today's lesson

What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone. Because thyroid hormone affects growth, development, and many cellular processes, inadequate thyroid hormone has widespread consequences for the body.
Hypothyroidism is sometimes referred to as a "silent" disease because early symptoms may be so mild that no one realizes anything is wrong.

Someone who has hypothyroidism will probably have more than one of the following symptoms:
Long and Pathetic list of Hypothyroid Symptoms (Edited to make shorter)
Fatigue
Problems with memory and concentration
Depression
Numb, tingling hands
Long recovery period after any activity
Arms feeling like dead weights after activity
Chronic Low Grade Depression
Suicidal Thoughts
Cold hands and feet
High or rising cholesterol
Bizarre and Debilitating reaction to exercise
Hard stools
Constipation
No eyebrows or thinning outer eyebrows (always had that)
Dry Hair
Hair Loss
Nodding off easily
Requires naps in the afternoon
Air Hunger (feeling like you can’t get enough air)
Inability to concentrate or read long periods of time
Forgetfulness
Foggy thinking
Inability to lose weight
Always gaining weight
Inability to function in a relationship with anyone
NO sex drive
Moody periods
Aching bones/muscles
Osteoporosis
Exhaustion in every dimension–physical, mental, spiritual, emotional
Inability to stand on feet for long periods
Complete lack of motivation
Slowing to a snail’s pace when walking up slight grade
Internal itching of ears
Broken/peeling fingernails
Joint pain
Carpal tunnel symptoms
No Appetite
Headaches and Migraines
Sore feet (plantar fascitis); painful soles of feet
now how do I put this one politely….a cold bum, butt, derriere, fanny, gluteus maximus, haunches, hindquarters, posterior, rear, and/or cheeks. Yup, really exists.

An underactive thyroid can lead to progressive loss of interest and initiative, slowing of mental processes, poor memory for recent events, fading of the personality's color and vivacity, general intellectual deterioration, depression with a paranoid flavor, and eventually, if not checked, to dementia and permanent harmful effects on the brain.

(A second blood test to double check ... sounds best)