Are you tracking your symptoms?
We’ve all been there. You go to the doctor, and they ask, “Are you experiencing any symptoms that are out of the ordinary?” And what do you say? “No, everything’s fine!” But then, later that night, you’re chatting with your partner and mentioning that your skin has been so dry lately, your hair seems to be thinning, you keep forgetting things, and honestly, your libido is nowhere to be found. Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: while it’s super easy to brush these things off as “just part of getting older” or “something that happens to everyone,” it’s so important to pay attention to what’s happening in your body. Our bodies are constantly giving us feedback about how we’re doing, and tracking those little changes can help us catch any potential problems early and get the right help sooner rather than later.
Why Tracking Your Symptoms Matters
You might think, “It’s no big deal, these things happen to everyone, right?” Here’s where we need to take a step back. Just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s normal.
For example:
Dry skin: A lot of people experience dry skin, especially in winter. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s normal for your skin to feel rough and irritated all the time. It could be a sign of hormonal changes, dehydration, or even a nutrient deficiency.
Hair loss: Many people notice some hair shedding here and there, but consistent hair loss is not something we should ignore. It can be tied to thyroid imbalances, stress, or even nutrient deficiencies, especially if it’s happening in patches or seems to be accelerating.
Forgetfulness: We all have “senior moments” where we forget where we put our keys or if we turned off the stove. But if you’re constantly forgetting things, or if it’s starting to affect your day-to-day life, it might be a sign of something like vitamin deficiencies, hormonal fluctuations, or even stress.
These symptoms, while common, shouldn’t be brushed aside. They’re your body’s way of telling you something might need attention. And tracking them is an easy way to be proactive in understanding your health.
The Power of Tracking
It’s easy to forget or dismiss symptoms in the day-to-day shuffle of life. But when you actually start tracking them, you can notice patterns and gain insight into what’s going on. Whether it’s something you’re just experiencing today or a change that’s been building up over time, writing it down can make a huge difference when you go to the doctor or when you’re evaluating how you’re feeling overall.
Here’s why it’s important:
You’ll have better clarity: We’re busy. We juggle so many things that sometimes we can’t remember exactly when certain symptoms started or how often they’re occurring. By keeping a simple symptom log (more on that in a minute), you’ll have a clearer picture of what’s happening in your body.
It helps your healthcare team: When you can tell your doctor exactly what’s going on (and how long it’s been happening), you’re providing valuable information that can help them make a more accurate diagnosis or recommend the right treatment.
You catch things early: The sooner you spot something unusual, the easier it is to address. If you wait too long, what started as a minor issue could turn into something bigger that could have been avoided with earlier intervention.
Practical Tips for Busy People
Now, I get it. You’re busy. You have a million things on your plate, so tracking symptoms might sound like just one more thing to add to your to-do list. But trust me, it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here are some easy ways to get started:
Start with a symptom journal: It doesn’t have to be fancy. Grab a notebook or use an app on your phone. Jot down what symptoms you’re noticing each day. Include things like dry skin, fatigue, mood swings, headaches, digestion issues, etc. Include the date and a short description of how you’re feeling. That’s it!
Use a symptom tracking app: There are tons of apps out there designed specifically to help you track your symptoms. Some are for general health, while others are more specific (like for menstrual cycles, thyroid health, or gut issues). You can easily enter data every day, and these apps can even give you helpful charts and reminders to stay consistent.
Set a reminder: To make sure you’re actually tracking things consistently, set a daily reminder on your phone or schedule a quick check-in with yourself at the end of the day. A few seconds is all it takes to jot down a quick note on how you’re feeling.
Look for patterns: Once you’ve been tracking for a couple of weeks, start looking for trends. Are you noticing that your dry skin gets worse when you’re stressed? Or maybe your energy dips around the same time every day? Finding patterns can help you and your doctor figure out what might be going on.
Be specific: When you’re writing down symptoms, try to be as specific as possible. Instead of just saying “I’m tired,” note what kind of tiredness you’re feeling—are you mentally drained, physically exhausted, or both? The more details you can provide, the better.
When to Reach Out
If you’ve been tracking your symptoms and they’re starting to get worse or affecting your quality of life, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. Your doctor is there to help you, and having a symptom log will give them the information they need to take your concerns seriously.
For example, if you’ve noticed a pattern of hair loss, mood swings, and fatigue that seems to be getting worse over a few months, it’s time to dig deeper. It could be something like thyroid dysfunction or even a nutrient deficiency that’s easily fixable with the right care.
It’s easy to ignore the little changes happening in your body, especially when we live in such a fast-paced, “push through it” culture. But paying attention to those symptoms and tracking them can make a huge difference in your health and wellness. And remember, just because something is “common” doesn’t mean it’s normal or should be ignored. You deserve to feel your best, and keeping tabs on your symptoms is an important part of that!
So, grab a journal, set a reminder, and start paying attention to your body’s signals. You’ve got this!