Hyperactive Thyroid – What to do

Questions from our Facebook page regarding Hyperactive Thyroid – What to do

 QUESTION: “I was diagnosed with hyperactive thyroid 27 years ago. I delivered my daughter at 28 weeks. 3 months later, I began radioactive iodine treatments. My thyroid is completely destroyed. The core is even gone. I have been having alot of trouble the past 6 months with unstable levels. I have been telling my Dr that my meds cannot be changed every 3 months! He prescribes me a dosage, I take it for 3 months, he requests blood work, then changes my dose. I have been like this for 2 years! Right now, my thyroid is so messed up. I cannot sleep. I cannot think or remember. I have gained in excess of 40 pounds in 6 months. I have severe headaches to the point, I have blurred vision. Dr says it normal and I need to adjust!! I have an appt with an Endocrinologist on Thursday. Hopefully they can get me straightened out. Any suggestions?”

ANSWER:  As you mentioned, radioactive iodine treatment can cause damage to other parts of the body.  The biggest warning I can give people who think they have hyperactive thyroid is to make sure you don’t have the mimicker, Hashimoto’s thyroid.  More times than not, people have Hashimoto’s and are in the hyperactive cycle.  This can be frustrating from a patient stand point because all your symptoms get flared up.  Without knowing any more about this particular person, I have a feeling this may be going on.  On top of that, the damage occurring in the body has been brewing for years as evidenced by her symptoms.  I do not prescribe medication, but find it odd to have to adjust your medication levels every three months based on your TSH.   Typically endocrinologist do the same thing.  Sounds to me that you have to find out what is causing all the symptoms.  The old model of “treating” the thyroid is outdated in my opinion. Find the problem and fix the cause and you will have a smile from ear to ear.  Here is one weird fact: the cause of the problem may not be directly related to your thyroid.  Bottom line, hyperactive thyroid is a lot less common than people think because it can masquerade itself as Hashimoto’s thyroid.  Go take our 1st step quiz for free and start getting to the bottom of the problem.