RNs here. I can spot a lady with hypothyroidism from across the supermarket. Pale, overweight, baldness/alopecia, dry flaky skin...an affect of depression. I want to run up and suggest that they have a full thyroid panel. Of course I don't, but I send a silent prayer they get tested soon.
What's really horrible is that the total lack of energy/drive makes it so very hard, to even look for help. Never mind persuing a diagnosis, when first possibly not being taken serious by your doctor.
It's just so tragic, when people just suffer completely avoidably 😕
Julia, you are so sweet! I have a feeling God hears your prayers 🙏🏻🥰
I have no problem telling anyone they appear to have thyroid issues. I was checking out at the chiropractor and the receptionist's neck was extremely swollen. I asked her if any of her doctor's have ever mentioned she has a goiter, or tested her thyroid levels. Nope. She has never heard of thyroid issues. She got tested and was diagnosed with severe hashimoto's. She then had her daughter tested with the same results.
I temporarily embarrassed her, but my refusal to stay silent to avoid discomfort rescued her from years of suffering. She spoke at my church this week. Her neck was slim, her skin glowed and she spoke on the miracle she experienced from going from unable to get out of bed each day to the joy of having the energy to keep up with her toddler granddaughter.
I’ve had Hashimoto’s thyroiditis for almost a decade. It’s well managed at this time by taking 112mcg of levothyroxine a day and a great endocrinologist. My previous PCP failed to properly diagnose and treat it (he didn’t want to treat it at all 🥴). Needless to say I also have a new PCP who is also great. Don’t settle for mediocre care people! Thanks for your content Dr Dray ♥️
Holy moly! I’m sorry you had to deal with that A-hole! Nobody deserves to feel unheard by their doctors! I bet you feel so much better! I’m glad you’re all straightened out now💕
Don't take CBD oil if you're taking Levothyroxine. It counteracts the medicine. In fact don't take CBD at all if you have hypothyroidism, it just makes it worse.
@@loloholmes2793 oh wow!! That’s incredibly interesting! I GUARANTEE YOU that sooo manyyy people don’t know this and are taking it! Thanks for sharing this very helpful information. This will help loads of people 💕
Oomloooookoooooookoookooooooooooooomoomooo o
We Can
It took me 8 years of asking to be tested for hypothyroidism and changing doctors 3 times and finally after refusal after refusal I got an at home test kit and went to my new doctor with the results. Yet again I was being fobbed off. My tsh levels were 9.3 and they were trying to tell me I didn't need to start any treatment. I insisted that something HAD to be done as I'm almost bald (51 year old woman), I eat like a bird and I'm 5 stone overweight, my skin is a mess, tired all the time and I've been admitted to hospital on a beautiful August day with hypothermia!! And STILL had to go through 8 bloody years of begging to be tested. Doctors are useless at this. If you think you have thyroid problems go to your doc and DEMAND to be tested and REFUSE to leave the surgery until the test is done. Or get a home test kit like I did. My heart is permanently damaged from the hypothyroidism being left untreated for so long. I'm so angry at Irish "so-called" doctors who do little to help patients and are only interested in the money they get out of you at the end of the consult.
Yes, that’s the truth of it. There are thousands of women who need help and care.
But most doctors not knowledgeable about and we are suffering thanks for information I am real mess up
My TSH was 9.8 at highest, but the other thyroid levels are normal. Does this mean I have hypothyroidism as well?
As someone who has post surgical hypothyroidism, that is now resolved (thank goodness), I actually broke down crying when you talked about how taxing it can be on a person. I went years feeling horrible, and it changed my relationships and changed my life. I am in a better place now, but it still feels good to be validated and educated.
I am glad you are in a better place now. Stay strong-good things are coming your way!
I too broke down. I have a lot of these symptoms. I'm getting my thyroid hormones checked. I've been suffering for years
Any recommendations on finding a doctor that will diagnose this even if other things mask basic test results?
What should I do,
@@radiantsunbeam6147 no
“Why are your hands so cold?” “Why can’t you just remember things?” “Why don’t you just eat better to clear your acne” “Why are you always so tired?” 🙄🙄🙄🙄 it’s so annoying
Yep so true!
Try reasonable iodine supplement, like 300 micrograms a day, and red meat, it is changing my life
@@npnpnp858 see my problem is iodine is known to sometimes exasperate acne so that’s why I’ve avoid multi vitamins that include it, let alone the isolated one 😥 I just cleared my acne too so I’m too scared
Exactly!
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism since I was 12. My parents weren’t aware that I would constantly skip my daily pill of TSH, I would always take naps after school and be constantly tired in highschool. Fast forward to turning 18 and leaving my home, I went 4 straight years with out taking my TSH and let me tell you... i felt very very depressed & I was falling asleep anywhere.. and everywhere. I looked awful. I’m 25 now and have been taking my pill everydat for 3 years and My energy has been phenomenal. No more naps. I go to the gym 4 days out of the week. Better hair. Better skin. Moral of the story. Please please take your tsh pill everyday. It’s so important!
I’m glad you feel better!💕
I did the same when I was younger! No one explained me, how important these pills are..
@@eveningstar8581 Thank you so much!
@@missvelvetorchid1047 Yes, It's very unfortunate. I'm doing much of my own research into hypothyroidism & have found much more information than any doctor has ever given me.
Can you share your own research?
