In this compelling episode of I'm Fine, Jean is joined by Rachel Hill, thyroid patient advocate and founder of The Invisible Hypothyroidism. Rachel shares her journey with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, and how she turned her personal struggles into a mission to educate and support others dealing with thyroid conditions. This episode delves into the emotional, physical, and mental challenges of living with chronic illness and offers valuable insights on how to manage hypothyroidism and its impacts on daily life.

What is Hashimoto’s Disease? Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and affects around 90% of hypothyroid patients. Over time, the damage to the thyroid gland causes it to produce insufficient levels of thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, depression, and muscle pain. While there is no cure for Hashimoto’s, the condition is managed through thyroid hormone replacement therapy, diet, and lifestyle changes aimed at reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system.

What is Hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism, often referred to as an underactive thyroid, is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, depression, and muscle pain, as bodily processes slow down. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid gland. Managing hypothyroidism typically involves lifelong medication to replace the missing thyroid hormones and various lifestyle changes to mitigate symptoms.

About Rachel Hill: Rachel Hill is a leading advocate for thyroid health and the creator of The Invisible Hypothyroidism, an online platform dedicated to raising awareness and providing support to those with thyroid disorders. Diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease after years of unexplained symptoms, Rachel has become a trusted voice in the thyroid community, sharing her experiences through her blog, social media, and books. Her advocacy work aims to empower thyroid patients and provide them with the resources they need to live full and healthy lives.

Rachel's book Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate is available here 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:52 Understanding Thyroid Conditions

03:04 Rachel's Personal Journey

04:48 Diagnosis and Early Symptoms

07:36 Creating a Supportive Community

11:19 Navigating Treatment Options

14:45 Diet and Lifestyle Changes

18:31 Small Steps to Better Health

19:51 The Importance of a Balanced Diet

21:19 Struggles with Body Image and Eating Disorders

21:53 Impact of Thyroid Condition on Life

24:45 Grieving the Loss of Health

28:01 Finding Hope and Community Support

29:55 Managing Energy and Lifestyle Adjustments

34:56 Balancing Parenthood and Health

36:52 Support Systems and Community

38:54 Advice for the Newly Diagnosed

40:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Rachel Hill 

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduardo Vella