#elevated thyroid levels

[hopkinrx]

Hyperthyroidism: Its Important Symptoms, Causes, Treatment And Lifestyle

Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment And LifestyleIntroductionFunction Of Thyroid GlandWhat is Hyperthyroidism?Causes of HyperthyroidismSymptoms Of Hyperthyroidism Physical Manifestations Emotional RollercoasterDiagnosis Of HyperthyroidismTreatment Options: Bringing Harmony Back Medications Radioactive Iodine Therapy Surgical InterventionEmbracing a New Rhythm: Living with…

[shitty-check-please-aus]

“your cholesterol looks wonderful” hell yeah I’m getting a good grade in bloodwork, something that is normal to want and possible to achieve

[astromechs]

live reaction to being told she's been stressing me the hell out <3

[t-tomuras]

✺ ─── • 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐁-𝟏𝟕𝟒

Pairing: Katsuki Bakugou x F!reader

Warnings: Halo AU, Size difference (hes 8ft) / size kink(?), cornering, fingering, dubcon, creampie if I missed anything lmk

Wordcount: 3.4k

Notes: Reupload, Rampancy Universe, Spartan D-175

You get on his nerves, grating with the click of your heels that he can pick from the clanging of heavy weights anywhere. Jaw setting tightly while he maintains his dead sprint on the treadmill without even breaking a sweat before the clicking on the floor draws closer. 

He can see you from the corner of his eye, deadly crimson focused on a random point on the wall ahead of him before that fucking AI greets you warmly. Bidding you good morning and making you even more impossible to ignore, try as he might. 

Katsuki’s first mistake was not giving himself music to listen to, the second was not choosing to run laps around base and up the steep hill for his workout. His hubris urging him to hook himself to his monitors and pull up Toga’s time, distance and speed in the hopes of overtaking her as the top scorer. 

He elects not to wear the power suit for once, shirtless and in compression shorts only because Katsuki desires to claim his rightful place as number one without the aid of his extra enhancements. It was rare for them as spartans to be without the second skin, always suited up and ready for combat at a moment's notice but he was still human. He deserved to feel like one even while completing inhuman feats. 

“B-174,” your voice always sharp when you address him and it makes Bakugou grind his teeth today, not slowing in his stride in the slightest or letting his gaze stray. You wait for a moment for his response, brow quirking when you fail to receive one as well as finding clear defiance on his features; seeing how his brows knit and nostrils flare in a way you know is not from exertion. 

You step in front of him, holding your hand up high as you snap your fingers for his attention because you could never hope to block his line of sight with the staggering height difference, “B-174.” 

“What?” Comes his clipped growl. 

“Your armor, you’re not wearing it.”

“Yeah?” It’s then he looks at you with a bored expression, arms still pumping with ease and his feet thudding against the rapidly moving tread as a lazy smirk finds his lips and he widens an eye, “like what you see without it?” 

You scoff at that, folding your arms over your chest in a way that pushes your breasts up and gives Katsuki a nice view of your cleavage in the V cut scrub top you wear. His low and even heart rate elevating a tick, the ping of the machine's reading he’s hooked up to making him click his tongue in annoyance and pry his eyes from your figure. Your face pinches into a scowl, not at all finding his comment or apparent disinterest amusing; pointedly ignoring to acknowledge his statement instead. 

“When I address you I expect you to listen, like the rest of your team,” You step closer to the treadmill, reaching to turn off the equipment when his hand envelops half of your forearm. Your eyes dart between the point of contact and the fixed glare he affords you. You think it’s resentment, a disdain and disrespect he always seems to respond with but it’s surface level; it hides the lustful desires that plague him while you’re none the wiser. Why would you? Every Spartan III had the lowest sex drive but of course Katsuki was different in that respect as well. 

“Fuck do I care about what a desk jockeys gotta say?” He spits venom, tilting his head at you in the hopes you back off for now, thick veins on his throat and forehead protruding with the agitation you’ve instilled in him. A frustration he’s not supposed to experience with the chip implanted in his thyroid but of course you manage to be the reason his cock throbs and he lies awake at night thinking about bunching that stupid tight pencil skirt around your hips while he—

“Contrary to what you may believe Bakugou, I am your primary care physician. I ride your ass because you’re reckless.” 

Katsuki only rolls his eyes at your response, chuckling mockingly with his head thrown back before he leans over the machine's console to crowd your space with ease. One brow raised high with a feral grin spreading on his face to accompany his next taunt, grabbing at his crotch and the grin only grows wider when your eyes dart downward and quickly away. 

“I’ll give you somethin else to ride doc, maybe that’ll make you chill the fuck out.” 

You jerk to wrench your arm from his grasp, knowing full well Katsuki’s hold on you now isn’t enforced with any real strength but you hardly budge. Another mocking laugh sounds from him when he lurches forward before catching himself when the tread beneath him comes to a sudden halt. 

Katsuki snarls, whipping his head in the direction of the AI on his squad leader's shoulder. Likely the culprit and when her arms fold over her chest to mirror Tomura’s stance he’s certain, “I’ll scramble you, code!”

Katsuki releases his hold on you in favor of tapping fruitlessly at the blackened screen of his treadmill, curing his lip to find it’d been completely powered down. 

“Hit the showers and cool off, that’s an order,” Tomura’s even tone leaves no room for refusal but it isn’t met with silence. Katsuki hops off of his treadmill, glancing at you one final time before clicking his tongue and rolling his eyes as he stalks towards his captain. 

Smaller in stature by a foot but the size difference doesn’t intimidate him in the slightest, bored, lidded crimson fixed on flaring bromine. Bakugou's gaze flickering towards the ever present AI with a scoff before rounding the corner to the locker room. 

You watch the minimal exchange, features still pinched in annoyance while you rub at your forearm. His grip was loose, all things considered and it irks you how even while in a dead sprint and taunting, Bakugou was still able to exercise a ridiculous amount of restraint to keep from even bruising you. 

