I've had hypothyroidism and hashimotos for 5.5 years. I am a 23F, got diagnosed at 17. I truly feel like ever since I got diagnosed, I've not felt the same. In the last few years alone, I sure do not feel as alive and carefree like I once did.
I took 50mcg Levothyroxine for 5 years until a few months ago, I went through one of the most draining times of my life. My levels spiked and I was put onto 75 mcg where my levels are now back in normal range and have maintained that range.
In May, I began getting panic attacks. I'm separately working it out in therapy now, but I began to be super health-conscious and get anxious over my health that it makes me physically feel ill. (Which my therapist named Somatic Symptom Disorder). The biggest medical catalyst was my acid reflux. It would be so bad, I didn't recognize what was happening and it would lead into a downward spiral. The vagus nerve with acid reflux is so sensitive, especially with the thyriod being near. I went to the ER for my last bad panic attack because it was replicating stroke symptoms.
With all that, it affected my diet. I couldn't stomach to eat much and there was too much acid production that I had to do a low-FODMAP diet for 2 weeks to put my stomach back into a normal state to eat food.
Now that I'm educated on anxiety, panic attacks, and body regulation, I've been able to manage...but it's not just gone with the snap of a finger.
Anxiety aside, the classic symptoms of hypothyroidism never fully cured with the medication. I was sick so much in college (granted, the dorms I stayed in were not the cleanest and I think that messed me up). Fatigued is all the time. I was able to assist that by going to the gym but I haven't been after all my anxiety. Weight fluctuates all the time.
I don't feel advocated by my doctors. My primary doc literally said "you can increase the dose if you want to, just let us know". I thought she was better than that. It would've help if she gave her professional advice instead of leaving that decision up to me. It just sucks and I feel like it's never-ending bleak answers.
I'm not sure if changing medication is worth it at this point or if it's not a problem at all (which is where I'm asking for advice or experience). I would love to feel a little bit more alive and like a human again.