I am Emma, 22 years old, and for the past 1-2 years, I have struggled with hypothyroidism and weight gain.
Since childhood, I was a chubby bubbly girl but was always comfortable in my skin. But then pandemic happened, and like many other people, I was putting on pounds every few weeks.
A month into the lockdown, I started noticing the weight gain. Apart from that, I missed my period that month, slept more than 10 hours, and my skin was drier than usual. I thought this was because of my routine and lack of activity; hence I ignored it and continued binging on Netflix seasons one by one.
No Periods For 3 Months, My Belly Started Growing, I Started Getting Stressed.
As days passed, my worries grew. I didn’t get my period even after three months.
My weight was getting out of control – I used to wear a large size, and now I couldn’t even fit into an XL one. I was extremely stressed out and locked myself in the room. I couldn’t get out of bed.
My family was growing tired of me. Everyone was pushing me to exercise to come out of my “lockdown mood”. I couldn’t recognise myself when I saw myself in the mirror—acne, body fat, dry skin and hair loss. I was a completely different person.
My Biggest Worry Was Weight Gain. So I Tried Weight Loss Plans – But All Went Into Vain.
If this continued, I thought I would succumb to death without knowing what was wrong with me.
My main worry was weight gain. So I started searching for weight loss tips and diet plans. First, I started intermittent fasting for 16 hours with a lot of courage, but that did not even last for a week as I used to get extremely hungry.
The day I failed to fast, I sobbed for hours. I was not getting appointments anywhere; Covid made my life miserable.
With No Outpatient Clinic Appointments, I Turned To Online Doctors.
I modified my search from diet plans to search for an online doctor. The moment I typed this, I found Your Doctors Online. The reviews on the app store and the 3-day free trial convinced me to download their app. Within no time, the application connected me to a polite and calm doctor. She gave a listening ear to my problems with no rush or interruption.
I felt I am in a doctor’s clinic without being physically present. I was chatting with the doctor from the comfort of my couch, and the doctor was replying to me immediately.
She noted all my symptoms and asked questions regarding bowel habits, family history of medical conditions, neck swelling, menstrual cycle and history of feeling warm or cold.
I had no neck swelling, but apart from that, I had many symptoms I didn’t even notice before.
The Doctor Diagnosed Me With Hypothyroidism Weight Gain
After taking a detailed history, the doctor stated that she suspected “Hypothyroidism”.
This was new terminology for me. Before I could ask her, she started explaining everything. I know now that the thyroid is a gland in my neck responsible for producing thyroid hormone, and it is likely not producing enough hormones. As a result, I was experiencing hypothyroidism weight gain.
She ordered blood tests for me and arranged a follow-up. I went back to her with my reports that showed high levels of TSH and very low levels of T4 &T3.
Hypothyroidism Can Be A Lifelong Condition, But Medicines Can Manage It.
The doctor prescribed me thyroid hormone tablets and made me understand that my hormones would become regular with the aid of pills. She further recommended that I continue exercising and take care of my diet.
I followed her instructions, and soon I started noticing a difference in my weight. I was finally overcoming hypothyroidism weight gain.
Your Doctors Online Is Quick, Easy And Reliable Method To Chat With A Real Doctor
I have been taking medications for six months now. I have lost 10lb already, and my periods are regular – I get them every month. My skin and hair are improving, and my bowel habits are normal. This was not possible without doctors’ help at Your Doctors Online, especially during a pandemic.
My message for everyone, download Your Doctors Online today, chat with an actual doctor from your home, discuss your symptoms and get treatment.
Hypothyroidism FAQs added by Your Doctors Online team
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. It is also known as an underactive thyroid.
The thyroid gland is located in your neck, in front of your windpipe. It is responsible for releasing triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones are responsible for regulating your weight, metabolism, body temperature, skin, hair, nail growth, and heart rate.
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
• Sensitivity to cold temperature
• Fatigue
• Can’t stay awake
• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Mood swings and depression
• Body aches and weakness
• Dry skin, brittle hair, and nails
• Decreased sex drive
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Irregular periods
Following are the causes of hypothyroidism:
• Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s disease, type 1 diabetes, and vitiligo.
• History of thyroid surgery
• Radioactive iodine therapy
• Lack of dietary iodine
• Congenital hypothyroidism
• Damage to the pituitary gland
• Viral infections
• Medications like lithium
To get a proper diagnosis, please download Your Doctors Online application and consult our online doctors 24/7. Based on your history, our doctors will ask you to get blood tests done. Those tests are called thyroid function tests.
These tests check thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) levels in the blood. If you already have had these tests done, please send those reports to our doctors to get treatment.
