"It's all in your head."
ISSUE 128, 1st June 2023
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Welcome to all members of our thyroid family, new and old. It's lovely to have you here and a part of our thyroid family. ๐ค
I hope you'll find this issue inspiring, reassuring and useful in your own thyroid journey. My aim is to share the information you need to live well with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's, as well as keep you up-to-date with what I'm doing in the thyroidsphere!
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Thursday Thoughts
The Google definition of โGaslightingโ is: โTo manipulate someone by psychological means into doubting their own sanity.โ
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โMedical Gaslightingโ is when a medical professional tries to convince the patient to second guess their instincts and doubt their perception that their symptoms for example, are real.
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๐ They may try to downplay symptoms and complaints, tell the patient that they are imagining them or even try to convince them that they are caused by something else entirely.
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๐ In my case, โlow moodโ and being a hypochondriac were the scapegoat for my physical complaints over the years which turned out to be a thyroid condition.
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๐ Iโve written many times about the struggles I experienced with finally getting diagnosed with autoimmune hypothyroidism and unfortunately, itโs not a rare story.
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I hear from many other people who experienced doctors gaslighting them for years; phrases such as โItโs all in your headโ, โYour test results are fine so thereโs nothing wrong with youโ and โThese sound like a low mood problem. Have some antidepressantsโ, are not uncommon.
Of the 750 million people estimated to be living with thyroid disease worldwide, as many as 60% are undiagnosed โ are they undiagnosed because doctors are dismissing their concerns and not thinking to run the appropriate tests?
It is because of this kind of attitude from medical professionals, that more and more of us are learning to advocate for ourselves and our own healthcare.โ
For years I told myself โthe doctor knows bestโ and I kept going back to the surgery with mounting symptoms, having them test the same basic things they always did and tell me nothing was wrong with me; I was just a hypochondriac. When there was something wrong with me.
The whole experience of being a thyroid patient has taught me to fiercely protect my body, especially from those who try to deny that what Iโm experiencing and telling them is wrong.
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For a concise reading of all this and more, you can find it in my number 1 bestselling thyroid book: Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate.
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Thursday Health Check-in
I am focusing on more rest and recuperation time. I feel exhausted and I know that if I don't prioritise this now, my health could really suffer soon.
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Outro -
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โThis newsletter includes thyroid research, events, news, articles, discounts, tips, advice, and links to popular social media posts from the last fortnight. Enjoy reading!
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- Rachel Hill, The Invisible Hypothyroidism
Follow Rachel on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterestโ
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Sponsor a future issue of this newsletter and share your services or product with over 7,800 readers. ๐
Interested? Find out more here.
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- I did an Instagram LIVE Q+A on 25th May. If you missed it, catch it here.
- I did an Instagram LIVE chat with Thyroid Pharmacist, Izabella Wentz. Replay is here.
- I spoke at two online thyroid events last week (ThyroidUK and Medichecks). Both have been recorded and will be available to rewatch soon.
- My LetsGetChecked discount code is now INVISIBLE25 for 25% off.
- My Medichecks discount code is now INVISIBLE10 for 10% off.
Social Health Awards Judging
I am on the judging panel again this year and am really enjoying reviewing the nominations!
Learn more about Social Health here.
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Thyroid Book for Children
My new book "Thyroid Superhero: A Kidโs Guide to Understanding Their Grown-upโs Hypothyroidism" was released last week.
This book answers a child's questions around hypothyroidism, encourages them to see those with chronic illness with acceptance and awareness and also teaches them the signs of a thyroid condition too.
โView it on Amazon.
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5 Ways You Can Support the Hypothyroid Person in Your Life Right Now
This is one to share with those around you!
"If youโre feeling overwhelmed about what your loved oneโs diagnosis of hypothyroidism means, how it affects them and how you can help to support them, then youโve come to the right place. This post is going to cover 5 key steps you can take to begin supporting them right now.
Because when they feel supported and understood, youโre more likely to experience a strengthened connection and happier relationship as a result."
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โView and share this article here.โ
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What to Expect When You Change Thyroid Medication Dose
The questions I hear often include:
- How long will it take until it takes effect?