“I don’t think they like one another,” the projection of colored and flickering ones and zeros on Shigaraki’s shoulder comments before she retreats into her chip. Watching through the cameras placed around the facility as Katsuki slams his fist into the steel wall before the shower, denting the metal while you storm in the opposite direction, slamming the door of your office aggressively. 

“For once, I think you’re wrong on that one,” he responds without elaborating when she voices her confusion. Silent as he resumes his workout as well. 

Katsuki stands under the spray until the water runs cold, tensing his shoulders but it isn’t from the temperature. His forehead pressed to the cool tile while he heaved for breath, brows knit with a snarl to his lip as he spilled himself into his fist. Grunting from the fleeting euphoria of another orgasm that does little to quell his frustration. 

He leans back, letting the frigid droplets seep into his skin as if it’d be able to douse the inferno coursing in his veins and warming his body. It does little good, but Katsuki figured no less, he knows his fist could never compare to what he imagines you feel like. 

Picturing that infuriatingly cute pout of yours in a different setting completely, that when you roll your eyes at his comments it’s from overwhelming pleasure instead. He can’t help himself, pumping himself furiously as he conjures that image of your breast pushed higher and straining the fabric of your top until he’s choking on another groan when he reaches another climax. The high he reaches is shorter than the last one as he washes away his spend again, closing the faucet to finally leave the showers. 

The training area is empty, lights dimmed, when he finally exits the locker room clad only in a fresh pair of compression shorts and a small towel draped over his shoulders. Using the cloth to catch stray droplets after tousling his unruly locks wildly in a flippant attempt at drying the spikes. 

Even for his size, Katsuki pads quietly through the open space, heaving a bereft sigh when the white fluorescent lights of your office bleed through the partially closed blinds at your window. Illuminating the corridor a bit more even through the frosted glass that serves as extra privacy. He can tell you’re still inside, or that somebody is anyway but you rarely let anyone in your office, by the warping of the light because of your shadow. 

Bakugou halts in front of your door, chin down with his eyes downcast as he debates on something, of what he doesn’t really know. His shoulders creep up then fall slack with a deep breath, quick inhale and slow exhale before his knuckles rap on the heavy metal door that currently separates you. 

It opens at the third knock, making his eyes widen minutely as he steps inside. You’ve yet to look up from your work, closing certain files with a swipe of your hand as you pull up another one. 

“To what do I owe the unexpected visit, B-174?” 

He hates when you fucking do that, use his assigned number from his childhood. Sneering at the formality you present when he knows you have a more relaxed and friendly rapport with the rest of his team. 

Katsuki is silent as he stalks towards you, fists clenched as he reaches your desk before you finally look up at him. He can tell he’s taken you by surprise, his approach incredibly unusual for him, “can I help you, B-17–“ 

Your gasp cuts you off, broad palms making their way onto the reinforced glass of your table, effectively clearing all the files you had laid out before you as he corrals you. Invading your space in a different sort of way than he ever has before, devoid of any taunting aura. You lean back, trying to get a glimpse of his face as his head hangs and the lowlight of your office casts dark shadows against rugged features. 

“B—“ 

“Stop talkin,” husked low and deep as the base of your spine is pressed into your desk, Katsuki caging you against the table. 

A pregnant silence falls between the both of you, his head hanging until it comes to rest on your shoulder. Concern festers in you, touching tentatively at his bicep, “are you alright, Katsuki?” 

The sound of his given name on your tongue makes him groan, spoken softly with a gentle concern you rarely afford him. You jerk slightly when his index finger and thumb encircle your wrist paired with a soft groan. 

“No, m’fuckin not,” whispered as he pulls you against him, “sick of playin this fuckin game with you.” 

Unspoken and inherently sexually charged in one way or another, something that could be completely one sided but Katsuki doubts that significantly. He pulls your arm up to drape over his shoulder, refraining from holding you tightly. Kastuki gives you plenty of room to push him away and his eyes measure the distance between your free hand and the nearest useless paperweight on your desk. Fully aware of whatever reaction is to come and whatever response he should take but by the feel of the tension bleeding from your body he has a good guess on which action he’ll take. 

And rarely is his intuition wrong. 

“What game?” Soft, like you still want to uphold the facade, lie to yourself that the hulking man doesn’t leave you frustrated. Leave you wanting when you lay in your cot at night sweating and not fully satisfied with the use of a toy or fingers you know could never compare to the size of his own, let alone his cock. 

“You’re so fucking annoyin,” he breathes and you shudder beneath him, Katsuki’s voice alarmingly devoid of any of his usual bite. 

His head lifts just enough, moving from your shoulder to your throat where his lips graze your skin and your breath catches again. He loves the sound, delights in how you tense and your fingers press into his trapezius like you’ll press more firmly if he were to pull away. 

Like fucking hell he would. 

Katsuki’s lips press more intently to your skin, kissing up the column of your throat while you crane to give him more access. One broad palm moves to your hip to help lift you onto the edge of the desk instead of being pressed into it only for it to slide to your inner thigh once you’re settled comfortably. 

Instinctively you spread your legs to make room for him to slot between them and Katsuki pushes them a little wider to accommodate himself. Chuckling under his breath when he can hear the stitches in your tight pencil skirt groan at the strain and pop away as the rest of the fabric punches up your thighs. His palm slides up the soft flesh of your inner thigh until he can feel the heat of your clothed cunt, enjoying the sound you make in your throat when he cups you. 

There’s a dampness there already, a small wet patch as he cups your mound and thick digits press and roll over your clit above the fabric. Katsuki runs the flat of his tongue up your throat into your jawline as you reward him with soft sounds, noises he can’t wait to make crescendo. 

Your nails bite into his skin in anticipation when you feel him move the band of your underwear to the side, calloused pads applying a delicious pressure to your throbbing bud directly now. Toying with you until the slick clicking of his ministrations fills the room before he moves to the band on your hips. 

You prepare to lift your hips, make it easy for him to pull them down your legs when you hear them rip completely instead with a slight tug. Unable to protest when he grabs a fistful of your hair, tugging gently but with intent, craning your neck to look up at him. 

