Everyone makes mistakes. You may strive for perfection, but you’re only human. In some situations, being imperfect is just fine, but in others, such as taking your thyroid hormone replacement medication, small mistakes could lead to big problems. Neglecting to be exact and precise in your regimen can make treatment less effective for hypothyroidism, which brings a host of problems. These include weight gain, hair loss, and depression. Here are just a few of the common blunders people make in treatment and how fixing them could lead to better management of your symptoms.

You’ve tried for years to do what you know you should to be healthy through eating right and exercising on a regular basis. Yet, despite your efforts, you don’t seem to benefit from making these better choices. You still feel tired, and maybe you even struggle with depression and weight gain!

Your doctor can take a blood sample and analyze your thyroid function. This organ looks like a butterfly and is located just below your larynx or voice box. It may be small, but it can seriously mess with your body if it’s not working properly. Fortunately, conditions involving the thyroid are completely treatable, but when can you expect to feel more normal again after starting thyroid treatment? Read on to find out—after we answer a few other questions first!