Hyperparathyroidism Support Group
Hyperparathyroidism is overactivity of the parathyroid glands resulting in excess production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Increased PTH consequently leads to increased serum calcium (hypercalcemia) due to 1) increased bone resorption, allowing flow of calcium from bone to blood, 2) reduces renal clearance of calcium, and 3) increases intestinal calcium absorption.
I have thyroid nodules for many years. Suddenly my blood tests say I'm producing too much thyroid hormone. They did a scan to compare previous scans, and I've done some reading. Basically the treatment is either radioactive iodine or meds that can have serious side effects. If I don't treat I risk heart disease and osteoporosis, if I do treat I risk it turning into hypothyroidism. I'm of a mind not to treat as all the treatments seem barbaric and have significant side effects.
I think you're in the wrong support group. On this board we have hyperPARAthyroidism, a problem with the parathyroid gland. It's attached to the thyroid and regulates Calcium in the body. It's part of the endocrine system, just like the thyroid is, but hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism are two separate conditions.
Quite a few of us have had thyroid troubles, though, myself included. Back in the dark ages about 25 years ago, I went hyperthyroid. I opted for a drug called Propylthiuracil instead of radioactive iodine. After a year I stopped taking the drug and my thyroid worked normally for quite a few years. Finally in my late 30s my gland pooped out and now I take thyroid replacement hormone.
I know it sounds scary right now, but of all the medical problems to have, hyperthyroidism is usually a pretty easy one to sort out. I hope that makes you feel a bit better, and good luck finding a support group!