“You’ll be fine,” he says gruffly before his lips slant over yours.

Katsuki presses his hips into your inner thigh as his fingers run through your folds, allowing you to feel the outline of his hardening cock. His hips rolls, rutting slowly to give himself some much needed friction and with the movement you can feel the substantial girth of him. It earns a gasp, giving him the opportunity to let his tongue slide over yours slowly, enjoying the taste of you as you cling to him. 

Bakugou groans into your mouth, finally allowing his index to tease at your entrance. Prodding gently before slipping in slowly, letting you adjust to the size of him after burying to the last knuckle. Cunt fluttering around a single digit and you moan something sinful when he curls it. Tentatively adding his middle and you already feel incredibly full but you both know he’ll have to scissor and curl to prepare you for his cock. 

But you already sound so much prettier than he ever fantasized, feel better than the rough pads of his palm and fingertips ever could and he hasn’t even actually sunk into you yet. Taking his time to prime you while you squirm and preen with each plunge and curl of thick fingers until your walls are clamping tightly around them. 

Chanting the syllables of his name as he lets you buck your hips into his hand to ride the waves of your first orgasm with rewarding praise of hushed ‘that’s a good girl’ and ‘look at you, already a mess over some fingers.’ 

Whining at the latter comment as you grip at his bicep and shoulder, groaning while he nips and sucks at your collarbones and tops of your breasts. He’s bent awkwardly with the height difference but Katsuki fully intends to experience at least some of the things he’s fantasized and fucked his fist to right now. 

Working you up again to another high when you grip tightly at his wrist, pushing at it as you lean away from him, “more Katsuki, no more teasing.” 

And he agrees, breathless chuckle sounding in answer along with a breezy, “I hear ya I hear ya.” 

But he’s just as eager, pushing down the band of his compression shorts to free his aching cock. Tip flushed a furious red and leaking from the minimal friction he’d provided himself. Your lips fall agape as you look between your bodies, swallowing thickly as he grasps his cock, letting his fingers spread some of your slick before he pulls your hips closer to him. 

Your hands rest on his broad chest, fingers splayed out as he runs his cock between your folds in two slow strokes, cursing appreciatively under his breath before prodding at your entrance. Even with his prep, Katsuki eases into you slowly and for that you’re thankfully. Nails biting into his chest as your head lolls back as you take his girth inch my throbbing inch. Bakugou laying soothing kisses to your throat as he pulls your hips into his as he pushes into you. 

The uncomfortable burning from the stretch quickly ebbs into an overwhelmingly pleasurable fullness you’ve never felt before. Your hips jerk into his when he’s buried to the hilt, fluttering around him when your clit runs against his pelvis, gripping him tightly while you pant through the sudden high. 

Katsuki chuckles breathlessly, signature smirk on his lips despite the bead of sweat that rolls from his temple down his cheek, “did you just cum? Just like that?” 

Another of those cute scowls contorting your features while you clutch at him instead of pushing him away, uttering a half hearted, “shut it.” 

“More into me than I thought,” his voice an annoying taunt as your cheeks burn up to your ears but he doesn’t give you time for a rebuttal. Eyes rolling back as Katsuki begins to move, dragging his hips back before pushing into you once more. 

Setting a steady pace that has you in a constant moan, Bakugou cradling your skull as he handles you with ease. Using your body for both of your pleasure as he fucks into you, grunting with each deep rut. 

The room fills with wet squelches and the rhythmic clap of skin on skin, sweet moans and guttural groans creating a lewd cacophony. Katsuki wars with selfishly swallowing every sound you reward him with and letting anyone that could possibly pass by your office now hear what he does to you, savor the praise and file it away for lonely nights on long missions. 

Ultimately choosing the latter when another orgasm washes over you, greedily clamping around his cock to milk his impending demise but not before he leans back to see you leave thick, creamy rings around the base. Watch how you slick the neatly trimmed thatch of hair to his pelvis and the way you take his girth so well. 

“Fucking A, talk about just what the doctor ordered,” Katsuki groans, clamping one of his eyes shut as he finally tips over the edge after you, filling you so full of hot ropes that it leaks around from you and around his cock. 

Rutting slowly into you until you’re twitching, pushing weakly at his shoulders before you slump against him. Slowly coming down from the euphoria before he withdraws from you and even if you’re over sensitive you can’t help but lament the loss of him. 

He shushes you quietly, handling you with care as he pulls down your skirt while his cum slowly seeps from your abused cunt. Katsuki’s nose pressed to your temple and his hands on your hips as you slowly attempt to stand on trembling legs, holding you steady. 

Waiting a long moment until you seem stable and you tap his forearm to tell him you can stand on your own. Smiling tiredly up at him until he breaks the peace with a swift smack to your ass and that same insufferinfly endearing smirk, “hit the showers. Maybe I’ll join you.” 

But you laugh anyway, turning on your heels as you give him your back, sauntering to the heavy door because you know he’s watching the sway of your hips before you turn to him again, “It’s doctors order that you must.”

[femmchantress]

They found out yesterday that his kidneys are failing and his liver and thyroid levels are elevated; these could be handled with long term symptomatic care, but he also has a heart issue that might make treatment impossible and if that’s the case then we’re going to have to put him down and I’m so scared I’m so scared we’re gonna lose my boychik

[blogging1202]

Java Burn Ingredients

When examining Java Burn's formula, each ingredient is chosen because of its proven health benefits and its potential to help with weight management. This part of the review looks closely at the main components.

1

L-Theanine

This natural amino acid, known as L-theanine, is present in mushrooms and tea. It has the ability to create a sensation of fullness, aiding in weight loss efforts. Research studies have indicated that regular intake of L-theanine supplements can lead to improvements in attention, focus, sleep quality, mood, and relaxation levels.

