Heather Rae Young, the popular star of “Selling Sunset,” recently shared her personal battle with Hashimoto’s disease, shedding light on the challenges she faced during her post-pregnancy journey. In this article, we’ll delve into her story, the impact of Hashimoto’s disease on her life, and her path to recovery.
Nine months after welcoming her son, Tristan, into the world in January, Heather Rae Young began experiencing unusual symptoms that left her feeling exhausted and mentally drained. The 36-year-old reality TV star revealed that she struggled with constant fatigue and difficulty concentrating, which significantly affected her daily life.
As a new mother, Heather initially attributed her fatigue to the demands of caring for her newborn. She described the sensation as her brain and body feeling utterly drained, regardless of how much sleep she got. However, as time passed, and her exhaustion persisted, she realized that something was amiss.
The turning point came when a lactation consultant suggested she see a doctor after observing a significant drop in her milk production for Tristan. It was this pivotal moment that led to Heather’s diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland.
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and a decrease in thyroid function. This, in turn, can result in a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes.
Heather’s diagnosis was a shock, as she had never experienced thyroid-related issues before. She revealed her initial reaction, saying, “I was in total shock.” However, she wasted no time in seeking treatment and was prescribed medication to manage her condition. Thankfully, she started to notice a significant improvement in her energy levels and overall well-being soon after beginning treatment.
Before her diagnosis, Heather had been struggling with her ability to breastfeed Tristan due to her fatigue and decreased milk supply. She recounted the challenges of feeding her son, saying that he was born with a tongue-tie, which limited his tongue’s mobility and made breastfeeding difficult. Tristan’s inability to latch properly resulted in weight loss, and it was a distressing period for both mother and child.
To address Tristan’s tongue-tie, he underwent a laser frenectomy, which helped alleviate the issue and allowed for more successful breastfeeding. However, by that time, he had already become accustomed to baby purees and goat milk formula, leading him to lose interest in breastfeeding. Despite this change in feeding, Heather still cherishes the moments of skin-to-skin contact she had with her son.
Reflecting on her breastfeeding journey, Heather shared that she misses nursing but acknowledges that it would have been much harder if Tristan had not naturally transitioned to other forms of feeding.
Throughout her experiences, Heather Rae Young has been supported not only by her husband, HGTV star Tarek El Moussa, but also by her fans and followers. She has shared her journey openly on social media, helping raise awareness about Hashimoto’s disease and the challenges faced by new mothers.
Heather’s diagnosis also had a significant impact on her professional life. As a reality TV star, she had to contend with the demands of filming shows like “The Flipping El Moussas” while battling the effects of Hashimoto’s disease. She described the filming process as “absolutely brutal” due to her lack of energy and mental clarity.
Despite these challenges, Heather remains grateful for her supportive husband and their strong bond. She emphasized that their friendship and understanding have been crucial in navigating the complexities of parenthood. Becoming a mother has transformed their world, and they remain “joined at the hip” as true soulmates, even in the face of the challenges posed by caring for a newborn.
In conclusion, Heather Rae Young’s journey with Hashimoto’s disease serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to our bodies and seeking medical attention when needed. Her resilience, openness, and determination to raise awareness about her condition are commendable, and her story offers hope to others facing similar health challenges. As she continues to embrace motherhood and her thriving career, Heather’s experiences will undoubtedly inspire many.