Back in 2023, I wrote an article shortly after being diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
For those who aren’t familiar, hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland — a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck — doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones to support the body’s needs. When this happens, many of the body’s processes slow down or don’t function as they should.

Before starting medication, I experienced a range of symptoms, including extreme exhaustion, anxiety, depression, brittle nails and hair, brain fog, and short-term memory loss. One symptom I thought I had managed to escape was weight gain.

Or so I thought.

When I wrote my first article, I had just started medication and was feeling more like myself again — energized, mentally clear, and hopeful. But six months later, things took a turn. The familiar symptoms of depression, anxiety, and extreme exhaustion crept back in. And this time, they brought some new, unwelcome guests: digestive issues, an irregular menstrual cycle… and weight gain.

• My clothes no longer fit the same.
• I didn’t recognize myself in photos or videos.
• I gained 15 pounds.

I had genuinely believed I’d dodged the symptom that’s most notoriously linked to hypothyroidism: weight gain.

This one hit especially hard. As someone who works in the fitness industry, whether we like it or not, there are unspoken expectations about how we “should” look — lean, strong, put together. I was no longer fitting that mold, and it affected me deeply.

As my symptoms worsened, I decided to book another blood test to check in on my thyroid levels.

Six weeks went by, and my symptoms continued to worsen. As I looked at the last few pills in my bottle, it hit me — I still hadn’t heard back from my doctor. My medication was nearly finished, and I had no renewed prescription.

That was the moment I realized: if I wanted answers and care, I’d have to advocate for myself — especially in Quebec’s broken health care system.

I began calling the doctor’s office almost every day, desperate for a response. Each time, I was told the same thing: he hadn’t looked at my blood test results yet. He was on vacation.

Finally, after a full week of persistence, I got the call. The doctor confirmed that my thyroid levels were off and I needed an increased dosage — my second adjustment since being diagnosed.

I stayed on that new dosage for four months, got retested, and everything seemed fine. No further changes were needed — or so I thought.

One year later, the symptoms crept back again: exhaustion, depression… the all-too-familiar signs. I called 811 — the number used by those of us without a family doctor in Quebec. But instead of help, I was met with resistance. They discouraged me from getting another blood test, telling me I could just ask a pharmacist to renew my prescription.

But I knew my body. I kept pushing. This time, I had to exaggerate my symptoms just to get a requisition form for bloodwork.

Thankfully, this time, I got lucky.

At Sherbrooke Hospital (for Quebecers reading this), I met a healthcare professional who truly cared — I wish I remembered his name. He took the time to review my history and told me something shocking: I had been on the edge of needing another dosage increase a year ago. He said it was a good thing I pushed for that blood test, because I did, in fact, need a third dosage adjustment.

At the time of writing this, that adjustment was four months ago — and I feel great.

I’m currently in the process of losing the extra weight I gained since getting diagnosed. But more importantly, I feel like myself again — mentally, emotionally, and physically.

This journey with hypothyroidism hasn’t been easy. From frustrating symptoms to fighting for proper care in a broken healthcare system, I’ve had to learn how to advocate for myself and truly listen to my body.

The weight gain was tough — especially as someone in the fitness industry — but slowly, with the right treatment, consistency, and a more balanced approach to health, I’m making progress. I feel better. I feel stronger. And most importantly, I feel like myself again.

If you’re dealing with hypothyroidism, know that you’re not alone. Keep asking questions, keep pushing for answers, and don’t give up on feeling good in your body.