2

L-Carnitine

This ingredient, known as L-Carnitine, is an FDA-approved drug that assists in weight loss, promotes heart and brain health, and enhances overall well-being. Additionally, L-Carnitine provides various other health benefits, including regulating blood glucose and sugar levels, enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. It can also help alleviate symptoms of insomnia, nervousness, muscle fatigue, and thyroid issues.

3

Chromium

This essential trace mineral, chromium, plays a crucial role in the body by enhancing lipid metabolism, as well as processing and synthesizing proteins and carbohydrates. It also improves insulin sensitivity. Numerous studies have demonstrated that supplements containing chromium can assist individuals in managing type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. As highlighted in the SDGLN Java Burn review guide, chromium works naturally in the body to reduce body weight by breaking down fat.

4

EGCG

Epigallocatechin gallate, known as EGCG, is a plant-based compound that reduces inflammation, supports weight loss, and fights chronic diseases. Studies indicate that epigallocatechin gallate protects you from cell damage and oxidative stress. It even helps increase metabolic function and lower the risk of heart disease.

5

Chlorogenic Acid

Chlorogenic acid is rich in anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-obesity properties. It even supports preventing and fighting chronic diseases. Many studies on chlorogenic acid have shown that it helps lower glucose and insulin spikes right after food intake which results in a healthy way of losing weight. With the right amount of chlorogenic acid, you can lose more weight because it helps your body absorb less sugar.

6

Caffeine

Caffeine has been proven to boost the metabolic rate, making weight loss more achievable. Research indicates that caffeine has the potential to elevate the resting metabolic rate (RMR), which is the rate at which the body burns calories while at rest. A study published in the National Library of Medicine demonstrated that caffeine consumption increases fat burning in obese individuals. Additionally, caffeine aids in regulating blood sugar levels, enhancing brain function, improving memory, and potentially combating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

[imaginaryberries]

Eeekkk got some bloods done and my ferritin is 130, which would be great if that were remotely possible given that it was 23 at the end of my pregnancy and then I lost over a litre of blood in theatre alone and survived on cereal bars and un-fortified GF cinnamon hoops for three months. So instead of great iron levels what this means is significant inflammation (falsely elevated ferritin = inflammation), no doubt from my thyroid which my body is in the process of trying to raze. So cool and great for me

[cuntwrap--supreme]

$400 for yearly shots and blood work, but the vet said my old ass dog is healthier than most dogs half her age, thyroid problems aside. Which is good to hear. After my other dog having Surprise Cancer, I have been so paranoid that she'd also get surprise cancer, but she's free of everything besides slightly elevated sodium levels (which I told them she got into a jumbo bag of potato chips that morning, so they said is normal then).

[tussive]

Got the results of my labwork today. Mostly normal. Apparently my thyroid levels were fucked up, but I take biotin which can somehow interfere with their ability to accurately read those? Like it doesn't actually alter the thyroid function, just the ability to read it, which is weird. So they want me to stop taking it for a month and then get that retested. My blood glucose was slightly elevated, but she told me I didn't need to fast, so I didn't fast, which would explain that. I don't think they're even retesting that one because they said that made sense then.

My liver enzymes are slightly elevated though so I have to go get those tested again in a month and I have to abstain from alcohol and acetaminophen for that month. My shit was elevated one other time a long time ago, but then the next time it was tested it was fine? So I don't know, that'll be interesting to see I guess. I did have a few drinks at the Christ Dillinger/Acid Souljah show, but that was Friday and I did the test on Thursday, would that really affect that?

They don't seem too concerned about any of it though, so that's cool.

[starry-hughes]

I slept so mcuh every day like little naps here and there and I would still wake up with no energy

I went to the doctor and my hormones, iron, and thyroid was all out of wake

I was also diagnosed with depression and anxiety

So maybe you need to get your blood levels check out it really helped me

i will probably see my doctor soon about this. i had blood work done in march and my thyroid and hormones are perfect (except one that was elevated but i already started the medication for that)

i have been diagnosed with anxiety and i’m actively in the process to see if i have depression. i’m on medication for the anxiety and it recently got increased until we figure out the potential of depression because i have no motivation for things most days

i don’t necessarily have no energy i just want to sleep all the time. i got 8+ hours for sleep last night, woke up and had energy, but like an hour and half after waking up i was back in bed and asleep. i had energy for a while after that and then i fell asleep again. i also just come home from work, take 2+ hour naps and then wake up only to go back to bed for the night a few hours after that.

[meditating-dog-lover]

Blood work results

I got my first set of bloodwork results. Things look good, though I am concerned about my insulin/blood sugar and male sex hormones (I'm a woman).

My insulin and blood sugar levels are within the normal range, but high-normal. Same with a lot of my androgens and androgen stimulating hormones. I have elevated testosterone levels (not too high, just a bit). I'm concerned that I may have insulin resistance or PCOS. My sister has both conditions. Though after my annual woman's health exam, my doctor said everything looked fine. Also my lipid panel looks great, and these are elevated in women with PCOS.

I have low levels of some omega-3 fatty acids, but I've switched to fish oil which contains them, unlike flaxseed oil. Even my thyroid hormone levels went down compared to my last test. I wonder why.

I absolutely know for a fact that I've recently been overweight. And definitely stressed. I've been implementing intermittent fasting for 4 months. I have lost weight and I am convinced I have more to lose. If these are the results that appeared on my bloodwork, then it's an indication that I need to lose further weight. Type 2 diabetes runs in my family, so I don't want to experience that and due to the predisposition, I need to maintain that low/normal body weight, do IF, and eat well. I was pretty slim in 2018, but I had an ED. I want to go back to a similar body weight but with IF and balanced non-restrictive eating as opposed to calorie and food restriction.

In 2021 I did blood work and my glucose levels were fine. I was eating a lot of sugar and junk and was stressed and in an awful mood and had poor sleep, though I was active and in slim shape. I know stress and sleep and physical activity do play a role in insulin and blood sugar issues and not just eating a lot of sugar and carrying extra weight. I know walking helps a lot too. I do need to work on my stress though. With all of the news from Gaza and my terrible eczema I got much more stressed. I'm sure the stress made my eczema worse and it was awful this year. I don't recall my eczema being as bad in 2021 though. I wonder if there's a hormonal link to eczema now that I think of it. And my sleep is better now, thankfully.