I really appreciate that you mentioned that people with hypothyroidism are misdiagnosed with depression. I learned that hypothyroidism is the most common cause of depression on the planet as a medical student, long before I became a psychiatrist. Yet virtually every day I see people with untreated or under-treated hypothyroidism referred for “treatment resistant depression.” Their endocrinologists don’t recognize it, let alone their PCPs. Furthermore, there is a LOT of data, going back to the 1980s and regularly replicated in different settings, that treating TSH is critical in all mood disorders. Yet again, at least in the US, psychiatry is the red haired stepchild and “regular” doctors couldn’t care less. Also - apropos that Hertoghe sign (sorry if I misspelled) - this is, believe it or not, one of the questions on the MMPI (a famous personality test) designed to see if people are LYING. IOW, if you “strongly agree” with that statement (“I am missing the outer third of my eyebrow”) you get put into a category of people that answer questions randomly or untruthfully. What a world we live in.
@spacemilk hypothyroidism causes thinning and loss of the outer third of the eyebrows. This is called Hertoghe's sign. It can be the first sign of hypothyroidism and is considered pathognomonic for hypothyroidism. However, on the famous personality test, the MMPI, "I am missing the outer third of my eyebrows," when endorsed, is counted toward the lie scale. Not sure what was so unclear to you.
Thank you so much for giving us such inform ative & validating information
Far too many of us have had deal w/ bias, egoes & inade quate or no treatment. It's been said that patients' BP go up bec we're intimi
dated by "our white jackets." No, w/in 2 mins of entering the exam room, or walking past us in the hallway, you're con
cerned that you waited, for however long it took, just to get another "moron" etc. Again, thank you, on behalf of the many who've had to deal w/ "You need ..." when we knew "No, I know my body, my lifestyle, you are the arrogant, TMN (Toxic Malignant Narcissist etc. You are a blessing to your patients. I wish I could be so blessed!
Just a note, it can be very difficult to get diagnosed if you have a thyroid disorder, most doctors, even if looking specifically for a thyroid disorder, will only order standard labs, but to really see your thyroid levels you need specialized lab work done. So be prepared to advocate for yourself, likely to multiple doctors, don’t give up and research what tests you’ll need done so you can request them specifically.
👍
I started noticing those symptoms at around 12 years of age. They labeled me lazy, cranky, attention seeker(even though I was a quiet introvert who hated attention) when I complained about feeling unwell. Even though some of my symptoms were observable, like I had to be taken to the hospital a couple times because of an impaction of my bowels because I couldn't use the bathroom! I probably ate healthier than all the other kids in school, yet drs only ever told me to eat more fiber. I already ate prunes like candy, veggie salad was one of my favorite foods! I was finally diagnosed when my mental fog became so terrible I felt like I was hallucinating. Then one of my doctors actually took me seriously and sent me to get the proper labs that finally lead to my Hashimotos diagnosis. It only took 16 years of me complaining of worsening symptoms and worsening quality of life. So many things I had to give up because of my symptoms. I used to be in track till 7th grade and I just couldn't anymore because I felt so sick, I couldn't finish University because of my brain fog and falling asleep constantly anywhere 😔 I used to be an A student and had a grant and I lost it all as I progressively felt more tired and ill. But drs never took me seriously and made me feel like I was exaggerating or something.
Very similar tale for me to. I am a male and at the age of 16/17 I was taking 2 hot water bottles to bed, had 2 quilts and a blanket on top. I was constantly feeling cold in summer too, my grades started to deteriote because of brain fog and inability to concentrate. However, most of my skin colour became pasty and almost colic. People started to call me yellow head. I started to lose my body hair and completely became covered in pimples and itchy rashes. My hair on my head started to drastically drop out that it caused me severe depression and anxiety.
It wasn't until I stated to feel vertigo and almost collapsed at work that I was finally given a blood test and identified as having low thyroid and being close to death. 14/15 years had past at this stage to get to this point.
I was told it is rare for a male to have under active thyroid, however a male and a teenager as I was, was extremely rare, hence why doctors for many years were very dismissive of my concerns. I started on a dose of 250mg of thyroxine for several years once I had been diagnosed.
@@romeodelta7004 I was jaundiced too! I wonder what's the connection with low thyroid and issues with the liver or red blood cells, because I've heard of people who have a similar problem but I can't find online why it would cause high bilirubin in the blood and urine to the point of jaundice.
Sounds like me to a T ❤
Thank you for mentioning the emotional aspect of hypothyroidism, which can be really terrible. I went to one doctor who wanted to put me on Prozac and said that my TSH of 7.25 was "just a bit out of range" without treating me for it. I told him he was a moron and I didn't go back there.
Did you ever get it sorted out? I'm in exactly the same position
@@orangerelram1982 Yes, I did. But I had to figure it out myself.
@@jillholod34 my story is similar to yours: thyroid #’s slightly out of range, depression. My pcp wanted me to see a therapist. I finally saw an endocrinologist and she put me on levothyroxine. When I told my pcp how the meds fixed my depression and other hormonal issues, he told me that wasnt the reason 😐
It is sad that there are so many doctors like this. My story is similar. Women are dismissed constantly. Meanwhile we're out here suffering with autoimmune diseases galore and trying our best to hang in there..taking years for a proper diagnosis. It is infuriating and it needs to stop.
7.25 is hardly "just a bit out of range." Prozac for that? So glad you didn't go back.
I had my thyroid removed 20 years ago due to thyroid cancer - and have been on Synthroid ever since. It’s been smooth sailing, so I want to tell people out there in similar situations that if you follow Drs orders you should be fine.
I was born with hypothyroidism and been on synthroid for like forever lol
Actually my Doctors misdiagnosed me for years. Trust yourself and get a second opinion.
God bless you! I’m so glad that you are healthy and better now💕
If you are unable to get that drug …. What happens ?
Sometimes you follow doctors orders and you get worse. 😢
As a rare person with congenital hypothyroidism, thank you for covering this! At last someone covered hypothyroidism and did not leave out the neonatal type. It is annoying for me, though, because my PCP still writes off a lot of health concerns of mine even with my known condition.
