My Story
How curiosity, consistency, and self-advocacy reshaped my health journey.
Hi! My name is Gayle. I am not a medical doctor, pharmacist, nutritionist, or health professional. This is a personal account of my thyroid diagnosis, the questions it raised, and the path I chose to explore, which began in May 2018. I share it here with honesty and hope that it may encourage others navigating similar questions.
My training as a Research Scientist and Industrial Organizational Psychologist shaped how I approached this journey. I carefully reviewed research, asked thoughtful questions, and observed patterns over time.
I’ve always loved helping family and friends figure out ways to feel better without relying heavily on pharmaceuticals in their daily regimens. The main purpose of this site is to help others.
Struggle
Discovering the Mystery Behind My Hair Loss
In May 2018, I began experiencing symptoms and early lab findings that raised questions I didn’t yet have answers to. Believe it or not, my Hashimoto’s diagnosis came about accidentally because of my hair loss. I began noticing thinning hair and visited several doctors, including gynecologists and dermatologists, for answers. Each one gave me a different explanation, everything from “it’s probably age-related” to “it could be your thyroid.”
I had multiple thyroid tests, all of which came back normal. Some dermatologists suggested daily biotin supplementation, and I followed their advice. Months later, my general practitioner ran another thyroid panel and found a surprisingly high TSH level. It turned out that biotin can interfere with thyroid lab assays, creating falsely elevated readings, something neither my doctor nor I initially knew.
That confusion started me on a path of medical retesting, conflicting opinions, and frustration. When my results were interpreted as signs of Hashimoto’s, I found myself trying to reconcile the diagnosis with how I actually felt. About a month later, I met with an endocrinologist, where I received a formal diagnosis. Aside from noticeable hair thinning, something often associated with perimenopausal changes, I felt generally well and was functioning at a high level both mentally and physically. That disconnect between my lab results and my lived experience added another layer of uncertainty to the process.
I was advised that my thyroid would eventually “burn out” and that I should begin medication immediately, with the understanding that it would likely be a lifelong necessity. I left that appointment feeling overwhelmed and unsettled, uncertain about whether there might be additional ways to support my health alongside conventional care. The experience left me shocked and searching for hope. It has been mentioned that I can be somewhat strong-willed at times; however, that trait served me well throughout this journey. I have never been comfortable accepting conclusions without understanding them thoroughly. My willingness to challenge assumptions and pursue additional insight became one of my greatest strengths.
(Disclaimer: This content reflects my personal experience and understanding. It is not medical advice.
Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before making any health decisions.)
Turning Point
Choosing to Become My Own Health Advocate
That negative appointment was my turning point. Rather than accept a lifetime diagnosis without question, I decided to take control of my own learning. I began reading, researching, and exploring natural ways to support my thyroid and immune system.
As I dove deeper, I noticed differing perspectives: traditional medicine on one side and functional or holistic approaches on the other. I learned about iodine, goitrogens, and the potential connection between Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and autoimmune conditions.
It became clear that there was no single, unified source of guidance for people like me. So, I set out to become my own experiment, carefully, safely, and with an open mind, while continuing to get lab tests for insight.
As I continued learning, I became increasingly aware of how much conflicting information surrounds thyroid health. Nutritional theories, discussions about iodine status, autoimmune patterns, and evolving diet trends often pointed in different directions. At times, the volume of perspectives felt overwhelming. Rather than becoming discouraged, I leaned into what I knew best: careful analysis, measured experimentation, and observation over time. That process strengthened my commitment to thinking critically and taking personal responsibility for understanding my own patterns.
At one point, I began questioning whether dietary shifts I had made, such as reducing seafood and switching away from iodized salt, might have influenced my iodine intake. That curiosity led me to request additional testing and continue asking more informed questions about how nutrition and thyroid markers intersect.
This website exists because I know how isolating it can feel when you’re told, “There’s nothing you can do.” I want to share what I’ve discovered, purely as one woman’s experience, in case it helps others feel less alone.
