The other day I received this post in my ASK Michelle section, and although I already replied to her, I wanted to post her question here as well to see if anyone else can help her. Below you'll see her post first and then my reply. Thanks so much for any help you can give her! I just know some of your wonderful people will have some additional ideas for her!
"I have Hashimoto's, and am in menopause. I have been to many doctors, tried all different thyroid medication and still have difficulty losing weight. I am in menopause and have depression. I am not usually a depressed person, so it is hard to cope with thyroid and menopause- which symptoms are which. I live in Tucson and would like to know what doctor you would recommend."
This is what I wrote back to her:
I'm sorry you're not feeling well. It's amazing how many women come to the site with thyroid disease and are less then pleased with their doctor and their treatment. And to top it all off... They are going through menopause.
You are not alone. You are so right when you said in your question to me. Its hard to know what is what. Is it hormones or thyroid? It may very well be a combination of both.
Depression can be caused from a thyroid imbalance as well as a Hormone imbalance.
Have you heard of Dr. Elizabeth Lee Vliet? She's the doctor that helped me. She's a boutique doctor, which means you have to pay up front and then bill your insurance and hope they pay for some of the costs. She's in Tucson.
Dr. Vliet is very good at what she does. But it depends on whether or not you can afford to be treated by her.
I can put my feelers out to see what other doctors we can find for you. I'm going to post your question on the site. The moderators can help aggregate other resources for you as well.
If you give me your address, I will send you Dr. Vliets book....Screaming to be Heard. Its very informative and you'll learn a lot about what's going on with you. That book is my bible.
I was very depressed....just like you. I had such a hard time but I got through it. You will too.
Let's see what others have to say, when I post this to EmpowHer.
There is so much more to tell you. And other resources I need to share with you. Let me get you some more information tomorrow when I'm fresh. I worked all day today and most of tonight.
Hang in there. We're going to find you some help.
You are not alone. I was where you are. You will get better.
Best
In health,
Michelle