Over and Under active thyroid - can you have both?

[DatingDinosaur]

I can only find information (NHS and Thyroid UK website) relating to either Hypo or Hyper thyroidism and no mention that the two can co-exist in the same body!!

Can it fluctuate from one to the other?

For reference, I'm perimenopausal and experiencing symptoms of underactive thyroid but then have (for want of a better word) 'spikes' of what seems to be overactive thyroid.

Just wondered if the two could co-exist or if there's something else at play.

It is apparently possible to have both Graves (overactive) and Hashimotos (underactice) autoimmune conditions at the same time?

Have you been tested for either though as the symptoms for both can be similar to symptoms for other hormonal issues and other conditions

When I was first diagnosed it felt like I was going over and under. I talked to a consultant about it, and she said that it is important to stick to one brand of levothyroxine. It has worked for me, and my levels have been steady for years.

I went through a period of extreme stress about 12 years ago. This seemed to trigger hyperthyroid ( this was never confirmed btw ) but I couldn’t stop losing weight Constant going to the loo ibs. Palpitations massive hair thinning skin shedding. Then after a years of this I was noticing weight gain inability to lose weight tired cold. Then diagnosed with hypothyroid and has stayed that way ever since. However this all coincided with perimenopause so I’m guessing that had an impact.
So entirely possible .

Yes you can. Google Hashimoto's disease. I've just been diagnosed with it! Its an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid. Its the leading cause of underactive thyroid, however as your thyroid is slowly being destroyed by your immune system, you can have 'spikes' of overactive where your thyroid throws out too much hormone.

Its also possible to have typically 'hyper' symptoms alongside symptoms of hypo. For example anxiety - which can cause racing heart, insomnia, hot flushes etc. I've had quite a mixture of symptoms.

@JustanotherMNSlapperTwat No, I've not had any tests other than a routine well woman type test about 6 months ago (which came back fine).

@Thingsthatgo I'm not on any medication atm but I would follow the GP's recommendations (am also assuming it would be monitored).

@TaffyTuck Yes, that sounds similar to me (minus the tests, as yet!). I'm also thinking perimenopause has a lot to answer for might be a factor and I've just assumed it was all part and parcel of that, but it's becoming intrusive now.

Thanks @DaisyCat33 I will look into Hashimoto's disease.

I think a trip to the docs is in order rather than trying to self-diagnose - there's clearly something not quite right with me🤕

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I was born without a thyroid and I get symptoms from both sides. I take my Levothyroxine to help but I still get the symptoms.

A doctor told me once that it ‘splutters’ a bit before stopping working, if that makes sense?
so it can fluctuate up and down and get out of balance alright