- How long until I feel better on the new dose?
- When do I need my levels testing again?
Letโs explore these.
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โRead this new article here.โ
This recent post from The Invisible Hypothyroidism's Instagram page was very popular:
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The caption said:
"This photo was taken over 10 years ago now. (in September 2011 to be exact)
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I was in intensive care. Unconscious. Spending my 18th birthday on breathing support."
โClick here to see the full Instagram post.
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โจ Other Popular Instagram Posts From The Last Two Weeks
- โTell me you have a thyroid problem without telling meโ
- โWhat causes a flareโ
- โKids book is OUTโ
- โBook excerptโ
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๐ฌ Latest Instagram Reels ๐ฌ
- โHow to resolve oestrogen dominanceโ
- โThyroid hair lossโ
- โHow long does it take for thyroid meds to work?โ
- โHypo signs in childrenโ
- โWhy thyroid meds don't workโ
- โTypes of thyroid medsโ
- โCommon low vitamins in thyroid peepsโ
- โA thyroid book for kidsโ
- โBrain fogโ
- โAcne and thyroidโ
- โWorking with thyroid diseaseโ
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Sleep Complaints
Issues surrounding sleep can be one of the most frustrating parts of having a thyroid condition. Trouble falling asleep and waking up frequently are often asked about in my Facebook support group.โ
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โRead my article about sleep and thyroid health here.
This is where I share my favourite thyroid health supporting tools and resources each fortnight. ๐
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๐ Book: Rethinking Hypothyroidism by Dr Antonio Bianco โ
I have just started reading this thyroid book! I'll add a book review of it to my website when I'm done. It has caused a lot of excitement in the thyroid world lately.
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๐ Podcast Episode: How To Write Your Own Thyroid Story - Let's Talk Thyroid Podcastโ
Includes some tips for figuring out what has caused your thyroid condition and moving forwards.
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๐ฅ Recipe: Chocolate Protein Smoothieโ
This rich and creamy smoothie packed with electrolytes, healthy fat, and protein makes a great post-workout beverage.
You can read more on my approach to diet / dietary changes with thyroid disease here.
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๐งช Test: Thyroid Function Blood Testโ
As it was World Thyroid Day last week, I felt it important to share a test that checks the full thyroid panel. This awareness event is a great time to get the full picture of your thyroid status.
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๐ Self-Care Nugget: Health Coaching (not sponsored - I just really appreciate Lauren and all she does!)
Looking for some support on your thyroid journey? Lauren is a thyroid patient and health coach who really gets what it's like to live with thyroid issues and knows how to support others on a path back to better health. You can check out her work here.
๐ Others:
- My iron levels are low for ferrous fumarate from the doctor's constipates me, so my doctor recommends bisglycinate instead. I got some here.
- This scalp spray for an itchy scalp: Suu Balm - Scalp Care Rapid Itch Relief Spray Moisturiserโ
That's all for this issue of The Free Thyroid Family Newsletter, but as always, you can find more information and support...
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โญ In my website articlesโ
โญ In my booksโ
โญ In the 'Thyroid Family' Facebook Support Groupโ
โญ On my Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterestโ
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If thereโs anything you'd like to see in a future issue, let me know. Keep an eye out for the next issue in two weeks' time!
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Be your own thyroid advocate. ๐ฆ
Rachel Hill
The Invisible Hypothyroidism
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Please Note: None of the statements in this publication should be taken as an official endorsement of any particular product, including any sponsored content. I strongly suggest consulting your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle or health regimen. The information included in this publication is not meant to substitute the clinical guidance provided by a healthcare professional. Rachel Hill / The Invisible Hypothyroidism is not medically qualified and does not offer medical advice. Read the full disclaimer here. By reading this newsletter, you agree to understanding this information.
This newsletter may also contain affiliate links where I earn a small commission if you purchase through it. This does not change the way I work or the products I link to, and it doesnโt change your user experience. To find out more information, please read my disclosure statement. For example, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Copyright ยฉ 2023 The Invisible Hypothyroidism. All rights reserved.
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