Low TSH = Hyper? Anyone else hyper?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2004
Low TSH = Hyper? Anyone else hyper?
9
Wed, 08-11-2004 - 9:32am
Hi there. I was just wondering if anyone else around here had low TSH levels, mine were .09 If so, what were your symptoms, your tsh levels and what did the docs do to help you? Is it typical for when they see low TSH levels that they test more or do they just base their "opinion" on that?

Thanks for any info!

April

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Wed, 08-11-2004 - 9:51am
Hi April - Just wanted to welcome you to the board! There are a few people here who are hyperhtyroid. I hope they see your post so they can answer! Cathy :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
Wed, 08-11-2004 - 10:59am

I'll take a shot at trying to answer you!

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2004
Wed, 08-11-2004 - 12:14pm
ok, well at least someone out there is hyper. I go to the docs tomorrow. I am just anxious to get this dealt with. Haven't noticed any weight loss. Things I've noticed are: not being able to sleep well at night, takes forever to fall asleep, irregular periods, very irritable, hungry a lot,pounding heart at times, acne, body odor (not sure if those 2 are from it! ha) I notice I've been freaking out a lot. Not sure if it's panic attacks though.

For example, I was washing my daughters sheets and I just tried to yank them off the bed but couldn't...so I started to break down and cry out of frustration...but I realize what I am doing and try to calm down a bit. Then I kinda stay in that "hyper" state where I am "on edge".

Also, I think I read of pregnancy induced hyper or hypo. I gave birth a little over 5 months ago. I've only had my period once. (not breastfeeding) with my other births, I was "normal" within 2 months. This time it is taking forever. I had gestational diabetes while pregnant, had to take insulin shots, they tested my thyroid then said it was normal. I wish docs took time to explain things more and actually pretended they wanted to help you when you had to ask questions!!

Just thinking- I noticed towards the end of my pregnancy I started with the "B.O." and acne, could I at that point started having a thyroid problem? Assuming thats what it is?

I haven't been "normal" yet... (birth was Feb 27. 04)

Maybe I went to the docs too soon? Jumping the gun? I dont know, I just know I felt like a crazy person and had to do something about it.

Anyway- thanks for the help...

April

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
Wed, 08-11-2004 - 12:42pm

I could be totally wrong but I don't think that acne & BO are symptoms.

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 08-11-2004 - 8:31pm
Hi April,

I am hyper. Diagnosed back in April. My current TSH is 0.004. Other levels are in the normal range. I have been on 800 mg of PTU daily.

My symptoms were pretty severe and I had them for a long time. Most severe were rapid heart rate & palpitations....resting at 100. Easily going over 200 during aerobics & exercising. I also had sleep disturbances where I couldn't stay asleep and once I woke, it would take me hours to fall back.

I didn't really have weight loss but my appetite was ferocous (sp). I could eat anything and not gain. That was because my metobolism was working overtime. Now, being medicated and almost normal, I'm not so lucky. My appetite has decreased...thankfully, but I've gained a couple lbs., but I have not been exercising like before. I also had profuse sweating and was always hot and could not tolerate heat much.

When my family Dr. checked my levels and she saw hyper levels, she immediately referred me to an endo. An endo should check all of your levels as well as evaluate your symptoms.

I go back in about 3 weeks for another blood draw.

Anyway, hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please let me know.

Good luck to you.

--Gina

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-06-2003
Wed, 08-11-2004 - 9:05pm
April,

Hi, my name is Rebecca. I too have a low tsh and elevated T4. Based on that, my pcp told me that I am hyper. So, he ordered a thyroid scan and uptake. Which indicated an enlarged thyroid. Then because of the results of that he ordered an ultrasound which showed cysts on my thyroid. So now he referred me to an endocrinologist. As far as my symptoms, increased appeptite and hunger, shakiness, anxiety, fatigue,numbness, difficulty swallowing, cough, neck pain.

I am new to all of this myself. It is quite bewildering to me. I hope this helps you.

Take care,

Rebecca

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2004
Wed, 08-11-2004 - 9:24pm
thanks for the info guys, I'll keep you posted!!



April

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2004
Thu, 08-12-2004 - 4:22pm
i went to the docs today. HE said usually after giving birth people become hypo- but I looked like I was hyper. Then he started talking about postpartum depression, prescribed me some sleeping pills (b/c I sleep terrible now) He referred me to an endocrinologist "to see what is really going". So I have to wait and see.

Kind of frustrated b/c he made me feel like it's depression even though my TSH levels are low.

April

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 08-12-2004 - 5:42pm
Hi April,

sorry your doc couldn't give you a more in depth diagnosis. Usually, a general dr. isn't well-versed in "hyperthyroid". It is wise to see an endo ASAP. Before your appointment with an endo, see if you can get bloodwork done beforehand so you don't have to go back. This way, you can have some kind of idea on your first appointment.

Sleep disturbances were one of my more severe symptoms. To me, I'd feel depressed because I wasn't rested. It wasn't severe but I was very "testy" and short-tempered.

On a positive note, at least your dr. referred you. Some docs want to handle this on their own and can get way off base.

In the meantime, try a relaxation routine before bed if possible. Warm bath, book, no disturbances (know this is hard w/ children).

Keep us posted on the endo visit and best of luck.

--Gina