Mansi Shah, a 26-year-old school teacher from Mumbai, found herself grappling with an unexpected health challenge that changed the course of her life. With a demanding profession that kept her on her toes, Mansi had always been resilient and full of energy. However, persistent fatigue and other puzzling symptoms started to interfere with her daily routine, raising concerns about her well-being. A routine visit to her dermatologist unveiled a subtle darkening of the skin around her mouth, prompting a series of tests that led to a surprising diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Determined to take control of her health and reduce her reliance on medication, Mansi embarked on a journey of lifestyle modifications, eventually reversing her thyroid condition and reclaiming her vitality. Here, she shares her inspiring story and the steps she took to achieve this remarkable transformation.

 

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UR.Life: Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself and your initial thyroid diagnosis?

I used to feel unusually tired, even after completing only a small portion of my usual activities. I had been teaching in a school for the past five years, which had accustomed my body to the physical and mental demands of the profession. But never before my diagnosis hadI felt this helpless, puzzled and frustrated. I found out about my condition during a routine visit to my dermatologist for acne scarring. My doctor noticed a subtle darkening of the skin around my mouth. His concern was evident as he explained that skin changes can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. He recommended that I undergo a thyroid profile evaluation to rule out any thyroid-related problems.

This suggestion made me anxious, as I had not considered the possibility of a thyroid condition. However, I followed his advice and got the necessary tests including thyroid-stimulating hormone, free T3, free T4 and thyroid antibody tests. When the results came back, they confirmed what my doctor had suspected: I had hyperthyroidism. This diagnosis at the age of 26 was surprising and unsettling. Understanding that my thyroid was overactive helped me make sense of the symptoms I had been experiencing.

 

Related story: Everything You Need To Know About Thyroid

UR.Life: What followed after you were diagnosed with hyperthyroidism?

I was referred to an endocrinologist who specialises in thyroid disorders. Based on the test results, my endocrinologist prescribed antithyroid medications to regulate my thyroid hormone levels to slow down the production of thyroid hormones. I was asked to bring about lifestyle modifications to manage the condition. The doctor asked me to repeat the tests every 3 months to monitor the condition and developments, if any.

 

UR.Life: What made you explore lifestyle modifications to manage or reverse your thyroid condition?

I was determined to manage my condition with complementary therapies. After doing my share of research and speaking with various health professionals, I learned that lifestyle factors could significantly impact thyroid health. I was motivated to try a more natural approach to support my overall well-being and potentially reduce my dependence on medication.

 

UR.Life: What lifestyle modifications measure did you take?

Dietary Modifications

I learned the hard way that chronic inflammation might be making it hard for me to notice other health problems. I adopted an anti-inflammatory diet by increasing my intake of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, and seeds, while avoiding foods that can interfere with thyroid function, like soy, processed foods, and certain cruciferous vegetables. Not only this, but I also replaced regular refined oil with coconut oil, and incorporated omega-3 rich foods like chia seeds, flaxseeds and walnuts. I also made sure to consume 4 to 5 Brazilian nuts which are an excellent source of selenium, a mineral important for thyroid hormone synthesis. 

Regular Physical Activity

Diet plays a major role but alone couldn’t help. Hence, I incorporated regular physical activity into my routine, including yoga and walking. I used to do yoga in the morning for 30 minutes to set the tone for the day. Instead of using a scooter, I started walking down to my coaching centre which was 1.5 kms away from my house. At home, I made use of online workout videos or fitness apps to follow guided workouts tailored to my preferences and fitness level. These resources offered a convenient way to exercise at any time and in the comfort of my own space. Furthermore, I integrated short bursts of physical activity throughout the day, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, doing household chores with vigour, or stretching breaks during sedentary periods.

Adequate Sleep

Teaching profession comes with good chunks of responsibilities, from correcting notebooks to making results, and eventually leaving no time for adequate sleep. Come what may, I ensured that I got enough sleep of 8 to 9 hours. Despite my profession's pressures and time constraints, I adopted various strategies to safeguard my sleep quality and duration. I established a consistent bedtime routine to signal to my body that it was time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This routine included activities such as gentle stretching, reading, or listening to soothing music to promote relaxation and alleviate the day's stressors. Additionally, I practised good sleep hygiene by creating a comfortable sleep environment, minimising distractions, and limiting exposure to screens before bedtime.

Supplements

Based on my doctor's advice, I also took specific supplements such as vitamin D, selenium, zinc, and probiotics to support my thyroid health. Another important supplement for thyroid health is L-tyrosine, an amino acid that serves as a precursor to thyroid hormones. L-tyrosine is involved in the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, making it essential for thyroid function. Supplementing with L-tyrosine helped support thyroid hormone synthesis and balance. Additionally, adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil were part of my supplements. As they are known for the benefits in supporting thyroid health and mitigating the effects of stress on the body. 

 

Related story: Managing Thyroid Disorders With Exercise

 

UR.Life: What contributed to the reversal of hyperthyroidism?

Following my doctor's advice, I rechecked my thyroid levels and they were within the optimal range. Encouraged by these results, I continued with the same lifestyle changes and medication regimen. However, what happened next truly amazed me. During my follow-up appointment, my doctor informed me that my thyroid hormone levels had improved significantly, prompting her to reduce my medication dosage. Thrilled by this progress, I continued with my routine and got my levels rechecked after three months. To my astonishment, my thyroid hormone levels had dropped even further, surpassing the expected range. My doctor was surprised by the outcome and suggested that I discontinue the medication altogether. 

Following the doctor’s advice I ceased taking medication for a month and underwent another round of thyroid tests. To my relief, the results came back within the normal range and my doctor advised me to discontinue the medication entirely. However, they emphasised the importance of vigilant monitoring and instructed me to regularly check my thyroid levels every two months. As time progressed and my thyroid health remained stable, the monitoring interval was extended to three months. Now, it has been 5 years since I stopped taking my medication. But I make sure that I get my thyroid and regular tests done timely. And, this is how I took myself out of the shackles of lifelong medication dependency.

 

Related story: 6 Symptoms of Slow Thyroid Function

 

UR.Life: What advice would you give to others who are looking to manage or reverse thyroid conditions through lifestyle modifications? 

If you're seeking to manage or reverse your thyroid condition through lifestyle modifications, my foremost advice would be to educate yourself. Understanding how lifestyle factors impact thyroid health can empower you to make informed decisions and tailor your approach to suit your specific needs. Secondly, seek professional guidance from healthcare professionals who specialise in thyroid disorders. They can help you develop a personalised plan, offer valuable insights, and monitor your progress effectively. Patience is paramount; lifestyle changes take time to yield results, so stay committed and consistent. Listen attentively to your body's signals and adapt your approach accordingly.

Book your blood tests now with UR.Life to ensure your well-being.

 

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