Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

At first when people hear the term hyperthyroid I've often had comments like- oh I want that! Fast metabolism? More energy? I'll take it! 


I once had the same thoughts. And they're wrong. Not that I feel bad for myself...on the other hand I'm grateful to understand what many people go through. This thyroid experience has taught me a lot about not judging people. 


Sure, you feel buzzed...but it's at night and you can't get your mind and body to shut up. I should buy stock in Benadryl because it is my sleep aid now. The initial burst of energy wears off and you're exhausted all.the.time. My endocrinologist, Dr. C, described it best when he said, "It's as though you're running in place constantly. Nothing productive is being accomplished but you can't stop moving." 


Here are signs of Hyperthyroidism (source):

Most people with hyperthyroidism have symptoms, including one or more of the following:

• Anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping
• Weakness (in particular of the upper arms and thighs, making it difficult to lift heavy items or climb stairs)
• Tremors (of the hands)
• Perspiring more than normal, difficulty tolerating hot weather
• Rapid or irregular heartbeats
• Fatigue
• Weight loss in spite of a normal or increased appetite
• Frequent bowel movements

In addition, some women have irregular menstrual periods or stop having their periods altogether. This can be associated with infertility. Men may develop enlarged or tender breasts, or erectile dysfunction, which resolves when hyperthyroidism is treated. 

There are a few different causes of hyperthyroidism:  Graves Disease, toxic nodular goiter, and thyroiditis. I have not experienced any of these since I am hyperthyroid on purpose to prevent more cancer cells from growing. Basically I can't give you any more info on the causes than what you could look up yourself :). 


Thankfully, there are drugs to help suppress an overactive thyroid. In severe cases people have their thyroids removed or, more commonly, they take a radioactive iodine pill to destroy their thyroids. This pill, I-131, is the same radiation treatment I had after my thyroid was removed. 


Stay tuned- my next post is a guest post where we'll talk about living with Hyper- AND Hypo-thyroidism. 


***This post is part of a series I am doing because it's Thyroid Health Awareness Month. I am not a physician, nurse, or anything like that. I am a woman who's had to learn a lot about her thyroid in the past year. My almost-lawyer-husband would be so proud that I'm including the following:  I am not liable for this information nor for the decisions you make based upon what I post. My hope is to teach people some basic thyroid information but if you have real concerns talk to your doctor!***