I have experienced many symptoms for a number of years. In fact, I was treated for depression instead of hypothyroidism for several years. At times, I thought I was "losing my mind" it was so severe. My symptoms included: confusion, inability to think clearly, total lack of energy, exhaustion, loss of interest in "everything," aches and pains (mainly in my legs/ankles/feet), and gained 35 pounds despite a lack of appetite. This has been a long struggle for me with problems at home and work (to be expected when I cannot think clearly). However, things are improving now -- there is hope! Published: November 07 ::

I am a female 44 yrs old - for the last 3 years I have suffered a progression of symptoms from hair loss, dry skin, fatigue, dizziness, constipation, erratic heavy periods, muscle aches & pains, foggy head, memory failure etc.etc. I have seen endless doctors & specialists - mainly at my own expense - because I would not accept their diagnosis that I was depressed or it was simply my age! My thyroid blood tests are all within the normal range - I contacted Thyroid UK and diagnosed myself as hypothyroid from the info on their website. I finally saw a Dr he diagnosed me from all of my symptoms - many people are hypo even though the blood tests are "within the normal range". Don't waste time doubting yourself - if your GP doesn't believe you find a doctor who works outside the ridiculous NHS restrictions and get treatment. It is estimated that about 1 million people are hypo but undiagnosed/refused treatment by the NHS because they treat the blood tests as gospel. I have been taking thyroxine since April and slowly my life is returning - I still have a long way to go but at least I am on the right track now. Don't accept what the doctors tell you if you know better - there is hope. Published: July 09 ::

I was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism yesterday. I was excited. As weird as that sounds, I had struggled for so long with so many of the symptoms: swollen legs, hairloss, fatigue, my mind slipping, my sporadic periods, being cold then hot and severe muscle cramps. It was my sever muscle cramps that actually scared me just last week to the point they made me go to the doctor to get the blood work. I had made an excuse for everything: old age. I just turned 50 and now is the time for the body to go! I'm so excited to get myself back! I started on the medication this morning. Published: June 26 ::

I am a 49-year-old female. I always knew I had a family history of hypothyroidism (my father, his two sister as well as their mother were all diagnosed in their late forties to early fifties) but I didn't have health insurance so hadn't been to see my physician for an exam for over eight years. However, I didn't know there were symptoms for which I should have been vigilant. I started becoming increasingly constipated over the last two to three years. I also began to become increasingly less tolerant of cold. My periods became erratic then quit all together. I slowly began to gain weight (over two years about 20 pounds). I began to feel more and more "bloated" with no appetite. I became increasingly depressed and mentally "fuzzy," forgetting things and just not feeling like myself in terms of mental acuity. I was able to see my physician three weeks ago. I didn't think to mention ANY of these symptoms because I had pretty much justified all of them in my mind, making the assumption they were all "natural" lifecycle changes. My physician took blood work including TSH level, and he put me on levothyroxine three weeks ago. I am starting to feel more like my old self, though I am still working on building up my energy reserve. I just started my period yesterday, which my physician said was due to getting my thyroid level back in the "normal" range. Published: June 25 ::

I had no idea I had hypothyroidism until I had my yearly physical. I felt sleepy all day. Had weight gain and was depressed and moody. I was so tired that when I got up all I could think about was going back to bed. I also had low blood pressure. I have started taking a medication just two weeks ago. I hope this helps someone. Published: July 09 ::

I had weight gain, falling asleep during the day, extreme tiredness, very dry skin and brittle fingernails. I also had a very slow heart beat and a body temperature of around 96. Published: July 08 ::

I am a 35 year old male, and I suffered from almost all these symptoms people have had. I have a family history of hypothyroidism also. The aches were bad and so was the depression, loss of sex drive, and vertigo coupled with anxiety attacks. At times I felt like there was a "weight" holding me down. I couldn’t exercise much, slept for 12 hours at a time. I had a blood test done finally and I was diagnosed. I’m happy to say I feel like I’m a teenager again, depression lifted, sex drive back , and lots of energy.. I feel more alive than ever. Get a test if you have these symptoms listed here. Your life can change like mine did. Thanks. Published: July 08 ::

I’m 21 years old. After my father passed away two years ago I gained 50 pounds without eating. My doctor thought it was severe depression and I believed it as I have been clinically depressed since I hit my teens. After repeatedly getting sick and dizzy and fainting more recently I had blood tests for diabetes and hypoglycemia. As a supplementary test he also did thyroid. I was diagnosed with hypothyroid! I have been on the medication for about a month now I am not noticing a change. My weight went up another 10 pounds despite diet and exercise that had helped me lose 30 pounds. I am not permitted to have caffeine while on this medication because of my already increased heart rate so I am very tired and my mood is just awful. Can anyone offer me advice? Published: July 07 ::