All I can really do is to continue IF, continue to shed more fat, manage stress, continue my good sleeping habits, continue to walk a lot, and don't eat a lot of sugar and junk (my diet is better now, thankfully). Perhaps some supplement ingredients can also help, like chromium, berberine, and inositol. I'm very happy with my D3/K2 and magnesium and now my fish oil supplements. I'm going to find a go-to multivitamin that can help with my hormones if possible, and a go-to gut health supplement that can help with my gut issues I discussed yesterday. I read a scientific publication that illustrates a link between intestinal permeability and insulin resistance. It would not surprise me that gut issues can cause hormonal imbalances such as what I'm seeing. And increased testosterone can be caused by insulin sensitivity/elevated blood glucose (not necessarily with PCOS which I've never received a diagnosis for).

The goal is to lose fat and to reduce my stress, and to continue the IF, good sleep, and healthy eating habits. Eventually I will find a go-to multivitamin that can help with my hormones and a go-to gut health supplement which can help my gut and in turn, my eczema and hormonal issues.

[abimee]

On madness: a personal account of rapid cycling bipolar disorder

Anonymous

Copyright and License information Disclaimer

I became unwell suddenly, unexpectedly and severely 5 years ago. I was working as a full-time GP at the time with a growing list and four small children.

Initially, I had days when I was intensely irritable with my family and suffered from episodes of anxiety and tension headaches. I put these down to the long hours I was working and a full social life at the time. Then driving down the motorway one day I decided it would be appropriate for me to crash the car and end my life. This was the start of very strong suicidal thoughts and impulses that would pop into my head unbidden and needed real mental energy to resist acting them out.

In the meantime I was also having difficulty working, at times literally dragging a deeply fatigued body and an equally befuddled brain into the consultation, managing by treating one person at a time, rather than look at a whole fully-booked surgery. On other days I found work a useful distractor from the milder symptoms of my depression. Then again, at other times I was full of energy, enjoyed patient contact and was continually looking round for extra things for myself and the family to do.

Gradually, I noticed that working long nights and weekends became intolerable, which I initially put down to having young children rather than believing that I might be ill.

As my mood fluctuated so widely and on a day-to-day basis it was difficult for me to see that I needed help. In the end my husband encouraged me to make an appointment with my GP.

My GP wisely referred me straight on to a psychiatrist, unwisely she started me on an antidepressant not having asked about symptoms of elevated mood as I was clinically so depressed at the time.

My psychiatrist signed me off work initially with depression, but eventually with bipolar disorder, and thus began several years of treatment.

Antidepressants, mood stabilisers, ECT, antipsychotics, thyroid hormones, lithium, psychotherapy and hospital admissions made no difference to the unstable pattern of abrupt mood swings, rapid cycling, bipolar depressions, and mixed mood states with psychotic features woven throughout.

Go to:

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO LIVE WITH THIS CONDITION ON A DAY-BY-DAY BASIS?

This illness is about being trapped by your own mind and body. It's about loss of control over your life. Bipolar disorder is multipolar affecting not just energy levels, but behaviour and physiology. To onlookers it seems that your whole personality has changed; the person they know is no longer in evidence. At times they can be sucked into believing that the changes are permanent.

My mood may swing from one part of the day to another. I may wake up low at 10 am, but be high and excitable by 3 pm. I may not sleep for more than 2 hours one night, being full of creative energy, but by midday be so fatigued it is an effort to breathe.

If my elevated states last more than a few days, my spending can become uncontrollable and I have to hand over my credit cards to my husband, which takes a great effort of willpower otherwise I make purchases I will later regret. I remember being entranced by 18-metre lengths of coiled yellow extension wire. In my heightened state of awareness the coils of yellow looked exquisitely beautiful and irresistible. I wanted to buy several at once.

I will sometimes drive faster than usual, need less sleep and can concentrate well, making quick and accurate decisions. At these times I can also be sociable, talkative and fun, focused at times, distracted at others. If this state of elevation continues I often find that feelings of violence and irritability towards those I love will start to creep in. Concentration and memory start to wane and I can become hypersensitive to noise. The children making their usual noise and my husband singing can drive me to distraction.

My thoughts speed up and I can lie in bed for hours at a time watching pictures on the inner sides of my eyelids. Sometimes words are present and I read them as if engrossed in a good novel. If I were asked to read them out loud they would not make sense. They are a fascinating blur of words and pictures, snatches of poetry and music. I become impatient with myself and those around me who seem to be moving and talking so slowly.

I frequently want to be able to achieve several tasks at the same moment. I may want to read two novels, listen to music and write poetry all simultaneously becoming rapidly frustrated that I cannot do this.

Physically my energy levels can seem limitless. The body moves smoothly, there is little or no fatigue. I can go mountain biking all day when I feel like this and if my mood stays elevated not a muscle is sore or stiff the next day. But it doesn't last, my elevated phases are short, mild and generally manageable, but the shift into severe depression or a mixed mood state occurs sometimes within minutes or hours, often within days and will last weeks often without a period of normality. Indeed I often lose track of what normality is.

Initially my thoughts become disjointed and start slithering all over the place. I will feel that I am physically trying to pin them down in my brain, trying to run ideas together in a coherent way. They will sometimes remain rapid and are accompanied by paranoid delusions causing an inner tension that can only be relieved to some extent by physical activity such as pacing a corridor. I start to believe that others are commenting adversely on my appearance or behaviour. I can become very frightened and antisocial.

The children will detect the mood shift early on and play by themselves as I become more isolative and angry. My sleep will be poor and interrupted by bad dreams. I will change from being the person who has the ideas — is the decision maker — to not being interested in anything at all.

The world appears bleak and a pointless round of social niceties. I will wear my most comfortable, often black clothes, everything else grazes and chafes at my skin.

