Hyperthyroidism diagnosed - what now?

[MrsMiniversCharlady]

Have just got off the phone from the GP was says that my recent blood tests showed that I have hyperthyroidism. I'm shocked - I went because I thought it was a possibility, having lost the best part of 10 kilos in less than 3 months, but I didn't really think I would have it

I've been given an urgent referral to the endocrinology consultant at my local hospital because I have a complicated endocrinological history (supposedly unrelated to my thyroid) but not sure how long I will have to wait.

I have to admit that I've been rather enjoying the weight loss - I weigh less now than I did pre-children whilst packing away cakes and biscuits galore! I'm now worried that any treatment will mean piling on the weight again and/or lots of horrid side effects. Apart from the weight loss I've been symptom-free and feel great, hair and skin same as usual

Does anyone have any experience or advice?

[TheWonderfulFanny]

Bumping for you. I'm hypo myself so not much help, but sil is hyper, she takes a pill to suppress the Thyroxin production.

There are a few who don't take as many meds as they should so they can eat cake, but it does - iirc - put additional strain on your heart so not recommended.

[walnutcakelover]

Hi mrsmini. I had hyperthyroidism (graves disease), I was diagnosed in 2009, and was put on carbimazole for about 18months. Before I got diagnosed I had the tremor, anxiety, insomnia and irritability, but didn't have weight loss. When I was on carbimazole, I have to admit I was a very angry person, think it was a side effect, any little thing made me incredible hulk. I didn't gain weight while I was on the medication, but i did feel as if i had a lot of water retention. The endo put me on 20mg to start of with, so it wasn't really that high dose, on my second appoitment i was put on 10mg, then i stayed on 5mg for nearly a year, because i responded well, and my thyroid stabalised. I have been in remission for just over a year now, and luckily my blood tests have all been normal. I hope your appoitment comes soon, and all goes well. x

[MrsMiniversCharlady]

Thanks for your replies! It's come at a very bad time for me as I start a new job on Monday, so the last thing I want to do is ask for time off for hospital appointments. I also don't want to be a crazy-scary-lady when I start because of anti-thyroid tablets, lol! It's so bizarre, huge weight loss is literally my only symptom

[MrsMiniversCharlady]

Glad it's all hopefully sorted for you walnutcakelover.

Hope you get your hypo sorted TWF

[Beckamaw]

Aha. I have also just been diagnosed.
DD3 was born 6.5 mths ago. Weight just fell off. Was delighted! Presumed it was due to BF and busy life.
Went back to work. Abused caffeine during the first couple of weeks. Started shaking with scary palpitations. Quit caffeine. Symptoms worsened.
Went for routine GP appointment. GP was horrified by BP. ECG performed - resting pulse was 140.
Given beta blockers and sent to hospital for chest X-ray and bloods. Crazy thyroid, so now on propranolol and carbimazole.
I have had to stop BF immediately, which is so sad. Referred to endocrinologist too.

I am a bit baffled as have had weird pituitary symptoms for years. MRI said no tumour, prolactin levels normal, yet I lactated constantly. Thyroid function at this time seemed OK.
It would seem that there is a connection somewhere. Keep me posted please!