Rachel, find a new doctor, your health is too important to have a dismissive dr.!
I’m a nurse practitioner and I learned something from this video. Great Video thanks DR. Dray
You just described my Hashimoto thyroiditis the last year. I found out after my third baby. Thank you for shedding light on this disease and its challenges.
As a mother and graduate student, it has been very challenging. I found a functional MD, and she has helped turn my life around.
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's almost 5 years ago. I used to be very skinny, quite underweight, so, when I suddenly gained 8 kilos in less than half a year, everyone was complimenting me saying "you finally look normal". However, to me such a drastic weight gain didn't feel normal. I also had dry skin, my hair was falling out a lot, I felt cold all the time and my memory was foggy. For example, if I was having a conversation about something or I wanted to do something, in the next moment I would totally forget what I wanted to do or say. I booked a doctor appointment and, luckily, the endocrinologist who diagnosed me also agreed that something was not right in all this. I was tested, diagnosed with Hashimoto's and was put on medication right away.
It changed my life drastically and it led me into a deep depression (joined by anxiety and panic attacks). And, yes, my face did change and, as compared to before, I also felt often that my voice got slightly deeper.
I know that there are many people out there who suffer because of low thyroid levels and for everyone else is different. But it's so frustrating to hear someone disregard your symptoms and say "Oh, I know this person who has thyroid issues and she is fine, nothing serious". For some the symptoms are mild, for others they are more serious - this is what I wish people to be able to understand. At the same time I think that, although there are many people who suffer because of low thyroid levels and there is no known cure for it, this is something that is not talked about a lot. Hence, people are not really aware how difficult of a disease it is.
On a positive note, I feel that I was somewhat lucky because I was diagnosed early on. This is why it's so important to listen to your body and go see a doctor if you feel that something is wrong.
I felt so well understood just by watching a single video. As always, thank you Dr. Dray.
So what have you done now to alleviate your condition? Did you take a specific kind of medication? Are you fully recovered and how long did it take, if so?
@@potatoes1234 It's a lifelong condition, so you have to take thyroid medication for the rest of your life. I have it and I take Levothyroxine and it's a total game changer.
I agree its worse and more complicated than it sounds, i also have Hashimotos but as far as autoimmune diseases go we win the lottery. The others are way worse!
@@JennyT101 but people with one autoimmune disease will often develop others.
I saw so many doctors from the age of 12 when my symptoms started becoming unbearable, and yet they always dismissed me. My mom took me to endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, dermatologist, and many general practitioners to check the many different symptoms I had and they all downplayed and dismissed me. One even said it was normal for girls that age to make up things, like what I was feeling, for attention. I stopped going to drs thinking it was just my normal to feel like shit, till I was in my 20s and things just got way worse. Still got dismissed and gaslighted for years. Finally got diagnosed right before my coverage ran out.
Love your earrings! I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s a year and a half ago! I suffered for over a year with head to toe hives! All day, everyday!!! No relief! It was during lockdown so I could only see my dermatologist virtually. I was given prednisone for 2 whole months which really reeked havoc on my body! No one knew how to diagnose the hives until I went to the allergist and they took bloodwork and discovered the autoimmune disease. Thank you for doing this video! Hopefully it will help others discover the signs and they won’t have to go what I went through!
It is frustrating to cope with
What an ordeal 😯
Oh man. No one should have to go through stuff like this, which can actually be diagnosed and treated. Hope, you're ok now.
Dr. Dray - be my endo!!!!! This is something I have been battling for about 15 years now, along with diabetes. (I won't write about how many doctors told me my levels were "normal," despite all of my symptoms.) The fatigue and cold intolerance are my biggest issues, but my dry skin is minimal. However, I "fight back" every day by taking my meds, working out regularly, eating healthy and moisturizing!!! I appreciate your videos! I may be doing some things right, but there's always something I can do better or something else I can learn! Thank you!!!
I wish she was mine too ! :D
Diagnosed with hashimotos when I was around 13-14. I’m 24 now. I was so depressed and my skin, hair, nails were dry. Best thing I did was go on meds, go gluten free, Whole Foods, and focus my energy on things that bring me joy
What meds do you take?
I have Hashimotos and thank you for addressing all these symptoms. Also, I had Covid and it attacked my thyroid, making my Hashimotos much worse.
thank you for sharing, that’s helpful to be aware of. i hope you’re now on the mend.
Yes viruses can do that
OMG Same. I thought I was crazy for thinking this.
Thanks I wonder if that happened to me too. My fatigue and sensitivities got worse
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in college, and my levels were insanely high. Even now, 10+ years later, I'm learning more about how the condition has presented and the side effects that I previously thought were innocuous. I've also had eczema for most of my life, and I've been curious how these impact each other. Thanks for you knowledge!
Did you take hormones then? And what changed?
Hypothyroidism is low thyroid hormone. How could you have this with levels “insanely high” ?