My Approach
How I explored and supported my body over time
Everything I share here comes from my personal experience and self-education. I’m not a medical professional; these are simply the approaches I chose to explore for my own body after thoughtful research.
I began focusing on supporting my body’s natural systems, reducing inflammation, and finding balance rather than perfection. Some practices have remained part of my routine; others I experimented with for a season and later let go.
My Key Practices
Daily Practices & Personal Exploration
Nutrition
My diet is primarily organic and rich in fruits and vegetables. I eat meat intuitively — when my body seems to crave it — rather than on a rigid schedule.
Sleep
I aim for 8–9 hours of sleep each night, usually tracking it with a wearable device. Rather than overanalyzing every night, I focus on patterns — if most of the week feels restorative, I’m content. That mindset allows sleep to be nurturing rather than something to control.
Movement
I aim for consistent daily movement — typically 10,000 steps or about 30 minutes of cardio — along with stretching to stay flexible and mobile.
Juicing
Several mornings each week, I drink fresh celery juice (about 6 ounces) on an empty stomach as a gentle way to begin the day.
Aloe Vera Juice
For several years, I’ve chosen to drink approximately 2 oz each morning on an empty stomach. I look for pure organic aloe vera juice without added fillers, which can be difficult to find.
At one point, I came across preliminary research exploring potential physiological effects of certain aloe preparations. That research sparked my curiosity, but my decision to incorporate aloe was ultimately part of my broader personal experimentation rather than a targeted medical strategy.
Inversion Therapy
Short inversion sessions (3–5 minutes once or twice daily) became something I explored as a way to stretch and relieve pressure after long periods of sitting.
Sauna
I spend 20–30 minutes in a far infrared sauna several times per week as part of my relaxation and recovery routine.
Detox
Another area I have continually explored over time is supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. There are many different approaches available, including a wide range of structured kits and protocols. I explored a variety of options related to different systems of the body, including the liver, lungs, skin, kidneys, digestive system, and lymphatic system. Through this process, I also came to appreciate that the body has its own built-in capacity to process and eliminate substances, and that supportive habits may play a role in that process.
The practices that felt most supportive for me personally included infrared sauna use, prioritizing consistent and restful sleep, and incorporating breathing exercises such as deep breathing techniques. I also became more mindful of the order in which I approached different practices. In my own experience, I focused first on what I understood to be foundational support, such as hydration and gentle daily habits, along with practices aimed at supporting lymphatic flow and what is often described as opening detox pathways, before exploring more intensive approaches.
I also experimented with various detox-related protocols that are commonly discussed in wellness spaces, including those related to parasites, bacteria, and candida. My approach to these was gradual and observational, and always within the broader context of supporting my overall well-being rather than following a rigid or prescriptive plan. I tried to be thoughtful in my approach, periodically adjusting strategies and allowing for recovery periods in between.
As with everything else in my journey, these choices were part of my own process of observation and personal experimentation, rather than a structured or prescriptive approach.
Personal Supplement Exploration
Along the way, some supplements I’ve personally experimented with include multiple antiviral tinctures and teas, myo-inositol, black cumin seed oil, selenium, iodine, zinc, vitamin D3/K2, vitamin C, turmeric, magnesium, ACV, bromelain, serrapeptase, nattokinase, NAC, Glucovera, NAD, Thytrophin PMG®, Apple Peel Advanced, multivitamins, and probiotics. As with everything else in my journey, I approach supplementation as personal exploration rather than a substitute for medical care. Given the variety of environmental exposures and differences in manufacturing quality, I believe it’s important to check whether a product is third-party tested for things like heavy metals, pesticide residues, and mycotoxins.
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing has become a simple way for me to reset when I feel stress building. It helps quiet my thoughts when I begin to overthink daily stressors, and I often pair it with bedtime prayers as I lie down to sleep.
Mindset
Daily mantras, positive self-talk, and prayer have been just as important as any physical practice. I even visualized my own healing — imagining a little butterfly landing on my thyroid and using an imaginary power washer. It may sound unusual, but it helped me stay anchored in hope and intention. I truly believe that our mindset matters, and for me, visualization strengthened my sense of possibility and resilience.