I become repelled by the proximity of people, acutely aware of interpersonal spaces that have somehow grown closer around me. I will be overwhelmed by the slightest tasks, even imagined tasks. I will see dirt on every surface, weeds all over the garden, and grubby children and feel solely responsible for improving these things.

Physically there is immense fatigue: my muscles scream with pain, an old nephrostomy scar plays up. I ache down to my bone marrow, my joints feel swollen. I become breathless weeding a small patch of garden and have to stop after 2 minutes. I become clumsy and drop things. The exhaustion becomes so complete that eventually I drop into bed fully clothed. Sometimes I will vomit, my digestive processes halted. I will often sleep without being refreshed for up to 18 hours. At times every muscle in my body will tense up and be totally resistant to relaxation. Sweat will pour off me or I will be caught in an attack of shivering unrelated to the ambient temperature. I will shout over and over again in my mind for help, but never get the words past my lips.

Food becomes totally uninteresting or takes on a repulsive flavour, so I will lose weight rapidly during a long depressive phase. Sometimes, I will crave only sweet foods in small quantities. It will often be difficult to bother to drink adequately, which can affect my drug levels and my bowels do not function.

I become unable to concentrate to read a novel for pleasure, for escape. Even a newspaper or magazines become impossible to follow. I start to feel trapped, that the only escape is death. At this point or earlier it becomes a rational decision.

My brain slows right down. I become stuck, unable to answer a simple question, unable to establish eye contact and unable to comprehend what is being asked of me.

I avoid answering the phone or the door. My voice deepens and slows sometimes to the point of slurring. My skin becomes pale and grey in hue. I feel the cold more readily. I will look in the mirror and fail to recognise the person there.

As I begin to slip into a more psychotic state of mind I become unable to recognise something as familiar as the palm of my hand or my children's faces. My sense of space alters and rooms that are familiar appear to have changed dimensions. Simple objects in a room can take on sinister meanings for me.

At this point the world begins to take on a malevolent aspect, which is difficult to describe. Those I love around me become part of a conspiracy to harm me. Their faces will alter and their voices develop a mocking ring. I will hate my husband and other loved ones.

Images just out of my field of vision will be waiting to pounce leaving me in a constant state of vigilance. I have been under the impression that I was rotting under my skin, that my bone marrow is being gnawed away by evil spirits.

Soon the voices and images in my head start telling me what to do.

Stop taking my medications, injure or kill those I love. Destruction. No other way out.

Ultimately they tell me that everything would be better if I killed myself.

I am evil, a burden; I deserve only punishment.

Twisted tales and delusions.

I become passionate about one subject only at these times of deep and intense fear, despair and rage: suicide. The suicidal impulses and images can come at any stage of the illness, even in mania, but are at their most intense and irresistible during psychotic phases.

For months at a time I have carried ropes, blades and enough tricyclic antidepressants to kill me twice over, in the boot of my car. In the past I have had access to a fatal pharmacoepia of emergency drugs through my general practice work.

I know where to buy a gun. I know the fatal dosages of the drugs I take. I have considered railway crossings, bridges over rivers, driving off roads into valleys and electrocution. I have made close attempts on my life by hanging and drowning over the last few years.

Sadly, the impact of suicide on my children does not avail me when I am ill. I consider myself to be such a huge burden to them at these times that I believe suicide to be a relief, a final gift to them from a mother who can do no more. A person who has reached the limit of endurance.

At times I will experience images of extreme violence towards others, often family members and those close to me, but on occasions complete strangers. Occasionally, I feel completely detached and dispassionate and compelled to act on these images: more often they are extremely distressing to me. When in a normal state of mind I find these images abhorrent in the extreme.

Fortunately, those who care for me have been able to recognise these unsafe states and admit me to hospital. Then inexplicably, my mood will shift again.

The fatigue drops from my limbs like shedding a dead weight, my thinking returns to normal, the light takes on an intense clarity, flowers smell sweet and my mouth curves to smile at my children, my husband and I am laughing again. Sometimes it's for only a day but I am myself again, the person that I was a frightening memory. I have survived another bout of this dreaded disorder.

It's a continuous round fought on a daily basis. If I'm lucky I will get a few days every few months when I am completely normal and don't have to make continual allowances for my mood state.

So why am I still here? I don't know. Possibly luck. Possibly the tiny scrap of humanity that remains even in my most psychotic and suicidal states, which allows me to express the desperation and loss of control that I am experiencing, so that caregivers and treating clinicians can respond appropriately and keep me safe. A little hope. Some denial.

I have lost my job, intellectual stimulation and my social life. Sometimes I wonder how my marriage holds together and I am continually anxious about the effects of my illness on my children and whether I will end up like too many other people with severe bipolar disorder, separated from them permanently.

There have been relationships broken and distorted, and relationships that have held fast and true through the worst of its manifestations. Making new friends has often been too difficult. Those who know of my illness have sometimes become accommodating and flexible, others have not.

I have had to tolerate opinions from all sorts of people who think that if I only did something differently I would be restored to full health. This has varied from advice to take multivitamins, regular massage, a holiday, a return to my country of origin, meditation, regular prayer, church attendance to the avoidance of atmospheric pollutants and negative thinking.

It's taught me that even with the best psychiatric care some people do not respond to medication, do not get better. However, I am grateful that I have had the best care available to me throughout and that I had completed my family before the onset of this illness. I am also grateful that I was able to take out income protection insurance several years prior to becoming ill, otherwise like many other mentally ill people we would be impoverished.

This illness is about having to live life at its extremes of physical and mental endurance, having to go to places that most people never experience, would never want to experience. It has been about having unthought of limitations placed on your life, your career, your family. For my family it's been about adjusting to totally altered dynamics, having a mother who is often unable to be there for them, for them to have to live with the flux of my moods and the disturbance that comes with recurrent hospitalisations.

It's about having to rely on others for help when you are feeling at your most vulnerable and exposed. It's about being stigmatised.