@@suzanneemerson2625basically your body is pushing very hard to get your thyroid to start working properly while also attacking it, the blood test level will end up with high numbers but your thyroid is underactive. If you have very low levels, your thyroid is overactive and consuming all of what your body is giving it leaving not much left to see in blood work
I cant tell you how appreciative I am of this video. 2 months into the beginning of Covid and the shut in, my thyroid went crazy. All the symptoms but I really saw it I could barely walk when I would first get up, having soreness in both feet. Then it started happening to both hands. To this day, I still cant bend my left 3 fingers due to the swelling that is still there. I cant lift weights, take clothes out of the wash, open lids, etc. All the things we take for granted. I was tested and my levels were off the charts and I was positive for Hashimotos. I do believe I have congenital hash as I have always had a huge intolerance to cold (I used to get teased for it), heart palpitations, and my growth was so slow (17 lbs at 3 yrs old) and I've always been very tiny. Until covid hit and my hash came out, I gained 25 lbs in 2 months and to this day cant get it off. I'm on the medication for the thyroid and they have taken the severity or edge off but I still cant use my hand much and the muscle pain is awful sometimes. I've also always been oily skinned and when it hit hard, my skin went dry, irritated, flaky. Something I had never had before. Now, I have an extensive skin routine because I have to and my skin glows now. My HMO did and still does nothing about my symptoms except a little pill that doesnt do much so I really appreciate you making people aware. It's no joke.
My thyroid was removed at 13 and it was huge. I'm 58 and I weigh nothing and I am riddled with many other autoimmune diseases. They've never had my thyroid right.
Spot on analysis of a horrific disease nobody takes seriously.
I love how fearless you are to be your natural, beautiful self on camera. Dressed up or down, make up or not, you always radiate this natural, healthy vibe. You give me confidence to be my natural self
Thanks for this video Dr Dray! I had my thyroid removed over 10 years ago (i am 37 now) and I struggle with trying to keep my levels right and other complications. I finally found a endocrinologist that I liked. But we have very few where I live. I felt like you were speaking right to me with this video! I can relate to so many things you mentioned. Thank you again! People need to be aware of what their body is telling them. ❤
Omg you just described my hypothyroidism symptoms that I never connected to my condition. Half my thyroid was removed 7 years ago due to a large goiter& I was put on Synthroid & have labs done every 6 months but my endocrinologist never discussed any symptoms of hypothyroidism with me. From the cold hands & feet, the outer eyebrow hair loss & hair loss in general, brittle nails, sluggish metabolism, omg I had no idea. Thank u so much Dr. Dray.
Thank you Dr. Dray!!! I had a full thyroidectomy summer of 2021 and three months later developed carpal tunnel on both wrist and forearm which still have. I told my thyroid doctor and my pcp and they keep telling me it's not related. This video is so validating!!
😢
I have suffered with thyroid for over 10 years. You are the 1st professional that has explained all my symptoms. Thank you 😊 🙏
I have Hashimoto’s and have changed my shower routine to accommodate. I use an extra heater to warm up the bathroom so I can use lower temp water and not get cold. To limit the amount of water on my skin I use a shower chair and wash my hair first upside with a shower wand. Then I use a soapy washcloth (Cerave Hydrating Bar) to just armpits, bottom, and feet. Then I rinse off quickly with the shower wand. This limits the amount of time I have water running over my skin and use a cooler water temp. Then I apply moisturizer. Helps a lot with preventing dry skin.
Try Bend goat milk soap, helps a lot!
This has been on my horizon since 2001, when my then Doctor told me I had Hashimotos, but that it would not be treated then , just 'watched'. Here we are in 2023, and I still have all the symptoms you have discussed, but still have not been given help or treatment for the condition. I am overweight, tired, dry skinned and losing my previously thick hair ....spoke to current doc a couple of weeks ago, had more blood tests, but have not had any information, so presumably I just go on waiting....depression is a very real consequence.
Please find a doctor who will listen to you and help you!! Your doctor is getting paid to do nothing for you-- Don't pay for not getting any answer or treatment ❤
I was curious about this recently as my late mom had hypothyroidism. I was wondering what were some signs to watch out for that may seem unrelated. Thank you for sharing this information and for helping to educate people on how these things occur and the impact. Not all doctors share this much information during the appointment and that is a disservice to the patients. Thank you Dr. Dray for giving us your time! 💜
I was just diagnosed with Hypothyroidism at the beginning of the year. I have most of the symptoms you discussed. Your explanations were very helpful. I’m still working through getting my medication balanced.
You are always very reassuring!
As a person with Hashimoto’s, thank you. I’ve always wanted to know why my body attacked my thyroid. Maybe someday we’ll have the science and research to answer that.
Thanks for watching
I just got diagnosed with Hashimoto’s
It is thought to be the fluoride in our water also is thought all autoimmune disease may be caused from leaky gut. To help this I have noticed when I go gluten free I feel much better and making my own fermented foods and drinks defiantly help my energy level.
@@trishabee2229 not necessarily! Mine was caused by a viral infection that attacked my thyroid and my immune system went after my thyroid
It runs in families and can be inherited - both my mother and aunt had it and I have it too - medication helps a lot.
I had Hashimoto's as a teen and nobody understood what was happening to me -- especially me -- and it was pure h***. I wasn't taken to an endocriniologist for almost 2 years. My thyroid was removed in my 20s and in 20 years since I have tried to explain the condition, how it affects someone, why I'm sometimes not as together as other times, why my weight fluctuates and why my hair has thinned. Your video is the best summation of living with this that I have encountered so thank you! Your validation helps a great deal because autoimmune diseases aren't visible (their symptoms sorta are but not like a physical disability) and unless one has been through it -- or treats those patients -- they don't understand. One thing about it though is that it's a great litmus test for friends: if they can't understand it or won't take the time to learn, bye bye. Hypothyroidism is exhausting and I definitely don't have the time to explain my illness to someone over and over and over. Thank you again!
