Lifelong Struggle with Mysterious Symptoms Leads to Thyroid Disorder Diagnosis

In September 2025, a 36-year-old civil servant named Emily Measures from Bristol, UK, has been dealing with a range of puzzling health issues for most of her life. Despite the mild weather, she has always felt inexplicably cold, with her hands and feet constantly chilly. Her nails were constantly breaking, and her eyebrows barely grew, though her hair remained thick and healthy.

For years, Emily simply attributed these symptoms to the cold weather or low iron levels. However, it wasn't until her period suddenly stopped for 5 months in 2024 that she decided to see her doctor. Concerned by the sudden change in her menstrual cycle, as well as extreme fatigue and brain fog, Emily underwent blood tests that revealed she had Hashimoto's disease - an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland.

Hashimoto's, also known as hypothyroidism, is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, causing it to slow down or shut off entirely. This disrupts the body's ability to regulate its metabolism, leading to a range of symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and feeling cold. If left untreated, it can even cause life-threatening complications like heart problems and high cholesterol.

Fortunately, Hashimoto's is easily treatable with daily thyroid hormone medication. However, the condition often goes undiagnosed, with experts estimating that up to 60% of cases remain undetected. This can be particularly concerning for women trying to conceive, as thyroid imbalances can significantly increase the risk of miscarriage and fertility issues.

Since her diagnosis, Emily's symptoms have largely resolved, and she was able to conceive and give birth to a daughter. However, she continues to work closely with her doctor to monitor and adjust her medication as needed.