Fatigue – A Common Symptom Experienced In Hashimotos Thyroiditis

Everyone needs a small break to rest and recharge. We cannot do everything without stopping to refuel. I have always been an avid admirer of Wonder Woman, a strong and capable woman, but it is important to realise that even Wonder Woman would have her down time.

If you tend to do everything for everyone else, it is important that you allocate yourself self-care time, which I like to call ‘me time’. 

Working with the ‘ON’ switch continuously, can lead to exhaustion and being run down or burnt out. 

This is even more so if you have been diagnosed with Hashimotos thyroiditis, because fatigue tends to be one of the most common symptoms experienced. 

Symptoms can differ from person to person. In some, an underactive thyroid, results in mild symptoms, while in others symptoms can be more severe and/or combined, which can include: 

· disturbed sleep
· breathlessness
· poor concentration/forgetfulness
· depression/low mood
· muscle pain and weakness
· reduced exercise tolerance
· weight gain · fluid retention
· dry/thinning hair and/or eyebrows
· sensitivity to cold
· dry Skin
· constipation
· irregular or heavy menstrual periods
· low libido/decreased fertility
· hoarse voice
· enlarged thyroid (goitre) a visible lump in the neck 

If you experience any of these symptoms, but have not had any diagnosis, you should see your doctor for a thyroid examination to eliminate thyroid disease.

If you have Hashimotos disease and experience these symptoms in particular fatigue, then there are several things you can do to help manage them and reduce their severity. 

For fatigue, take steps to slow down or take time out. This can include allocating time in the day to rest and recharge, eat well to give your body the nutrients and energy it needs, and keep hydrated by drinking water regularly throughout the day. Don’t hesitate to seek help from friends, family, colleagues when things get too much, or consult a healthcare professional who specialises in this area.