We have put together a short sequence of films of people talking about their experiences of hypothyroidism. 

To see more patient films, please visit our YouTube Channel.

Scott Wilkes is Professor of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Sunderland, and part-time GP in Amble, Northumberland. He has over fifteen years' experience as an NHS researcher and currently working on a number of thyroid focused research projects in primary care. Dr Wilkes says "Hypothyroidism is a common condition affecting approximately 3 million people in the UK. The presenting symptoms can be very non-specific, ignored by patients and missed by professionals. These short films highlight patients' experience of diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism".

Joe's thyroid disorder was successfully managed during childhood. Through his teenage years, he started to experience unpleasant physical, psychological and emotional symptoms as the management of his condition became more haphazard and Joe started to self-medicate. A change of doctor brought his symptoms back under control and Joe now leads a very active life.

When Alison was diagnosed with hypothyrodism at the age of 44, she felt she has lost control of her life. After a period of 'mourning' the person she used to be, she realised she didn't want to feel like this for the rest of her life, so she decided to change the way she thought about her condition and simply to see it as a new challenge. She worked slowly but surely on optimising her treatment until one day she had a revelation and realised "I'm back!"

Maret is 40 years old and was diagnosed after a miscarriage. Her hypothyroidism is caused by autoimmune antibodies attacking the thyroid. This is the most common form of hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This affects 9 in 10 people diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Through her own research, Maret discovered lifestyle changes that helped her control her symptoms.

Danielle was diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism when she was a baby. When she was a teenager, Danielle went through phases of poor compliance but has always been in good health. She has gone on to have a son and has become a keen runner.

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Hypothyroidism

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