It has become about trying to stay alive and living life fully in the brief periods of normality or mild elevation that occur from time to time.

Otherwise, rapid cycling bipolar disorder is an unrelenting scourge.

[myhealingera]

Two weeks after this photo was taken, I received a phone call that nobody ever wants to receive.

I was dealing with a slew of health issues: an inability to lose weight, hair loss, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue so intense that getting out of bed felt like a miracle, and severe brain fog. My joints were in so much pain that I found myself using a heating pad for most of the day.

I consulted my aunt, who is a pediatrician, and she reviewed my recent blood work. She observed that my TSH levels were consistently borderline high, often surpassing the normal threshold. Encouraged by her insight, I visited my OBGYN and shared my symptoms. She ordered hormone testing and referred me to a rheumatologist, given that lupus runs in my family. The results indicated elevated TSH, DHEA, and C-reactive protein levels.

I then saw a remarkable rheumatologist who conducted over 120 tests. All came back normal except for my thyroid antibodies, and I was diagnosed with arthritis in my hands. Around this time, my neck began to swell, feeling as though something was stuck in my throat. My primary care physician scheduled an ultrasound, which revealed swelling in my neck and a lymph node, and identified a nodule or "ectopic" tissue.

Returning to my primary care doctor, I was told my lab results were normal and advised to follow up in a year, despite continuing to experience swollen lymph nodes and being told that the neck nodule was unrelated to the swelling. At this point had been to urgent care 3 times, completed 3 rounds of steroids, a z-pack, and tested negative for mono, Covid, and strep.

Despite my tendency to avoid conflict, something felt off, and I knew I wasn't okay.

I requested a referral to an endocrinologist, which I received, but they couldn't see me until after Christmas. Not wanting to wait, I found another endocrinologist who could see me on Halloween. At my first appointment, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. She ordered a biopsy "to be safe," emphasizing that a finding warrants investigation. Even at the hospital for my biopsy, the PA questioned its necessity given my primary care's advice to wait a year.

On 12/22, my endocrinologist informed me that the biopsy results were suspicious for thyroid carcinoma. I returned on 1/5 to discuss the findings.

They had sent my sample for Afirma testing, a genetic test for medullary thyroid cancer, due to the unusual results and the aggressive nature of the potential cancer.

I was then referred to an ENT, who suspected the nodule might actually be a lymph node. A CT scan confirmed this suspicion, revealing a lymph node suspicious for thyroid cancer, yet with no nodules on my thyroid itself.

The decision was made to remove the lymph node, with intraoperative pathology consultation to decide whether to also remove the thyroid.

On 2/24, the lymph node was removed, but pathology was indeterminate, leading to the decision not to remove the thyroid.

The following week, I was informed that my results had been sent to a larger university hospital for further analysis and a second opinion, an ominous sign according to my ENT.

Ultimately, it was confirmed as papillary thyroid cancer that had begun to metastasize to the lymph nodes, indicating occult thyroid cancer, typically undetected until it spreads to the lymph nodes. Likely, there are microcarcinomas on my thyroid undetectable by imaging. Thus, another surgery is required.

My complete thyroidectomy is scheduled for 4/24.

Honestly, none of this truly sank in until I received a call from the hospital's oncology department to schedule a radiation consultation for post-surgery RAI treatment.

It’s been an incredibly tough start to the year, to say the least.

[cumaeansibyl]

health and diet (not weight loss) stuff under cut. tl;dr I'm chronically ill now?

around about the time of the panini I started having a lot of fatigue and muscle soreness, and I thought to myself well, I've gotten quite sedentary and I'm stressed the hell out about everything all the time, that's probably what it is

I had a history of mild hypothyroidism but it seemed to have resolved itself around 2013, so I mentioned this to my doctor and she put thyroid testing in all my labs since then, but it was showing up as "subclinical" -- basically one number was normal and the other was high, which is not generally thought to produce symptoms

so I sought allergy testing and shots as another possibility (and learned I'm allergic to cats, lol) and I'm sure that's not not helping, like, I do feel somewhat less stuffy overall, but the fatigue persists

at my last regular blood test I finally hit the hypothyroidism threshold so they prescribed me some medication and also some more detailed followup testing after a month. which found that the medication was working but also that I have incredibly high levels of thyroid enzyme antibodies. which indicates that it's autoimmune (aka Hashimoto's) and also that, even with my thyroid producing the correct amount of things, my immune system is still attacking me. which quite neatly explains the fatigue and muscle soreness that's still persisting! (and also possibly the mild elevation in white blood cells that's been persistent in other tests)

so! Doc says she's seen this in other autoimmune thyroid patients, where the medication gives some relief to the primary symptoms, but there remains this other problem. And her first recommendation is an elimination diet to test the response to three common inflammatory foods: dairy, gluten, and refined sugar. So that's my next 3-6 months spoken for.

now if I'm honest I see a lot of that "inflammatory foods" business from the same kind of people who think the body's full of "toxins" requiring fancy expensive laxative potions to sluice out -- and also I'm sure that like, refined sugar isn't providing any health benefits, but I'm skeptical about the actual chemical differences between that and the "unrefined" stuff (yes I know there are many different sugars but how much difference does it reeeeaaaaallly make once it's in the body)

but as far as I know there's no like. antibody chelation protocols or whatever. so I have to give this a try because if it doesn't do anything then at least we know. I'm not super thrilled about having to go into "good foods vs bad foods" mode, which tends to take me into dark places pretty quickly, but I am hoping to focus more on "these are the good things I can eat lots of" instead of the alternative.

anyway this is requiring some cognitive reframing from "these are real symptoms but it's mainly stress and poor lifestyle choices" to "oh actually I'm sick and have been for some time" which, on the one hand it's incredibly affirming when your doctor says "yes, you do feel terrible and there's a reason!" but on the other hand, whew, that's a lot to take in actually.