Thank you, Dr Dray! I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s over 10 years ago. I went from finishing menopause to Hashimoto’s. A rough few years. As you mentioned, extreme exhaustion was the symptom that caused me to see my doctor. Happily, he thought to have my thyroid checked by blood tests. It came back as hypothyroid. I was put on levothyroxine. But I still was suffering symptoms and this doctor refused to increase my medicine because my TSH was "within normal range." I then went to a functional medicine doctor, who did the blood test for Hashimoto’s and it came back positive. He gave me dietary advice, which greatly improved many symptoms and my overall health. Thank you for your sympathetic insight into the disease. People minimize it sometimes thinking you just take a pill and all is well. But with Hashimoto’s that is often not true. It is a constant and ongoing struggle to maintain good health. I have researched it extensively, so I can be my own health advocate with doctors. After moving to Poland and over a few years time, I found a few great doctors and I am grateful for their care.
So spot on with some of these symptoms. I have fired 2 doctors over their inability to listen to me about my thyroid levels and moods. I have found an integrative health medical doctor who listens and cares. Worth the money. Also, Dr. Dray, could you do a sample morning and evening routine and products for those of us with hypothyroidism?
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! This is everything I've been through. There's people that think we make up these symptoms. We don't. Sometimes even doctors underestimate what we ate feeling. They say we need therapy. But it's a relief to know what we are dealing with. There's where we can finally have hope. I'm feeling better now, but when I didn't know, I felt so lost. I thought they would have to put me in a mental institution. Serously.
Thank you so much for this video. When I had my radioactive iodine therapy as treatment for hyperthyroid, my elbow length thick hair over the last 3 years is ruined and so are my nails. I asked my family doctor if my low thyroid would have anything to do with that and he said no not at all. I didn't think it sounded right, but that was when i gained weight, hair started breaking and ended up so short and my nails wont grow without breaking. I'll def start taking my meds. Thank you again for this all this info. I never thought i would say I miss my hyperthyroidism lol, I was so skinny, my hair was beautiful but i had hot flashes constantly and went through energy spurts where people thought i was on drugs. The only reason I had it treated was because of a growth on my thyroid
A great explanation of what Hypothyroidism is, however not all symptoms are alleviated even when optimally treated.
I absolutely love your insight into hypothyroidism, as someone who has been diagnosed with Hashimotos for years. I wish you’d touched on the fact that it can cause premature ovarian failure or early onset menopause which is irreversible and can greatly affect your skin. I went through menopause at 29 and that, combined with Hashimotos has my skin requiring extra effort to look young and healthy. At 33 I have my skin and hair finally under control, but I’m post menopausal and will always have to be diligent about skincare and medication.
Wow thanks for sharing I did not know that Hashimoto could cause this. I had it for about 6 years and am now 29.. Crazy what this disease can do to the body!
The same happened to me at 37. Best wishes to you.❤
That had to have felt beyond crazy, being so mentally and physically young, yet going through menopause before 30! I hope that you feel better now! Hormones are NO JOKE! They effect sooo much of our lives!
I hope You dont mind me asking- that happened because of misdiognosed Hashimoto of wrong prescribed doses of medication? I also have Hashimotos..
@@missvelvetorchid1047 I actually noticed the signs of menopause first so I booked an appointment with my pcm to see what was going on with my body. She did a full hormone panel and a thyroid panel then referred me to an endocrinologist. The endo was the one who diagnosed me with Hashimotos, but he said that I’ve likely had it for years and didn’t know. He was able to say with certainty the Hashimotos was causing ovarian failure. It’s not super common, but it does happen to some women. If I’d known the signs of hypothyroidism earlier I would have gone to the dr sooner, and it may not have happened. According to my OB, It’s irreversible once it starts, but can be noticed early and managed with yearly hormone labs. I didn’t catch it in time and based on my hormone levels, I have been post menopausal now for about two years. As long as you’re proactive about getting your regular lab work done you should be okay. The odds are in your favor, it only happens to a smaller percentage of women with Hashimotos. Sending best wishes to you!
I had chronic hives and carotenemia before being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis at 17. My doctors had NO idea of what was going on at the time and I wish I’d had these resources then, as the aforementioned symptoms resolved with treatment. Thank you for bringing attention to this issue and for all you do!
That's how I was diagnosed!
I’ve been dealing with 2 autoimmune diseases for about 2 decades now. Hashimoto’s & Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. And while I have had doctors ranging from bad to great, none of them we're able to address my skin issues the way you have. I’ve just ordered the products you use for your nightly foot care routine and will look at your dry skin care routine video. Thanks, Dr. Dray!
Dr. Dray, you are the best teacher. Thank you so much for this valuable information. This is must watching for everyone!
I cannot thank you enough for posting this particular topic. I've been a battling butterfly (Hashis pt.) Diagnosed since 2009...probably had it longer but yeah...moving on.
January is thyroid awareness month. Tagline is "Check your Neck!".
That thing has receptors in Every Part of the Body.
Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love this series because it has a lot of practical applications for your everyday viewers and helps us to more easily recognize health problems. Excited to see more like it
I am 58. Was diagnosed with low thyroid after birth of my child when I was 36. I have taken medication (frequent testing to maintain proper levels) since diagnosis… BUT… I still have ALL the symptoms listed here. I have recently been diagnosed with MCAS. I have been tested for many autoimmune conditions… all negative. Sometimes my ANA is positive, sometimes not. I have been told that I do not have Hashimoto’s.
I have hypothyroidism since my early twenties (52 now), supposedly because of the quality of the water of my village at that time (our GP said so...), lived in another country for 10 years, and NEVER EVER EVER, did my endocrinologists (both in Québec and México) give me that much information about this condition !! - THANK YOU SOOO MUCH. - You're a God sent. I've been enjoying your videos for 3 years now, and I just cannot live without them. :) Never stop please :D, you are appreciated, and recommended to everybody I can !
Appreciate the education of hypothyroidism. I have been taking medication for over 40 years. Also, I notice how the color of your jewelry and clothing light up your face! You must have a cool skin tone and the colors you have on today bring out your skin's luminosity!
