Wellness

[MESPal]

Recently I've been talking to my BIL and my cousins' wife separately about Hypothyroidism because they both have been diagnosed with it in the couple of years. Each one had noticed things about me that they feel point toward my having the condition and said it was like an act of Congress to get their doctors to do the complete testing.

Here's what I've noticed about myself and who questioned me about it:

1. I've been 135-140 lbs. for over 25 years, but suddenly without any changes in diet and exercise I gained 45 lbs. in less than 9 months (both)

2. Loss of energy (both)

3. Wake up tired and stay tired (BIL and DH)

4. Brittle fingernails (wife)

5. Dry, brittle hair (wife)

6. Unprovoked mood swings (all of us)

7. Depression (me, and I've never been a depressed or sad person)

8. Dry skin (wife)

9. Painful joints (wife)

10. Swelling feet and fingers (wife)

11. Forgetfulness (BIL)

12. Bruises on my stomach mainly (wife)

And some other things. We researched these symptoms and it all comes back to Hypothyroidism. I'm worried, because I know my body and something tells me that there is indeed something to be concerned about. Do any of you suffer from Hypothyroidism and have advice for me?

Thank you.