15% of women say doctors didn’t believe them when they described their symptoms. My fight for a Hashimoto’s diagnosis shows the devastating impact of medical dismissal.
Moving to a new city is always an adventure, but for me, it turned into a bewildering journey of exhaustion and confusion. Little did I know that what I initially attributed to the stress of relocation would unveil a deeper, more complex health issue—Hashimoto’s disease.
My PCOS Diagnosis and Starting a Family
Back in 2015, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) before my daughter was born. The diagnosis felt daunting at first, but my treatment plan didn’t involve medication, just lifestyle modifications—things like focusing on a healthier diet and regular exercise.
I was able to manage my symptoms well enough, and—to my surprise—I got pregnant in 2016 with my daughter. Then, a few years later in 2019, I was able to conceive again and welcomed my son into the world.
Managing PCOS through these changes worked for me at the time, and I was relieved these adjustments were enough to help me start my family. But little did I know that was just the beginning of a more complex health journey.
The Decision to Relocate
In 2019, my husband’s job offered him a promotion that required us to relocate from New York to Saint Petersburg, Florida. We saw it as an exciting opportunity for a fresh start. Bidding farewell to familiar faces and embracing the unknown seemed like the perfect way to start a new chapter in our lives.
However, as the weeks passed in our new home, I found myself battling an overwhelming fatigue that seemed to get worse with each passing day. The hard part was over, so what was this exhaustion all about?
Dismissed for Years
The journey from experiencing symptoms to receiving a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease was filled with frustration and disbelief. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing chronic inflammation and symptoms like fatigue, dry skin, hair loss and weight gain. For years, doctors attributed my symptoms to stress, my PCOS, aging—at 30—or simply being a part of life.
Despite hopping from one doctor to another and voicing concerns about my extreme fatigue, hair loss, and constipation, I was met with skepticism and a lack of thorough investigation.
Each visit to the doctor left me feeling more defeated than the last. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for healthcare professionals to dismiss women. Roughly 29 percent of women report being dismissed, and 15 percent say doctors didn’t believe them.
It was disheartening to have my experiences invalidated time and time again, leading me to question my sanity. I began to second-guess whether I was exaggerating my symptoms or if I was truly experiencing a decline in my health.
Misdiagnosis After Misdiagnosis
When doctors finally began to take me seriously, they couldn’t quite seem to pinpoint where the issue was stemming from. They kept attributing my symptoms to my PCOS, but this felt different.
The symptoms of PCOS—such as fatigue, weight gain, and irregular menstrual cycles—are very similar to those of Hashimoto’s disease. However, despite undergoing tests and treatments for PCOS, my symptoms persisted.
Getting Answers, Finally
In 2022, the turning point in my health journey finally came. Determined to find answers, I did countless hours of research. I found a doctor willing to listen and take a comprehensive approach to investigating my symptoms.
During my initial consultation with this specialist, I felt a glimmer of hope. For the first time in years, I was met with validation and a genuine concern to uncover the root cause of my health struggles.
After a thorough investigation and a series of tests, I received my diagnosis. My thyroid levels were extremely low, I had high levels of thyroid antibodies, and my thyroid was inflamed—telltale signs of Hashimoto’s.
After being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. It was as if all the puzzle pieces had finally fallen into place. With these answers, I could finally begin the journey toward healing and reclaiming my life from the grips of chronic illness.
Adapting to My New Life
As I adjusted to the demands of managing my chronic illness, I discovered the importance of self-care and prioritizing my well-being. Through dietary changes like limiting processed foods and making sure I meet all the nutritional requirements, managing my medication, and maintaining a consistent workout routine, I took proactive steps to support my body in its fight against autoimmune dysfunction.
Now, just over a year into remission, I find myself reflecting on the lessons this experience has taught me. This time has brought a newfound appreciation for the fragility of life and served as a reminder to never take anything for granted. Through the trials of chronic illness and the triumphs of managing it, I’ve emerged stronger and more resilient than I ever thought possible.
