Q: Abusive relationships don't always start off as physically abusive. In fact, they may even seem “too good to be true” at first, like your significant other is your “dream partner”. However, all types of abuse become worse over time, and if a person is willing to abuse you in one way, s/he is likely to become abusive in other ways as well. Physical violence may also appear in a cyclical pattern. Usually, there are periods of calm, where the abusive person is nice to you and may even go out of his way to treat you well. However, tensions will begin to escalate, leading to an abusive incident. After this incident, the abuser may apologize, say he feels really bad, and promise to change. However, this cycle continues to repeat itself. There is no level of violence that's “okay.” An abusive person may excuse his actions by saying he “got angry” or by blaming the violence on alcohol or drugs. However, people in healthy relationships do not use violence to express their emotions. If your boyfriend uses violence in your relationship, he needs counseling.  A person doesn't just “become” violent when s/he drinks. If your boyfriend is blaming alcohol for his abusive behavior, he is looking for an excuse to avoid accepting responsibility for his own actions.  A willingness to use violence to express emotions is a sign that the violence could escalate later. If your boyfriend becomes violent at any time, you should consider leaving the relationship. People in healthy relationships still get angry with each other sometimes -- that's human. However, people who respect each other will never harm or threaten to harm the other person, even when they're angry. If you don't feel safe around your boyfriend, it's a good sign that he's abusive.  Transgender individuals and people in non-heterosexual relationships may also face the threat of being forcibly “outed” to their communities, friends, family, or school by their abuser. This is abusive behavior.  Some abusive people will threaten to harm themselves unless you do what they want. This is also a form of abuse. Kicking, choking, hitting, and slapping are all obvious forms of physical abuse. However, there are many other types of physical violence that you might not be as familiar with, including:  Destroying your things, such as breaking your cellphone or keying your car Denying you basic needs, such as food and sleep Physically restraining you without your consent Keeping you from leaving your house or car, going to the hospital, or calling emergency services Threatening you with a weapon Kicking you out of the house or the car Abandoning you in strange or dangerous places Abusing others, such as your children or pets Driving dangerously while you're in the car
A: Understand that physical abuse may not happen immediately. Recognize that even once is too often. Think about whether you feel safe around him. Recognize other types of physical abuse.

Q: Symptoms of hypothyroidism include exhaustion, high blood pressure, weight gain, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating. Your doctor will need to perform tests to make an accurate diagnosis. They’ll prescribe levothyroxine if they find your thyroid is underactive. Let your doctor know about any prescriptions, over the counter medications, herbs, or supplements you take. Levothyroxine can negatively interact with blood thinners, beta-blockers, some antidepressants, and medications used to treat diabetes. It’ll take several weeks for levothyroxine to start working. Your dose will likely need to be adjusted, so your doctor will need to take regular blood tests until your hormone levels are stable. Once they’re stable, you’ll probably have a blood test every 4 to 6 months. Eventually, you’ll just need annual tests. Talk to your doctor if you experience appetite or weight changes, insomnia, hair loss, sweating, or nervousness. These indicate your dose needs to be adjusted. Seek medical treatment if you experience severe symptoms, such as chest pain, rapid or irregular pulse, blurred or double vision, or severe headache. If you need to stop taking it for any reason, your doctor will need to decrease your dosage gradually. You’ll most likely need to take your medicine for the rest of your life. While you might need to switch up your morning routine, ensuring you’re as healthy as possible is worth it.
A:
Have your doctor test for hypothyroidism. Ask your doctor about possible drug interactions. Have your doctor monitor your thyroid hormone levels. Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects. Don’t stop taking levothyroxine without talking to your doctor.