My Life Is A List of Symptoms

So back in October of 2014, I visited a local doctor to fill out paperwork to state I was healthy enough to move over to the UK with my husband. Since I hadn't seen a doctor since I needed a pediatrician, I got a series of blood tests. They also prescribed me anxiety meds because I was near tears sitting in the doctor's office, thinking I was going to be diagnosed with some terminal cancer.

Thinking back, it was probably fears of cervical or uterine cancer because I hadn't had a natural period in 6 years at that point. I used birth control to make sure I wasn't putting myself at risk for cancer. It's been 8 years now, but you get the point.

I was, instead, diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. That means my thyroid isn't working as well as it should. I was put on 50mcg of Levothyroxine, the generic for Synthroid, and that was that. Doing research, I found what I thought was normal, was in fact not. My ankles and hips always hurt. It felt like I spent high school with a constant headache. Weight gain. Hair loss. Constantly fatigued (that my mom called 'lazy'). And irregular periods.

I had bloodwork done once I got to England, in July 2015, and my levels were "perfect." I didn't feel perfect. I had about a week or so where I had a lot of energy. I joked that, that was what crack must have felt like. But, I quickly returned to my low energy. I still didn't have a period, either. My primary doctor on base suggested I may have PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

I was referred off base, to an English endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in the endocrine system, which controls the hormone system. After blood work and an ultrasound on my ovaries, I was diagnosed with PCOS and Insulin Resistance. PCOS is the least known endocrine disorder, even though an estimated 10-20% of the female population suffers from it. It's the leading cause of infertility. It can cause male pattern hair growth, hair loss, irregular or absent periods, difficulty losing OR gaining weight, and insulin resistance.

By 2015, I had two endocrine issues and an insulin issue that has made me pre-diabetic. Even if I leave the pre-diabetic zone, I need to live as though I am always in that zone. I was prescribed Metformin, the oral medication for diabetes. The majority of women with PCOS are Insulin Resistant, so Metformin is the only non-fertility drug prescribed in hopes to help.

Early January 2016, I went back to the doctor's, since I STILL didn't have a period, despite being on Levothyroxine and Metformin. I was prescribed birth control again. I mentioned a lump on my neck, which I was positive was attached to my thyroid. It's common with thyroid issues to have an enlargement of the thyroid.

I had an ultrasound, and then got a referral to the endocrinologist again. I also needed a fine needle biopsy to make sure my thyroid nodule wasn't cancerous. That was traumatizing in of itself. I couldn't have Joshua in the room with me, so I bawled my eyes out. Then I got stuck with lidocaine (which burns), then five needles to get fluid out of the nodule. Between the 3rd and 4th stick, I needed another shot of lidocaine. So I had seven needle sticks.

After the ultrasound, I read on the Tricare website why I was referred to an endocrinologist: my thyroid looks off. It looks like I have an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's Disease. In 95% of patients with Hashimoto's, they have thyroid antibodies, created because the body attacks the thyroid. In my case, I don't have antibodies, but my thyroid looks like a thyroid with Hashimoto's.

So, I've been doing a lot of reading. It is amazing how much the thyroid affects your body. It's also amazing how similar PCOS and Hypothyroidism are similar. Here are a list of symptoms I've had for years and am just realizing they're symptoms:

Fatigue. I thought my lack of energy was normal, until I realized what having energy felt like.

Weight Gain. 

Cold Intolerance. My computer desk is right next to the radiator, and I love being warm.

Hot Flashes. PCOS brought me this one in the last year. After getting comfortably warm next to the radiator, I'll break out in a sweat. Or the funner version: when the heat's been off all day, Joshua is in a sweater, and I'm in a tank top asking if the heater is on (fun fact: it never is when I ask).

Joint/Muscle Pain. My ankles always hurt. Sometimes my hips and shoulders join in that fun party. Occasionally, my thighs will feel like I ran a marathon. Right now, my right one feels like that.

Hair Loss. Both PCOS and Hypothyroidism cause this. My tub doesn't drain after a shower because of how much hair I lose. It's a wonder I still have hair!

Irregular Periods. 8 years without a natural period. Need I say more?

Depression. I had that in high school, BUT I think that was due to high school and not hormonal issues. Who knows?

Anxiety. Both cause this.

Brain Fog. Hypothyroidism causes this. Brain fog is a general term meaning slowed mental processes, forgetfulness, and mixing up words in sentences. I HATE talking out loud because of that. I feel so bad for my new friend, since she's South Korean and English is her second language. I'll be talking to her and mix up words, which has to really confuse her!

Dry Skin. Simply put, I have a few body washes and lotions I've been trying to return moisture to my hands and feet.

Irritibility. I'm pretty sure it's both. I love Joshua so much, because he puts up with my mood swings. I'll be happy, then he'll say something and all of a sudden I'm pissed.

Decreased Libido. I have no sex drive. None whatsoever.

Pelvic Pain. PCOS causes this. Because I have cysts on my ovaries, I will randomly get a sharp pain in one or both ovaries. The pain is worse than menstrual cramps, but the pain is random and quick, versus menstrual cramps are constant.