Hyperthyroidism Support Group
Hyperthyroidism (or "overactive thyroid gland") is the clinical syndrome featuring weight loss (often accompanied by a ravenous appetite), fatigue, weakness, hyperactivity, irritability, apathy, depression, polyuria, and sweating. Additional symptoms may include palpitations and arrhythmias (notably atrial fibrillation), dyspnea, loss of libido, nausea, vomiting, and...
I am in the beginning stages of diagnosis and was wondering if symptoms can come and go for years? My T3 and T4 have been in normal ranges even as recently as Oct but tests taken last week show TSH .004 and T4 at 2.7 so more blood work was taken. I am 55 yrs old and have astygmatism so who knows if sweating was from menopause or if vision changes are related. I am starting with my regular doctor and expect that if the results continue to lean towards hyrperthryroidism I will be moving on to an endocrinologist. I haven't slept for years either. I did change my lifestyle 5 years ago losing 100 lbs which was a struggle as i am always hungry - I have been able to maintain it with exercise however strenuous exercise like running and backpacking up steep inclines I cannot get my breath and wonder if it may be related. I appreciate any and all advise and information as I go along. I have no idea what to expect and what to be asking of my doctor. Thanks much.
Please include the lab ranges when talking about the labs as these can be different from geographical locations, one's age, different lab companies, etc.
It's not a great idea to exercise if heart rate is above 90.
Ask your doctor to order the thyroid test of the Free T3 in addition to the Free T4 and the TSH you already had done.
Thyroid levels can bounce around for years depending on the antibodies,
Thyroid problems can happen from stress, menstrual changes and yes, even vision changes. There are so many different factors.
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Free T4 2.42 range 0.71-1.75
TSH 3rd Gen .004 range 0.3-5.0
I'll post the other information as I get it. It certainly would explain a lot of things that have been going on for years - like not sleeping, tons of energy and many other things - like high systolic blood pressure and low dyastolic. Any other advice or questions I should be asking is so appreciated.
Also lab often in the beginning of every four to six weeks. This way you will whittle down your ATD doses as you hit mid range on the Free T4.
The beta blocker is given if the Free T3 is high. The beta blocker is what works with the T3 Thyrotoxicosis.
If you do get put on the meds, you might want to check your diet next for any foods/drinks that does make you hypER. If so, avoid these. I would get a small notebook to record to find out which ones are the culprits.
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To find out would be getting the thyroid antibodies called the TgAb (Thyroglobulin antibodies) and the TPOab (Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies). Although these two tests really do not accurately check for Hashi's.
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