Making Sense of the Health Condition

Health issues happen,

you need relief.

Going to a doctor is not easy,

at least where I live,

endless tests, and a huge bill.

I am just a writer and artist,

luckily, a biologist too.

I have health awareness,

and the ability to analyze symptoms.

Understanding your own body matters,

nothing wrong with attempt to self-diagnosis

with open mind,

self-medicating can be risky.

For many days,

I have noticed uterine cramps,

my hair fall is rougher than usual,

I woke up with my upper lip swollen.

Not fun, but more symptoms tell,

more about the underlying condition,

it's hypothyroidism.

It has been always there,

but sometimes I feel better,

sometimes not so.

So, what made is bad,

this time around?

Well, winter feels like a trigger,

cold temperature is a stressor.

I ate some cake,

perhaps more than my body likes.

Preservatives are often my nemesis,

have history of allergies.

I am 44, and likely perimenopause

is around the corner.

So, hormonal changes,

cold weather, preservatives

conspired to my misery.

Understanding the issue

is half the solution.

It helps to take

proper precautions.

So, what do I do?

Wear warm clothes,

spend some time in the sun,

drink enough water,

get enough sleep,

eat homemade, fiber-rich food,

stay away from processed foods.

Keep track of the signals.

you will find pattern.

I hope to feel better,

and perhaps what I learn,

can help me illuminate others.

Note: I have a PhD and 2 MS in biosciences and am author hundreds of academic science articles.