Using Data + Conversation to Treat Hypothyroidism

For many years, Carrie suffered from debilitating gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, weight fluctuation and depression before she was finally diagnosed with hypothyroidism.And she has had more than her fair share of conversations with doctors.How did the experience improve once Carrie felt heard? How did effective communication impact her health? And what does effective doctor-patient communication look like?On this episode of Tell Me More, Carrie joins me to describe the mental and physical symptoms of hypothyroidism and discuss how long it took to get an accurate diagnosis.Carrie explains the power in building trust with your healthcare team and shares her maddening experience with a doctor who discounted how she felt because her numbers were “normal.”Listen in for Carrie’s advice to listeners who think they might have hypothyroidism and learn why doctors can’t rely on data alone to treat human beings. Key TakeawaysHow long Carrie suffered from GI issues before she was diagnosed with hypothyroidismCarrie’s experience with a doctor who discounted how she felt because her numbers were “normal”How Carrie’s fatigue, GI issues, weight gain and depression were symptoms of hypothyroidismHow often Carrie checks her TSH, T3 and T4 to make sure they’re in the range she feels bestThe power in finding a doctor who makes you feel heardWhy asking open-ended questions facilitates more effective communication with patientsThe frustration of retelling your story over and over to new doctors (especially with a chronic condition)How hypothyroidism impacts your mental healthCarrie’s advice for listeners who think they might have hypothyroidism Connect with Dr. MeyerDr. Meyer’s WebsiteDr. Meyer on FacebookDr. Meyer on TwitterDr. Meyer on LinkedInEmailchristine@christinemeyermd.com