Intuitive Visualization Practice
One of the most meaningful parts of my healing journey was not something I learned from a book or protocol. It was something I began doing intuitively.
During a time when I was searching for answers, I found myself naturally drawn to moments of stillness, closing my eyes, focusing inward, and imagining my body in a state of healing. I did not have a framework for it at the time. I was not following a specific method. It simply felt like something my body needed.
I began visualizing warmth, light, and restoration within different parts of my body, while also connecting to something greater than myself, whether I describe that as God, the sun, or a universal life force. More than anything, it brought me a sense of calm, comfort, and trust during a period that felt very uncertain.
Only later did I come across theories and perspectives suggesting that intention, attention, and emotional states may play a role in how the body responds and adapts. While many of these ideas are still considered theoretical and not yet fully established in conventional science, I found it interesting that they echoed what I had already been practicing in my own way.
For me, this practice was never about trying to control or force healing. It was about creating a more supportive internal environment, one that felt less stressed, more grounded, and more connected.
I do not view this as a replacement for medical care or scientific understanding, but rather as a personal mindset practice that helped me feel more at peace and more engaged in my own healing process.
It started as intuition. And it became something I chose to continue with intention.
These practices reflect my personal choices and are shared for informational purposes only. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.
Personal Shifts and Measurable Changes
A reflection on the shifts I observed, both personally and in my lab work.
Progressively, my laboratory values began to differ from earlier measurements, including shifts in thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin (Tg) antibodies.
At certain points, those antibody levels fell within ranges that, according to standard laboratory reference intervals, would not typically meet commonly used diagnostic thresholds associated with Hashimoto’s. I share this simply as a factual observation from my lab reports, not as a medical conclusion or claim.
Viewed in isolation, these markers reflected patterns that differed from those seen at the time of my initial diagnosis.
During that broader period, I was exploring various lifestyle adjustments and nutritional approaches. I do not attribute laboratory changes to any specific intervention, as many factors can influence thyroid markers.
For me personally, reviewing my lab results served as a tool for reflection and informed decision-making rather than as proof of causation.
At the same time, my energy improved, and my overall sense of well-being became more stable.
More than anything, this experience reminded me that we are not powerless participants in our own health stories. Thoughtful attention, patience, and self-advocacy can create space for meaningful change — even when the path is uncertain.
These reflections represent my individual experience and should not be interpreted as medical advice, diagnostic guidance, or a guarantee of outcomes.
Mindset, Self-Love, and Hope
What this journey ultimately taught me.
Eventually, this personal journey quietly grew into something more. I felt a natural pull to share what I had been learning and exploring, which eventually led me to create a separate wellness business — simply as a place to make those resources accessible for anyone who might find them helpful.
If there is one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that healing is both physical and emotional. No matter the diagnosis, cultivating faith, self-love, and curiosity can meaningfully influence how we navigate uncertainty.
I've gradually realized that the body and mind are not adversaries, but partners. When we approach ourselves with patience rather than fear, something shifts. Peace, gratitude, and hope can play an important role in our experience of the healing process.
My Mantra
“Love myself and remain open to prayer, spirituality, and alternative perspectives, trusting that I can learn how to support my own body.”
My Wish for All Women
“Stay hopeful, stay curious, and be gentle with yourself. Your body is capable of remarkable resilience; believe in your capacity to grow, adapt, and strengthen over time.”
Along the way, I’ve also learned the value of thoughtful experimentation. I try to introduce only one new variable at a time and observe it for several days before making additional changes. That patience helps me understand what truly supports my system, and what does not.
Above all, this journey has reminded me that we’re not powerless. We can take an active role in our well-being by asking questions, learning continuously, and making thoughtful, informed adjustments along the way.
Any products available on my wellness site are offered as general wellness resources and are not presented as treatments for medical conditions.
If you’d like to explore some of the resources I personally use, you can visit my wellness site below.
