Some people claim that the discomforts of middle age are merely psychological. However, I’m here to share that they might actually be traced back to your neck.
Just last weekend, while swimming in the brisk Atlantic waters with my daughters-in-law in Maine, I sensed something was amiss – or perhaps, rather low. “Wow, this water is freezing!” I exclaimed. “You’re so strange,” they replied with laughter. We all enjoyed a good chuckle at how I couldn’t bear to submerge my hands for even a moment, flailing about like a toddler while my two 38-year-old companions happily collected shells and pointed at fish, blissfully enjoying the warmer sea.
My odd behavior shouldn’t have come as a shock. Since turning 47, I’ve been grappling with a range of peculiar symptoms as I approach the big 5-0. My energy levels have dipped so low that I sometimes feel like a prehistoric woman trudging along. My fingernails? They split if I merely blow on them.
Each of these peculiarities could easily be attributed to something else. Living in the sweltering heat of Abu Dhabi, I noticed my hair becoming a frizzy mess. Of course! It’s the desert, and temperatures soar over 110 degrees. Puffy eyes? Just another trait inherited from my family!
I splurged on an expensive skin cream to combat my dry skin, only to find my arms and legs seemed even worse by day’s end. I blamed the beauty industry for selling me false promises, but then felt guilty for casting blame and redirected it towards the Middle East. My swollen hands suggested they were just as uncomfortable as the rest of me.
Then there was the unsettling brain fog, which proved to be the most troubling of my myriad issues. Puffy eyes aren’t the only family trait we share; there’s also a lurking history of Alzheimer’s disease. My father, a neurologist, passed away from this affliction three years ago, and I know all too well when a brain isn’t functioning properly. I felt I needed a beacon to guide me through my mental haze. I couldn’t even remember where I’d left my to-do list, let alone its contents! I feared I was slipping into a downward spiral, prompting me to increase my life insurance policy at work.
Over the years, I also noticed extra weight accumulating around my waistline. No amount of exercise seemed to help. Three months ago, I decided to cut out alcohol due to my endless fatigue and persistent feeling of being bloated, not to mention my excessive consumption of white wine. Yet, eliminating about 2,500 calories from my nightly routine didn’t magically transform me into a slimmer version of myself or rejuvenate my spirit. How strange, I thought, that I was a recovering alcoholic yet felt worse every day.
I jotted down all my symptoms—except for the brain fog, which I genuinely forgot—just before heading to the doctor. I remembered it last minute in the waiting area and added it in bold, along with some other terms I couldn’t quite decipher.
After reviewing my list and vital signs, the doctor noted high blood pressure, a low pulse, belly fat, dry skin, swollen hands, leg aches, and irritated, red eyes. We even discussed some symptoms I hadn’t included, like feelings of depression and anger. Despite being on antidepressants, I still felt down. I attributed my anger to the general frustrations of being a woman in today’s world. At least I could rationalize my lack of interest in intimacy by thinking I must have had my fill.
A simple blood test revealed the root of my issues: low T4 and high TSH. My thyroid – a key player in regulating metabolism, located in the neck – was not functioning optimally. How did I overlook such a crucial detail? I knew friends who had fought thyroid challenges and recognized the signs.
Four days into my Synthroid medication, I’m beginning to feel a shift towards normalcy. It may take months to achieve balance, but I’m optimistic that soon I’ll be able to dive back into the Atlantic without hesitation before the water turns too frigid.
For those interested in pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on IVF: Healthline’s guide. You can also learn more about self-insemination kits at Make A Mom.
If you feel something is off, consider keeping an eye on your neck!