The Link Between Hypothyroidism, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and Insulin Resistance

In my early twenties I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. At first I was excited - yes, excited - for two different reasons. First of all, since the age of sixteen I'd been told by doctors that it would be very unlikely that I would ever conceive a child. That was upsetting to me because, even then, I knew I eventually would want to be a mother. Second of all, I had always been chubby and the doctor told me that taking the medication, brand name Synthroid, would not only help me to lose weight but to regain my energy.

A decade later, my weight is still out of wack, and my dose has been increased in the last year. My doctor anticipates another increase soon, after more blood work is complete. Not to mention the fact that I suffer from other ailments connected to hypothyroidism.

Here is an informational list for women recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

· Do not expect Synthroid to be a miracle drug. It is not a magic pill, it will not cure you, it will only help in slowing or stopping the progression of your disease. Always take it, do not miss doses, take it exactly as directed. This is serious business.

· If you have an under active thyroid, it is probably that you have irregular menstrual periods. Have your gynecologist test you for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The two diseases go hand in hand. PCOS is often caused by hypothyroidism.

· Know that 30-80% of women who suffer from PCOS also have insulin resistance. This is did not understand - but it explains why my insulin is among my annual battery of blood tests and why a doctor once wanted me to take a related medication. I did not take that medication, if I remember correctly (it's been years) because of possible side effects; and I thought that I really didn't need it. A more harm than good scenario is what I perceived. Now, I don't really know. I'm planning to revisit that subject with my doctor.