From mid July to November of 2015, I severely abused laxatives. About 14-55 ex-lax max strength tablets at least 5 days a week. After I stopped I got several symptoms of hypothyroidism. Very sensitive to cold, very dry hands, a bit of receded hair line and dry hair, very lethargic, etc. I still haven t gone to a doctor about it, but my hands are still always dry, I have slept 16 full hours straight, and I feel cold very often. I also have had a small lump under my left rib for quite some time, but it doesn t hurt at all and just feels like fat when I pinch it. It also is not even noticeable most of the time. Is the amount of time I abused laxatives enough to have given me serious medical issues? I really don t want to see a doctor, and I ve been dealing with these symptoms ever since I quit *but nothing has gotten worse*, so is there really anything I should do or be worried about?