Super informative. Endocrinologists should actually watch this. Thank you.
then I have to say that my dermatologist I've had for years does not really know her job. In fact, many of the skin, nail and hair problems I have that point EXACTLY to my thyroid issues every single doctor, no regard to speciality, have not seen them. I went YEARS before finally diagnosed with Hashimoto's YEARS of dry skin, brittle hair, loss of outer eyebrows,etc. STILL they do not see these things, even when pointed out. At one point for a long while I had jaundiced eyes, brought it to the attention of that physician and they said I did not. I see it, it can go away and come back also, but in 202 it stuck around for a very long time. Now it's back.
Please do a video on hyperthyroid and the skin hair and nails
I watched this on the TV. Lord, I thank you for my health. However, when it comes to my skin it's ok, but I am tired, hair loss, pain in my joints, they said my hormones were ok. I don't like when I don't get to see the papers with the results. But wow, may God be with all going through this horrible situations.
Thank you so much. I tried to tell my doctor that I had this problem but she said no. But I finally talked her into giving me a low dose of medicine.
I continually told docs I felt like I had hypothyroid symptoms, hair shedding, cold, tired, dry, unbalanced skin, rashes.... all those things you mentioned. Finally got a prescription for levothyroxine and many symptomsimproved. I still have hair loss and coldness. But my concentration improved, rashes cleared. Keep telling your healthcare providers what you believe is going on.
A clear, no-nonsense presentation. Very informative. Thank you.
Literally watching this while in a Hashimoto sad/depression phase… It makes me so sad that I can’t be who I used to be. More energetic more excited about life too. Good thing I’m going to my Dr to get my levels checked again 🥺
I had a thyroid issue that I believe was diet related. I was on meds for six months but now my diet is better and I haven’t had issues since.
I felt nothing but brain fog (not sad, not happy) my skin flaked so bad, my hair stopped growing and started falling out, my breathing was very very slow, my eyes couldn’t refocus quickly, my eyebrows were very short, walking was achey and slow. I got random stomach aches and never ate, I was never hungry, yet I still gained weight.
When I did feel an emotion it was sudden anger. My husband became very worried I’d get a case of road rage and I almost did.
Medication was affordable even in the US and it started to work very quickly.
Please everyone go see a doctor if you have any concerns for yourself. I wasn’t myself and no one should have to live that way. I still get tested, so far so good.
So grateful to you DR
Imagine poor people who cannot afford to see a specialist Dr go untreated until the conditions are very bad .This is why she has chosen to become a doctor.
I was diagnosed with Hashimotos over 20 years ago. I had a wonderful endocrinologist back then and it was diagnosed quickly and has since been well controlled. I still suffer from dry skin and thin hair but I also have lupus so there's that. I'm loving these educational videos! I had no idea my thyroid condition could affect my eyebrows! Mine are very thin on tail part. Once again, you've taught me something I didn't know. Thank you so much! Happy Monday, Dr Dray! I hope you have a peaceful evening. 💚
Thank you Dr. Gray for this video! Can you also do a video on the opposite, hyperthyroidism?
Thank you, Dr. Dray for bringing awareness to this common yet overlooked disease. Listen to your body everyone, and do your research. Advocate for yourself. Dr. Dray, everything you said is spot on. I have noticed some dermatologist are more educated in the thyroid than many general practitioners, which is amazing, but kinda sad too. So many people get disregarded for their issues.
I’ve had a total thyroidectomy in 2015 and a bilateral salpingo oophorectomy in 2023. I have thyroid cancer, anxiety, pancreatitis, diverticulosis, and NAFLD. I’ve also had my gallbladder removed. I’m taking 50mg x 2 Metoprolol and 88mcg Synthroid. My hair has been really thinning or falling out. And I’ve also got lower back issues…when I was young, I fell down some wet steps and I must’ve fractured my lower back. As I get older, it’s been haunting me. I will be 60 in Nov.
I’ve had all the symptoms for 5 years & many tests. My mom & her sisters all have it.
I am a fitness instructor & don’t eat much. And still I gained 70 lbs in 3 mo 5 yrs ago. I even lost my eyebrows & lashes
I had all the symptoms for years and drs always dismissed because my ramges were close to normal. You have to keep looking for a doctor that will take you seriously before it gets worse. Trust me, it can get so much worse! I was super active, I even competed in track and field as a sprinter, and it all went to hell because of my symptoms. I had to give it all up. I had to drop out of University because of my symptoms and I used to be an A student and had a grant, all lost thanks to doctors not taking my complaints seriously. I was so depressed because I thought that it was my normal to feel like a pile of useless shit and I had no hope. My symptoms got bad enough that one of my doctors finally took me seriously and was able to diagnose me with the proper test. Have they tested you for thyroid antibodies yet? Because the tests to determine tsh, t4, t3 levels don't cut it for many people. The ranges might seem "normal" but what is normal for some might not be normal for you! Those "normal ranges" were obtained incorrectly anyways!
My wife only found out about her thyroid issues because she had horrible issues with hives and had to work with doctors a long time before figuring it out. Cool to see that that was mentioned because it didn't seem very well known even by doctors.
Thank you so much for this video, Dr. Dray! I have hypothyroidism and it's changed my life. I used to love working out, but I can't anymore like I used to because I'll crash ( plus I also have fibromyalgia, which causes flare ups). like you say, it is emotionally taxing. fort a while I was prey to those gimmicks, but nowadays I just stick to my treatment, and I'm doing better. Something that has helped me though, was cutting out gluten and lactose from my diet. Have a happy Monday! 🦋
Man, this really makes me want to get my thyroid checked. I have so many of the symptoms she listed. And a number of family members have thyroid issues.
