Switching Health Providers Helped B.J. Thorsnes Benefit from Treatment for Hypothyroidism
Unwilling to settle for such a significant decline in the quality of life, the California woman consulted other providers, was eventually diagnosed with hypothyroidism and received the right treatment.
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January 27, 2010
When B.J. Thorsnes began experience unexplained exhaustion, severe dry skin, joint pain, feet swelling and cognitive problems, her doctor dismissed the symptoms as due to aging. However, unwilling to settle for such a significant decline in the quality of life, the California woman consulted other providers, was eventually diagnosed with hypothyroidism and received the right treatment.
The 66-year-old told Contra Costa Times that she refused to be dismissed as "one of those 'older ladies'," and has since benefited from hormone supplementation that restored her to normalcy.
"I felt like a new person within days of receiving a slight amount of thyroid hormone," she told the news provider.
"I can't tell you how excited I am to no longer be dismissed as [someone who] needs a shrink to navigate life's changes," she added.
During the current Thyroid Awareness Month, it may be worth remembering that hypothyroidism - a condition where the thyroid produces insufficient levels of certain hormones - affects approximately 11 million Americans, and women are 10 times more likely to suffer form it than men, according to the American Medical Women's Association.
Experts say there is currently no way to prevent the condition, but screening tests in newborns can detect the congenital form of hypothyroidism.
Survivors can learn how to live thriving and fulfilling lives on the website of The American Thyroid Association.
When B.J. Thorsnes began experience unexplained exhaustion, severe dry skin, joint pain, feet swelling and cognitive problems, her doctor dismissed the symptoms as due to aging. However, unwilling to settle for such a significant decline in the quality of life, the California woman consulted other providers, was eventually diagnosed with hypothyroidism and received the right treatment.
The 66-year-old told Contra Costa Times that she refused to be dismissed as "one of those 'older ladies'," and has since benefited from hormone supplementation that restored her to normalcy.
"I felt like a new person within days of receiving a slight amount of thyroid hormone," she told the news provider.
"I can't tell you how excited I am to no longer be dismissed as [someone who] needs a shrink to navigate life's changes," she added.
During the current Thyroid Awareness Month, it may be worth remembering that hypothyroidism - a condition where the thyroid produces insufficient levels of certain hormones - affects approximately 11 million Americans, and women are 10 times more likely to suffer form it than men, according to the American Medical Women's Association.
Experts say there is currently no way to prevent the condition, but screening tests in newborns can detect the congenital form of hypothyroidism.
Survivors can learn how to live thriving and fulfilling lives on the website of The American Thyroid Association.
