I hope bring this topic up helps some of the eroids community who might be suffering from hypothyroidism and it's effects.

I cannot stress enough how slowly this disease comes on and starts to subtlety erode your quality of life. (Not always slow but most of the time).

This is my 3 year experience with hypothyroidism and the facts I know about the disease process.

I have always been a high energy person with seem less and sometimes to a fault boundless energy.

About three years ago I went to an Endocrinologist for help with some bouts with extreme exhaustion, mental fog, and a feeling of depression I'd never before experienced.
My blood work was all "normal" except my testosterone was low (178).
The doctor declined to treat me for low T suggesting I was looking to "bulk up" and prescribed me Cialis?
I went to an age rejuvenation clinic got more blood work all "normal" except low testosterone. I was placed on a HRT regimen but my symptoms only seemed to get progressively worse. Fast forward three years.
I had blood work done again... Which was compared to all the other blood work and showed a dramatic and progressive increase in my TSH levels (thyroid stimulating hormone).
My initial thyroid test showed I was at 3.3 three years later I was at 4.3 and found it hard to get out of bed in the morning let alone complete tasks that used to be routine.

I was placed on Armour thyriod 60mgs per day, after three weeks I noticed a significant difference in my energy, mood and quality of life. I now feel normal again and I am so grateful to have finally figured out what was wrong and be back to my normal " high energy" self.

Here is some additional info- The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary, depending on the severity of the hormone deficiency. But in general, any problems you have tend to develop slowly, often over a number of years.

At first, you may barely notice the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue and weight gain, or you may simply attribute them to getting older. But as your metabolism continues to slow, you may develop more obvious signs and symptoms. Hypothyroidism signs and symptom may include:

Fatigue
Increased sensitivity to cold
Constipation
Dry skin
Unexplained weight gain
Puffy face
Hoarseness
Muscle weakness
Elevated blood cholesterol level
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
Thinning hair
Slowed heart rate
Depression
Impaired memory

When hypothyroidism isn't treated, signs and symptoms can gradually become more severe. Constant stimulation of your thyroid gland to release more hormones may lead to an enlarged thyroid (goiter). In addition, you may become more forgetful, your thought processes may slow, or you may feel depressed.

Advanced hypothyroidism, known as myxedema, is rare, but when it occurs it can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms include low blood pressure, decreased breathing, decreased body temperature, unresponsiveness and even coma. In extreme cases, myxedema can be fatal.
Most doctors rely on the TSH test for diagnosing hypothyroidism. It's a simple blood test that checks the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood.

People with normal thyroid function typically have a TSH level that falls between 0.4 and 4.0 mIU/L. If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends patients keep their TSH level between 0.3 and 3.0 mIU/L. Your doctor will determine the range that is right for you.