Dr. Dray, I really want to thank you for your content. As I’m listening to this video I’m looking at my skin and it is transforming. I look younger as and the stubborn acne I’ve had for the majority of my life is disappearing. I thought I was just unfortunate in the skin wellness department but my skin is getting better and better. It’s amazing, thank you so much!
Impressive ! Dr. Dray, you have, mentioned and describe every symptom, I’m dealing with, due to Hypothyroidism. As a dermatologist, you have much knowledge understanding, and compassion, than most endocrinologists. Thank you so much, for a great constructive video.
After watching this I can’t help but feel there are many undiagnosed thyroid issues in this country.
it is pretty common
@@DrDrayzday i can relate to some of these symptoms! The flags in the brain go up!
My brother and I both have Hashimoto’s and we struggle with some similar and some different symptoms. As a critical care nurse, I see how hypothyroidism affects my patients and their long-term health and they motivate me to do better. When my brother came to me with a rash, I showed him this video to encourage him to take better care of his body. Thank you, Dr. Dray, for your caring and informative videos for all. (P.S.- I am loving the Cerave cleanser and LaRoche Posay sunscreen that you have recommended!)
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! You described me COMPLETELY. I was diagnosed and have undergone treatment for my hypothyroidism and haschimoto disease going on Two years now, without success or relief of ANY symptoms. Three dosage increase of levothyroxine, monthly injections, daily B12, iron supplements with symptoms becoming worse. From a Dermatologist,receiving clear explanations of why these debilating symptoms are happening means so much, when it seems like you're in a battle without a fighting chance.
As a person with Hashimoto's I can say 1,000% I wish I had found this video when I was in my 20's.
Things I wish I had known:
1 - IF you live in a country where iodine is added to a lot of foods (like your salt, for example) you're more likely to get Hashimoto's because of iodine overexposure. AVOID iodine at all costs. All of those "thyroid" supplements on the shelves? Avoid them like the plague...
2 -avoid multi-vitamins, they contain iodine. The ONLY brand I found that didn't wasn't discontinued a year ago.
3 - Check your bread products for "potassium iodate"...it's iodine. Avoid it.
4 - Supplement B vitamins. Not just 12, but also all the rest.
5 - Supplement Magnesium (SUPER helpful for anxiety-prone people)
Thyroid conditions will ruin your entire life, I promise you.
When your hormones are off, you will literally go "insane" and do things you would never do otherwise.
I have so many instances of going off the wall and literally scaring everybody around me because I was untreated.
Looking back now is SO embarrassing, and I wish I could explain to anybody who had to deal with me...
Hormones are NO joke.
You’re wrong! Iodine is the basic building blocks of thyroid hormones. Every single cell of the human body has a receptor site for iodine, and therefore every single cell requires thyroid hormones to function optimally. I’m talking about elemental iodine of course, not the radioactive kind that most people may be confusing it with.
I am one of those people born with hypopituitarism which gives me hypothyroidism. It’s really annoying when I get told I’m being lazy but in reality I’m half drained from everyday events.
Please do a Hyperthyroidism video. Thanks for the amazing videos 🙂
Your videos just seem to get better every day - if that's even possible - because they are all excellent. You have such a natural way of speaking that is so easy to understand, yet all of your medical expertise and training also comes through. You're #1 for my medical info!
It's so important. that you emphasize the emotional toll these kinds of skin issues bring with them. People can blame themselves, or they are misdiagnosed, and suffer a lot because of this. You bring an understanding of how this affects the whole person.
I have hypothyroidism also known as Hashimotos Thyroiditis. To get it under control I had to start a Vegan diet with low starch, low sugar and no gluten… also I needed to take bone strengthening vitamins, iron supplements, and start taking cholesterol medication and synthroid. I am doing well now though a year after making these adjustments.
No medication?
Interesting...
Thank you for this!! I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after my pregnancy at 27 years old. I was told that I don’t have Hashimoto’s and that it was brought on by pregnancy. My doctor at the time basically gave me the medicine and no other information. I made an appointment with an endocrinologist recently (4 years after my diagnosis), and I can’t wait to learn more about what I can do to take care of my body.
I was told the same thing; that I got hypothyroidism from pregnancy. But I noticed I’ve had the symptoms for years.
Another great video about a serious condition! Thanks so much for doing these. I think a lot of people notice changes to their skin, hair, and nails before they notice other changes to their body, and these videos can motivate people to get the help they need. A lot of the symptoms of hypothyroidism--especially in women--are common enough that people blame them on other factors, like work stress or running after the kids or poor eating habits. I'm hopeful that people will see your video and make an appointment to talk with their doctors.
When I was being assessed for depression, one of the first things my doctor did was get lab work done to test me for hypothyroidism; I didn't develop it until later on, but was actually prescribed a low dose of a thyroid medication to augment my antidepressant, which turned out to be really effective.
I love the before and after pics. Very dramatic differences that give people hope that they will see real improvement with treatment. My husband did not have outward symptoms but his energy levels were fairly non-existent and he gained a lot of weight. 2 years later and after med adjustments , he now has normal energy level again, more hair and he has lost weight. The worst thing for him was edema/water weight which is now gone. He switched to a new BP med and now does not need a diuretic. The diuretic did not work that great. Thyroid problems run rampant in his family btw. No one should put off testing and treatment. It truly is a quality of life issue and is worth taking a tiny pill every day.
I never realized that panic attacks could be a thyroid problem, b/c I use to have them. My hair started shedding extremely one day, I was freaked out! I went to many doctors, but an endocrinologist noticed a small lump on my neck, it was a goiter! I had a biopsy which was not cancer, thankfully. So even though none of the doctors could explain my hair loss, I’m sure it was when the goiter was growing. I am hypo and still have hair shedding problems even on Levothyroxine. I get checked regularly. I feel like this is a support group and I’m so thankful for Dr. Dray!!
