When Your Thyroid Hits the Snooze Button: Understanding Hypothyroidism & Taking Back Your Energy

If your thyroid had a catchphrase, what would it be?

For many people with hypothyroidism, including me right now, it’s something like:

“I’ll get to it… eventually.”

Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid — a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck — slows down on producing the hormones that regulate your metabolism, energy, digestion, and mood. It’s tiny, but it runs the show like a power plant for your entire body.

When the thyroid underperforms, everything starts lagging. Imagine trying to run your life on one bar of Wi-Fi — that’s hypothyroidism in a nutshell.

Let’s Talk Symptoms (a.k.a. The Thyroid Slowdown Starter Pack)

Maybe you’ll relate to some of these. I sure do.

✔ fatigue that sleep doesn’t fix

✔ sensitivity to cold — sweater-on-inside cold

✔ weight gain or bloating despite eating well

✔ digestion that’s… unpredictable

✔ brain fog (“What did I walk into this room for again?”)

✔ hair thinning or dryness

✔ mood changes or apathy

✔ little to no hunger cues

And my personal favorite (said with sarcasm): Cholesterol that climbs even when you’re eating well. Because when your thyroid slows down, your metabolism slows down. Thanks, body.

Why Hypothyroidism Happens

Common causes include:

1. Autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s) — the immune system attacks the thyroid.

2. Nutrient deficiencies — iodine, selenium, vitamin D, zinc, iron.

3. Chronic stress — stress hormones interfere with thyroid conversion.

4. Genetics — sometimes it’s inherited.

5. Hormonal shifts — perimenopause, menopause, pregnancy.

Hashimoto’s is the most common cause. Yes, it’s autoimmune. And no, it’s not because you “did something wrong.”

Here’s My Reality (No Numbers, Just Truth)

Recently, my body started whispering… then yelling:

• sudden fatigue

• feeling cold all the time

• harder to focus

• appetite changes

• cholesterol elevating without dietary cause

I listened to those signs and asked my doctor for a full thyroid panel — not just TSH.

And yes… things came back showing hypothyroidism. I'm currently in the diagnostic phase of determining if it’s autoimmune (Hashimoto’s) or primary hypothyroidism.

So when I talk about this, it’s not theoretical. I'm in it with you.

How Hypothyroidism Is Diagnosed

Typical tests include:

• TSH (initial screening)

• Free T4 (storage hormone)

• Free T3 (the hormone that actually gives energy)

• Thyroid antibodies (to check for Hashimoto’s)

PSA: If your doctor only runs a TSH test and tells you everything is “fine," you have permission to advocate for a full panel.

You are the CEO of your health. Doctors are consultants — highly valuable consultants — but still consultants.

Treatment Options

The most common treatment is:

• Levothyroxine (Synthroid) — replaces T4.

Sometimes people benefit from a T3 + T4 combo if the body struggles to convert T4 to T3 effectively.

Medication isn’t weakness. It’s support. We don’t clap for people whose house is on fire and they refuse a fire hose.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

I am not a doctor. This blog is for education and personal experience only. Always consult a licensed medical provider before starting or changing any medication, supplement, or exercise program. My role is not to diagnose, treat, or replace medical care.

Holistic Support (Alongside Medical Care)

These aren’t cures — they’re supports that help your body function better:

• Eating consistently (starvation and thyroid don’t play well together)

• Magnesium glycinate

• Selenium (hello, Brazil nuts)

• Omega-3s

• Vitamin D + K2

• Prioritizing sleep and regulating stress

*Always consult a physician before beginning any supplement program.*

The thyroid is sensitive, not dramatic — it responds to what you consistently do, not what you occasionally try.

Where Coaching Comes In

Coaching is not therapy, and it’s not medical treatment. But it is support — structure — clarity — accountability.

When your body feels unpredictable, coaching helps you:

➡ build routines around energy, not shame➡ honor your body instead of fighting it➡ reduce overwhelm around lifestyle changes➡ stay consistent, without perfection pressure

As an ICF-aligned coach:

I don’t lead from the front — I walk beside you. You bring the story. I bring the space. Together, we create the plan.

And yes, I’m walking this one out in real time, with you.

Forward-Focused Encouragement

You are not “lazy." You are not “too emotional." You are not imagining it.

Your body is talking to you.

Rest is not quitting. Rest is responding.

There’s purpose in the pause.

If you’re navigating fatigue, thyroid symptoms, or chronic uncertainty:

🌿 Book a Discovery Session with me.

Let’s look at what you can control — together.