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Do You Hate Being Branded as Your Thyroid Condition?

Someone once asked if I hate feeling branded by my thyroid condition.

The short answer? I wouldn’t say I do.

Rachel Looking Down a Cliff

I mean, I have worked hard to overcome all the damage that hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s did to my life (before I was on thyroid medication and properly treated) so I’m proud of how I’ve regained control over my health and life. It hasn’t been easy, and I’m more than happy to share that with other people.

I understand that some people may see me as a thyroid patient or thyroid advocate before anything else, but I’m proud of the journey I’ve taken to get here, so do I mind it? No. 

My thyroid condition has shaped who I am today. In good ways, too. I don’t see it as a negative part of who I am or a negative part of my life. It’s just there.

But there’s much more to me too; I love travelling, walking, I’m a total foodie and love eating Asian food in particular. I love organising parties and themed events. I read a lot, I love everything retro and vintage and I change my hair quite often!

So, do I hate being branded as my thyroid condition? Not really. I’ve grown so much because of this little butterfly shaped gland in my neck not working properly.

How would you answer this question?

A Book for Our Children:

Thyroid Superhero: A Kid’s Guide To Understanding Their Grown-up’s Hypothyroidism, which helps children to understand their caregiver’s thyroid medication, flare days, symptoms and much more.

About Author

Rachel Hill is the internationally acclaimed and multi-award winning thyroid patient advocate, writer, speaker and bestselling author behind The Invisible Hypothyroidism. She has advocated online for better thyroid disease awareness, diagnosis, treatment and management since 2015 and has won multiple awards for her online thyroid advocacy work, including a WEGO Health Award and Social Health Award. She is also a Certified Patient Leader through the Health Union Certification. She is well-recognised as a leading thyroid health advocate in the thyroid community and has received recognitions for her work and dedication. Her weekly thyroid patient newsletter is a Substack Bestseller, which has also featured in the Top 10 for Health and Wellness. Rachel has spoken on countless podcasts and at various events and has been on non-profit boards, patient councils and advisory boards, including The American College of Thyroidology. Rachel has worked with and been featured by UK thyroid charities, The National Academy of Hypothyroidism, The BBC, Yahoo, MSN, ThyroidChange and more. Her bestselling thyroid books include "Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate", "You, Me and Hypothyroidism", "The Positive Thyroid Pregnancy Book" and the children's book "Thyroid Superhero".