Hyperthyroid anyone?

[HappyLoveMama]

I just got word that my thyroid was low. A little low was their words and my primary saw the number and said I did not need to treat it but to follow up with an endocrinologist. Anyone have experience with this? I'm kind of upset.

[WifeofAnt]

Hyper or Hypo? I don't have either but I really don't hear about hyperthyroid too much.

[HappyLoveMama]

still have to check - the range was - on the low end starting point - 0.450 and my number was 0.173. I think it's hyper?

[mamaki]

It depends on whether you're talking about T4 or TSH (both simple blood tests). High T4 and low TSH means you're hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid). Low T4 and high TSH means you're hypothyroid (underactive thyroid).

Hopefully you're hypothyroid as it's much easier to treat, especially in pregnancy. Hyperthyroidism is very difficult to treat in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Treatment of course depends on what is causing the hyperthyroidism.

What are your symptoms? It it fairly easy to tell whether you are hyper or hypo based on symptoms.

I've actually been hyper and hypothyroid. I was diagnosed with Grave's disease (the most common cause of hyperthyroidism) about 10 years ago. I had radiation treatment and am now hypothyroid (I take a thyroid replacement which is very simple/easy).

Hypothyroidism is much more common than hyperthyroidism. Usually hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto's disease.

[HappyLoveMama]

My symptoms are of those of typical first tri. Nausea and fatigue mostly. I'm pretty sure it's hyper and not sure how I feel about not treating it. Relieved but then nervous as I want to do the right thing for baby.

[mamaki]

Do you have any shakiness in your hands? Is your heart rate fast (over 100 beats per minute)? Do you feel like you're constantly running on adrenaline and yet very tired at the same time? Do you feel light headed?

Hyperthyroidism basically makes your metabolism super fast so you will also normally lose weight and have loose stools as all your food goes through you super fast.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Grave's disease (which is what I had). It is commonly discovered in times of stress, therefore it is quite common for it to first occur in pregnancy.

This information might be helpful to you. Have you been referred to an endocrinologist yet?

[HappyLoveMama]

Maybe just a little lightheaded once in a while when I stand up too quickly from lying down. But, I thought that was pregnancy related. I'm nauseous, again, pregnancy related or masked by pregnancy. It's funny though, I went through a hell of a winter with gastro problems, leading me to a gastroenterologist and getting a colonoscopy (came up clean) and found nothing in blood work. My thyroid was within range back in January. I suspected my thyroid and inquired about it but was told that my blood work looked fine - at least it did back then. So I guess pregnancy brought it out? Or, I was told, sometimes pregnancy does funny things to your thyroid. My mom is hypo...interesting...

Either way, my primary dr. said I didn't need to do anything, which is a relief, since I haven't looked into the safety of the medication I would need to take. But I am still nervous as I googled hyperthyroidism and pregnancy last night and it did not sit well with me if left untreated. So, Im upset, nonetheless and will be calling my primary doctor today to speak with him further. I was just given an endrocrinologists number yesterday from my primary so I will be making the appointment today as my primary wants me to follow up with them just to be safe.