[MEIER0717]

Hi! OK I went in for labs due to symptoms of hyperthyroidism (heat intolerance, hair falling out, issues going to sleep, irritability, weight loss, etc.) and my TSH was <0.006 (reference range 0.45-4.5) and my free T4 was 1.97 (range being 0.82-1.77). I then had a TSI performed (thyroid antibodies) and it was 26 (range being 0-146). I have not found anything with these levels on the internet. I will know more Wednesday but I wanted to see if anyone had any ideas. Thanks!

[ROLCAM]

Overactive thyroid, called hyperthyroidism, results in an overproduction of thyroid hormones. Excessive thyroid hormones in the blood cause an increase in the rate of most biological reactions. This leads to a higher rate of physical and mental activity. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include sweating, excessive nervousness, insomnia, and diarrhea. Hyperthyroidism that is accompanied by eye problems is referred to as Graves' disease.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism sometimes involves surgery to remove a portion of the thyroid gland. Drugs can also be prescribed to decrease thyroid production. In some cases of hyperthyroidism, a solution containing a radioactive form of iodine may be administered to destroy the gland.

Contributor: Charlotte H. Greene, Ph.D. Prof. of Physiology and Pharmacology, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

[MEIER0717]

That does make sense. I was just confused because someone said it was rare for people with hyperthyroidism to have low antibodies.

[MEIER0717]

OK so now around 6 days after being told I have hyperthyroidism, I am freezing cold (not on medication). I feel as though someone is rubbing ice all over me. I just don't know what to think anymore. For months I have been burning up and now this. Any ideas to what this is?

[Gryphyn34]

One problem with Graves Disease or Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism is most people focus on the thyroid. But the fact is it is your immune system attacking your own body. A researcher found that the immune system attacks parts of the body with a specific protein marker. However the reason it is focused on the thyroid is because when it attacks the thyroid it will either cause it to over produce (Hyper) or under produce (Hypo). Once diagnosed by a doctor via blood work. They will refer you to an endocrinologist. They will try to get the thyroid to produce normally through drugs and it will take time. I was told by my endo it can take up to 2 years to get the thyroid back to normal levels. Then you have a 50/50 chance it will go back to being hyper or hypo. In which case they will either recommend RAI (Radioactive Iodine Pill) or Surgery to remove part or the whole thyroid. In which case you will be taking a pill for the rest of your life. And again will take a year or 2 to get the dosage right. You won't be cured. You have graves for life and it can trigger other problems. I had my thyroid out last march and my graves is attacking my eyes. I have to see a surgeon next month to see if it can be fixed surgically.

This disease will cause you to be up and down in both your emotions and health. Some days you will feel really horrible and other days you will feel semi normal. You will also have emotion roller coaster ride with some of the drugs. Educate yourself and find as much info as you can. I did and it helped. Educate your family and friends as well. It's really not life threatening but it can affect relationships if no one else knows.