I also have Hashimoto and hypothyroidism and it is indeed an accumulation of symptoms, it can develope very, very slow over many years like mine. High temper, irritability, fatigue, small weight gain, irregular, heavier periods, strong PMS,...and acne! Since I took care of it (meaning blood tests since last years June and adjusting the hormone dose) I don't deal with acne as much anymore (sometimes some small breakouts due to period) and my skin isnt as oily. Its really, really worth to check it as women are 7 or 8 times more likely to have thyroid problems. Symptoms are sneaky but one day it might feel like its too much, Im a better person since I have it under control. Please, if you feel like something is wrong, go check your blood (TSH, Ft3, Ft4, antibodies, Vit D, B12, iron, ferritin..and whatever is there I forgot, best to talk with an endocrinologist). Cheers!
I didn't expect to learn so much about the thyroid from a dermatologist! Thank you for this! I'm one of those who knows something is a problem but my doctor is only looking at TSH and not seeing the full picture. Luckily, I recently found a Functional Medicine dr to work with and hope to have a better idea of what's going on and what to do with that info. This video was so helpful in affirming my suspicions and will help me communicate better with my dr.
Thank you Dr. Dray! You have helped me so much for over a year now! I have hypothyroidism and had most of the symptoms you mention. Felt terrible and thought it was depression. Fortunately a blood test through my GP revealed this issue. It took many months revisiting the endocrine specialist to get to the right dosage of medication. Finally now I am better and even losing weight. My dry skin is better thanks to you! Also alopecia is correcting itself. Sending love ❤️
Thank you so much for this video! I started taking medication for hypothyroidism a couple of years ago. I have so so many of these symptoms. I think I will be making an appointment to get my TSH levels tested again. ❤
I have hypothyroidism. It's been several years. I also have pernicious anemia and had carpal tunnel surgery 2 years ago. My Mom had a goiter when I was small and had surgery for it, so I assume my condition is hereditary. I remember she always had very dry skin on her legs. I appreciate that you spoke of the correlation between carpal tunnel and hypo, because that was a connection I didn't know about. Love your videos, Dr. Dray.
This was an amazing video! I have Hashimoto’s and it’s hard to explain to ppl the level of fatigue and other symptoms you go through.
I have been w low thyroid since I knew something wasn’t right. No doctor related my symptoms w my thyroid.. until years after I have my twins I was sent to a rheumatologist. Before I was diagnosed doctors told me that my fatigue was due my three little children.
Recently diagnosed with Hypothyroidism.
You are on point about everything. For me the biggest issue was deep depression, mood swings, lack of concentration, fogginess of mind and a deep unrelenting fatigue. Like I had yo drag myself to do simple little chores. Also heavy and irregular cycles and infertility.
Have you started any meds? How are you now?
I was diagnosed with hashimotos disease over 30 years ago, I’m 60 now and I cried listening to you, every side effect you said I have, it’s so emotional and tiresome, yes I’m on medication everyday, but my skin is so dry and wrinkly, my hair still falls out, my nails I can’t grow, and the weight, I’ve never been able to lose it, I put on 20 lbs and never have been to loose it, very very depressing, and because of this I’m on bupropion
I understand your struggle! Living it daily
I'm dealing with the same issues. Even though, I take medication. It's not enough. You need other nutrients, and possibly T2, T3, in addition to your tsh medication. They know a lot more, now, than when we were diagnosed. I recommend you watch yt channel called Dr. Weston Childs. All he does is Hashimoto's and under active thyroid. He's helped me so much.
I have every single symptom of hypothyroidism and have seen many doctors, including an endocrinologist, who have all told me my thyroid levels are normal. I’m so frustrated.
I agree that the skin, hair, and nails offer a window into what's happening inside of the body. That's why I watch your channel.
Thank you for this. You are so intelligent and compassionate. I have hypothyroidism. It was so bad at one time that my doctor wondered how I was surviving because my heart rate was so low. That was years ago and synthyroid helped. However, I recently was diagnosed with a slightly low thyroid for some reason and my hair is falling out. I am also anaemic. And all have severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. Fun. Take care.
I have RA and low thyroid as well. Did you recently start a new RA medication or change dosage?
@@bdet313 Hello, it actually took several years to discover the right combination of drugs to arrest the inflammation and pain. I take a biological drug and several others to manage the disease. But to answer your question, my medication change was not recent. You take care. I hope your RA is under control.
@@aprilmacdonell2682 it is, thank you 🙏🏾
Thanks for this video. I have hypothyroidism. So frustrating doctors don’t listen to you when you have hypothyroidism
Thank you? I had blood work my B12 is off, losing pigment, tiny bald spots, loss of body hair just about everything you said. Oh and t4, idk I've been tired all my life I'm 53 and 😢so glad I finally know. This video is it the last bit of research for me now it's time for healing. Exhausted!
I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism after the birth of my son just before I turned 22. Greg who is now 43 yr old. I lost 40 lbs by my 6 week check-up. As soon as I walked in the door the Dr knew what I had before any Labs were taken. Long story short is it burned itself out and turned to Hypothyroidism. Just this Feb. my Labs were so bad the Dr asked if I had quit taking my meds. I told her no . I know the normal levels are between 3.something-5.88. Mine was 14.76. I had gained about 10 lbs if not more and I was very down and out dry skin and very tired. It was all I could do to get out of bed just to do the basic things. My numbers are finally back to normal. I’m 65 now and I feel so much better. I have never felt this bad before.