(we won't talk about the times when i told myself "this is just how people feel and you're a whiny bastard for not handling it better" because I was mostly sure people don't just feel this bad all the time.)

anyway I only have to go dairy-free first, then take out gluten, and sugar goes last, so that shouldn't be bad -- Charles is lactose intolerant so we've already switched over to some non-dairy options. And I can sort of gradually phase out gluten-containing products as I use up the last of them. Anyone got any pasta recs? That's probably gonna be the heaviest lift for me.

[infinityladiesclub]

Women's Hormonal Health and Fitness:

Women's hormonal health plays a crucial role in their overall well-being and ladies fitness journey. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various physiological processes in the body, including metabolism, mood, energy levels, and reproductive functions. Several key hormones impact women's health and ladies fitness, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones. Here's how hormonal health relates to fitness:

Menstrual Cycle and Exercise: The menstrual cycle has distinct phases, including the follicular phase (leading up to ovulation) and the luteal phase (after ovulation). Hormone levels fluctuate during these phases, which can affect energy levels, strength, and endurance. Many women find that they have more energy and strength during the follicular phase, which might be a good time to focus on more intense workouts. During the luteal phase, hormone shifts can sometimes lead to reduced energy and increased sensitivity to pain, so adjusting workout intensity or incorporating relaxation activities like yoga can be beneficial.

Hormones and Muscle Mass: Testosterone is an important hormone for building muscle mass. While women naturally have lower levels of testosterone compared to men, it still plays a role in muscle development. Engaging in strength training and resistance exercises can help women build and maintain muscle mass, which is important for overall fitness and metabolic health.

Hormones and Fat Storage: Estrogen and progesterone influence fat distribution in women's bodies. Estrogen tends to encourage fat storage around the hips and thighs, while progesterone can lead to water retention and bloating. While you cannot control where your body stores fat, regular exercise and a balanced diet can help manage overall body composition.

Hormones and Stress: Cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," can impact women's hormonal balance if chronically elevated due to stress. High cortisol levels may lead to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Engaging in stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or mindfulness can help manage cortisol levels and promote hormonal balance.

Thyroid Hormones and Metabolism: Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) play a significant role in regulating metabolism. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can lead to weight gain and fatigue, while an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can result in weight loss and restlessness. Regular exercise, along with a balanced diet, can help support thyroid health.

Hormones and Bone Health: Estrogen is important for maintaining bone density. After menopause, when estrogen levels decline, women become more susceptible to osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and resistance training, are essential for promoting bone health and reducing the risk of fractures.

Nutrition and Hormonal Balance: A balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods supports hormonal health. Essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and a variety of vitamins and minerals play roles in hormone production and regulation. Consuming enough protein is also crucial for muscle recovery and overall hormonal balance.

Remember that every woman's body is unique, and factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions can influence how hormones interact with fitness. Consulting with healthcare professionals, including doctors and registered dietitians, can provide personalized guidance on managing hormonal health while pursuing fitness goals.

[crazyrtcrafts]

Hormones and Weight Gain: How to Regulate the Hormones that Influence Your Weight

Introduction:-

Hormones are one of the most important participants in this delicate dance, which involves many different aspects in maintaining a healthy weight. Hormones are endocrine system-produced chemical messengers that control a number of body processes, such as metabolism, appetite, and fat storage. Unbalanced hormones can lead to weight gain and make it difficult to lose the additional pounds. In this post, we'll examine the relationship between hormones and weight gain and look at methods for rebalancing these hormonal regulators.

Insulin: Master of Blood Sugar

The pancreas produces insulin, a crucial hormone that controls blood sugar levels. When we eat carbs, our bodies convert them to glucose, which raises blood sugar levels. Insulin aids in the movement of circulation glucose into or into the storage of glucose in cells. However, regular use of sugary meals and refined carbs can cause insulin resistance, in which cells lose their receptivity to insulin. Higher insulin levels are the result, and this might promote the storage of fat, particularly around the abdomen.

Fix: Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that have a gentler impact on blood sugar levels. Include protein and healthy fats in your meals to slow down the absorption of glucose. Engage in regular physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization.

Leptin: The Satiety Signal

Leptin, often called the "satiety hormone," is produced by fat cells and helps regulate appetite and metabolism. It signals the brain when you've had enough to eat, reducing hunger. However, in cases of obesity, the body can develop leptin resistance, leading to a lack of proper appetite regulation.

Fix: Focus on whole foods that are nutrient-dense to support healthy leptin levels. Prioritize sleep, as inadequate sleep can disrupt leptin production. Manage stress, as chronic stress can contribute to hormonal imbalances, including

leptin resistance.

Ghrelin: The Hunger Hormone

Ghrelin, produced in the stomach, is known as the "hunger hormone" because it stimulates appetite. It increases before meals and decreases after eating. Sleep deprivation and irregular eating patterns can lead to elevated ghrelin levels, causing overeating and weight gain.

Fix: Establish regular mealtimes to help regulate ghrelin secretion. Get sufficient sleep, as sleep deprivation can lead to higher ghrelin levels and increased hunger. Stay hydrated, as dehydration can sometimes be mistaken for hunger.

Cortisol: The Stress Hormone

Cortisol, released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, plays a vital role in metabolism and fat storage. Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which, over time, can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the midsection.

Fix: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or spending time in nature. Engage in regular physical activity, which can help lower cortisol levels. Ensure adequate sleep, as sleep deprivation can further elevate cortisol levels.

Thyroid Hormones: Metabolic Regulators

Thyroid hormones, including T3 and T4, play a crucial role in regulating metabolism. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can lead to weight gain, as it slows down metabolic processes.

Fix: Consume iodine-rich foods like seafood and seaweed to support thyroid function. Ensure you're getting enough selenium, zinc, and other nutrients that are essential for thyroid health. Consult a healthcare professional if you suspect thyroid issues. Weight Loss Solutions

Conclusion:-

In summary, hormones are important for controlling weight. You can aim to achieve a healthy weight and restore hormonal balance by adopting a holistic strategy that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, enough sleep, and seeing a specialist when necessary. Be patient and consistent as you implement these lifestyle modifications because every person's body is different.