I want to share my experience managing full-time work, homeschooling, and motherhood—all while living with an autoimmune disease. My journey with Graves’ disease began after the birth of my first child.
At the time, I assumed I was just dealing with normal postpartum hair loss. But when the shedding became extreme and lasted far longer than expected, I knew something was off. I made an appointment with a dermatologist, thinking there might be something wrong with my scalp. They took a biopsy, and when the results came back, I was told my scalp was perfectly healthy—the hair loss was likely hereditary.
That didn’t sit right with me. Yes, early hair loss runs in some families, but I wasn’t even 30 years old yet. Looking back now, I still feel a twinge of frustration that no one thought to recommend thyroid testing. It also made me wonder: why had thyroid checks never been a routine part of my annual physicals?
Ironically, it was a chance moment scrolling through social media that changed everything. I saw someone mention Graves’ disease and hair loss, and curiosity led me down a research rabbit hole. That’s when I found out what an endocrinologist was—I had never even heard of that kind of doctor before. I scheduled my first appointment, and sure enough, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease.
Over the years, I’ve stuck closely to my care plan, attending all my routine check-ups, with even more frequent visits during each of my three pregnancies. Managing my thyroid health while working full-time, being a wife, homeschooling, and raising children has definitely kept my schedule full.
Here are a few tips I would share with anyone navigating a similar situation:
1. Prioritize your health.
Go to your regular check-ups, and be your own advocate when something feels off. You know your body better than anyone else.
2. Take the time to find the right doctor.
Look for a provider who listens to you, respects your concerns, and helps you feel seen. The right doctor can make a world of difference in how you understand and manage your condition.
3. Be honest with your loved ones.
This one is hard—I still struggle with it. I don’t want to seem like I’m exaggerating or making excuses. But the truth is, my condition does affect my patience, mood, and ability to rest. Opening up to my husband during those moments (like saying, “Hey, I’m feeling more anxious today,” or “My patience is thin right now”) has helped him show up for me with more empathy. It’s not always easy, but it helps us both navigate those harder days with a little more grace.
Recently, my condition shifted, and I’m now considered hypothyroid, which means a new treatment plan and different medications. The journey continues.
A gentle reminder: This is not professional medical advice—just my own experience. I share it in hopes of encouraging others who are juggling similar demands to prioritize their health. It is possible to be a successful full-time employee and a homeschooling parent while managing an illness like Graves’. But give yourself grace.
You’re not going to give 100% to everything every single day—and that’s okay. Instead of judging yourself day by day, zoom out. Look at your week as a whole. It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up, doing your best, and trusting that your effort across a week’s time is more than enough.