Tag Archives: Living with hypothyroidism is exhausting

🌿 Living with Hypothyroidism: Lessons, Struggles, and Hope

Leave a reply

For years, I thought I was just tired. I thought my brain fog, brittle hair, constant weight struggles, and emotional ups and downs were “normal.” Doctors told me I was just stressed, just a mom, just getting older. But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right.

What I didn’t know then was that I was living with hypothyroidism — a condition where your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones to keep your body balanced. And if you’re reading this, maybe you’ve felt it too: the exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix, the scale that won’t budge, the frustration of feeling “off” no matter what you do.

🌸 My Turning Point

When I finally got diagnosed, I thought the hardest part was over. But anyone with hypothyroidism knows the diagnosis is just the beginning. I was handed prescriptions, told to “try this and see,” and sent on my way.

But I didn’t want to just mask symptoms. I wanted to heal.

So, I did what many of us do when doctors can’t give us the whole picture — I started researching, experimenting, and listening to my own body. From there, I discovered:

  • Food matters more than we think. Certain foods inflame the thyroid, while others (like selenium-rich Brazil nuts, clean proteins, and anti-inflammatory herbs) can calm it.
  • Stress is toxic. Cortisol spikes throw the thyroid off balance. Learning boundaries, breathing techniques, and cutting toxic influences became medicine in its own right.
  • Environment is sneaky. Endocrine disruptors in our water, plastics, and even cosmetics quietly sabotage thyroid health. Detoxing my environment changed everything.

🍲 The Power of Real Food

When I shifted my meals to whole, nourishing foods, I noticed something incredible: my symptoms didn’t just “lighten” — they began to reverse.

I started making my own non-toxic recipes at home — everything from crock-pot meals that reset my thyroid to natural skin-care remedies that skipped the chemicals. That’s how books like Hashimoto’s Crock-Pot Recipes and Roots to Health were born. They’re not just cookbooks — they’re part of my survival guide.

Food isn’t a cure-all, but it’s a foundation. And when your thyroid is struggling, the foundation matters more than anything.

💬 The Silent Struggles We Don’t Talk About

Living with hypothyroidism isn’t just about blood tests and medication. It’s about:

  • Feeling like you’re failing when you can’t get out of bed.
  • Arguing with doctors who dismiss your symptoms.
  • Explaining (again and again) why you’re not “lazy” — you’re sick.
  • Battling guilt, shame, and the weight of being misunderstood.

These are the conversations we need to normalize. You’re not alone in this fight, and you don’t have to carry the weight in silence.

🛠 What’s Helped Me (and Might Help You)

  • Routine labs (but deeper testing too). TSH isn’t the whole story. Ask about Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and antibodies.
  • Targeted supplements. Selenium, zinc, vitamin D, B12 — but always under guidance.
  • Movement with compassion. Some days are yoga days, some days are rest days. And that’s okay.
  • Community. Finding others who understand has been as healing as any supplement.

📚 Resources & References

  • American Thyroid Association – Science-backed info on thyroid disorders
  • Hypothyroid Mom – Real stories & resources
  • Reset Your Thyroid by A.L. Childers (my 21-day plan that put my Hashimoto’s into remission)
  • Roots to Health (my journey into food-based healing)

⚠️ Disclaimer

I’m not a doctor. I’m sharing my personal journey and what has worked for me. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

✍️ About the Author

A.L. Childers (a.k.a. The Hypothyroidism Chick) is an author, blogger, and health advocate who put her autoimmune thyroid disease into remission through natural healing, clean living, and a lot of trial and error. She’s the author of multiple thyroid and holistic health books available on Amazon, including Reset Your Thyroid, Hashimoto’s Crock-Pot Recipes, and Roots to Health. Her mission: to help others take back their health and feel human again.


“Living with hypothyroidism is exhausting, but healing is possible. Discover real-life lessons, natural thyroid tips, and food-based strategies for balance.”

  • hypothyroidism symptoms
  • natural hypothyroidism treatment
  • Hashimoto’s healing story
  • thyroid food recipes
  • hypothyroidism lifestyle tips
  • reset your thyroid naturally
  • North Carolina thyroid author