Hypothyroidism Without Lifestyle Change

As some of you may know who follow my blog, I developed hypothyroidism after I had my daughter, who is now 8.5 months old. When I was diagnosed I changed my lifestyle practically right away by using natural medicine(essential oils) and altering my diet. I decreased my sugar intake, went gluten-free, got on a daily vitamin regimen and started using essential oils on my thyroid and my goiter. I saw results very fast and lost over 10lbs in a month. The size of my goiter also decreased dramatically. With all this being said I was curious to know what type of difference others notice who only take the thyroid hormone.

My mother was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about seven years ago. More recently she found out she also has Hashimotos, an autoimmune disease. When she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism she started taking the thyroid hormone, but she didn't alter her lifestyle. I wanted to know about her experience with hypothyroidism because she didn't start changing her lifestyle until she found out she had Hashimotos. I asked her about how her life was when she was diagnosed and how medication affected her. This is what she said:

"Before I was diagnosed I was fat and exhausted. No matter how much I slept which was a lot, I never felt rested. I was dieting, doing Weight Watchers and going to the gym religiously and still gaining weight."

She found a new doctor who rigorously tested her thyroid. He confirmed that she had hypothyroidism. After her dose was made perfect she started to feel a difference.

"I felt like a new person but never lost the weight. I felt good for a long time."

She experienced more energy, but as time passed she noticed her symptoms starting to come back. Why is this? Taking the thyroid hormone doesn't cure hypothyroidism. Most people who take thyroid hormones still have many of the symptoms. When medication is used it doesn't cure or treat the problem. It treats the symptoms, but the health issue is still there. In order to really change one's health, the root of the problem needs to be found and addressed. 

Since my mother started changing her lifestyle she has lost over ten stubborn pounds. She is still on her path to recovery but I am excited for the new changes happening in her life and health. She went gluten free as well. She is also eats a diet low on carbs and sugar and high on healthy fats and protein.

There are a lot of people out there taking the thyroid hormone but still experiencing symptoms and struggling with weightloss. Maybe now is the time for a lifestyle change. I know how hard it can be to change your lifestyle. I used to eat whatever I wanted, especially when I was pregnant. I used to drink whatever I wanted and not be affected. But now everything has been affecting me. Especially now that I also have an autoimmune disease. I know that I am going to have to give up a lot more than gluten if I want to put this baby into remission. Honestly, it's not fun being on a strict diet, especially when you see others around you indulging. But it's worth it. A tasty burger and fries lasts five minutes, but the results of a healthy lifestyle can last a lifetime.

Have you had any similar experiences?