GP has sent me into a panic - over active thyroid. Anyone got any experience?

[DorrisMcWhirter]

I've been suffering from a list of health 'ishoo's' recently (insomnia, dizziness etc) so finally plucked up the courage to go to the gp's.
I went back today and apparently the blood tests show a slight over active thyroid.
She's now got me in a panic as I've been put on tablets and apart from several dubious side effects, the worst appears to be that i;ll put on weight.
Now I'm a size 18 at the best of times. I did tell her that any weight loss I'd experienced had been minor (couple of pounds at the most) but I suppose I can't argue with the blood tests.
Has anyone out there been a larger lass and had an over active thyroid? My fear is that I'll balloon and be bigger than ever. Don't think my self esteem could cope with that What on earth can I do?

bump....anyone?

No advice I'm afraid Dorris, but for what it's worth I think you look fab!

Did you talk to your GP about your concerns? What was her response?

With an over active thyroid you will lose weight anyway as your metablolism is in overdrive. Pills will slow it doen to a normal rate. It also means that your heart rate will be elevated, so please take your doctors advice!

Thanks Lilred! You're very kind.
I didn't talk to her about it no, I think I was kind of shell shocked because she threw so much information at me. As well as all this she also touched on operations or injections for my carpel tunnel and having to 'have a chat' about contraception.
I was clawing the door to get out!

Thank you georgiemum. I will definitely take the tablets as I can't argue with the results of a blood test.
I think my main concern is that I hadn't exactly been losing a l,ot of weight to start with, so what if it sends me the other way and I end up being 20 stone?
Paniiiiiiiiic!

Maybe you won't need to take them for long? Check with the doctor. You won't necessarily put on weight, the tablets just balance the chemicals out in the body.

Make another appointment just to discuss the medication and your concerns. If she tried to raise other issues ask her if you can get this clear in your head first.

Hope the meetup was good.

Ask to be referred to an Endocrinologist, they will do much more indepth tests and really get to the bottom of it.

Ime all my friends with overactive (hyperthyroidism) were very slim/skinny and had heart palpitations.

I have an under (hypothyroid) so cold, sluggish and prone to weight gain BUT I have an unusual kind that couldn't be picked up by the standard GP tests as they only do TSH and you need a consultant to autorise a T4 or3 (well, round here anyway).

My Endo does full hormone tests etc and is really helpful (told me this year I wasn't pre-menopausal, was only just 36 so a relief!) although here there is a 12 month wait!

Good luck.

Thank you all
I have had the heart palpatations but think it is definitely wise to re check about the weight. Shall ask about the specialist on my next visit (I've been told i will probably have to have very regular visits!)
Lilred - meetup was great per usual, missed you there

TBH - I was hesitant after been so ill after the last one. I think I would have panicked had anyone ordered prawns. Not at all logical I know, but that's me . Will definitely try to come next time.

Dorris - I had a severley overactive thryoid that went undiagnosed for ages. I only lost a few pounds with it. The medication made me feel a lot better and I actually lost weight once it got sorted. My endocrinologist said that for a few people an overactive thyroid can make them put on weight.

Thank you Mm that makes me feel as if there is hope!
I just had visions of me as a size 48 in a couple of weeks time (I am prone to over reacting!!)

hi Dorris, i too had the same concerns - have struggled to manage my weight for years but actually since my thyroid was sorted I have found it much easier to maintain a weight rather than yo yoing all the time ! Good luck with it all.