Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Hyperactive thyroid nodule and weight gain

I am a 26 year old female, who leads a fairly healthy lifestyle. I do not overeat, or snack very often. I have a healthy diet, with a lot of vegetables and protein, and very small portions of carbs.

About 2 years ago I started gaining weight. I was about 120lbs. Around this time I also started getting hives. I am now 150lbs. tired all the time, somewhat sensitive to cold, constipation... and cannot figure out why I am gaining weight. I walk briskly 20-40 minutes a day. I had blood taken 4 times by my doctor over the past year and a half, and thyroid levels were on the low end, but still somewhat normal. The last time I went, she felt my thyroid gland for the first time and found a lump.

I had an ultrasound and then I went to a specialist, he felt the lump and told me it was most likely non cancerous. I went for a radioactive scan and the doctor at the hospital said its a hot, most likely over-active nodule (approx 2.5cm)

If the nodule is hyperactive, why am I gaining weight and exhibiting mild symptoms of hypothyroidism? I've read that an overactive nodule can cause the rest of the gland to be underactive, but there isn't a lot of information on the internet about this. Help!

3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I had the same problem and had the weight gain.  I gained a little over 15 pounds in a year.

I asked my doctor about it and he didn't seem to be too concerned with it.  Because of being tired, my activity level had dropped dramatically.  So even if you are walking 20-40 minutes a day, you may not be as active as you once were.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
A related discussion, Hey was started.
Helpful - 0
97953 tn?1440865392
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
key is to test blood for thyroid function -- if this is hyperthyroid, then it's from the 'hot' nodule -- with a hot nodule, it is unlikely to be hypothyroidism -- the rest of the gland is suppressed but the thyroid function overall is high due to the nodule over-acting.

most often, weight gain has little to do with thyroid function.

if you are hyperthyroid by labs, this may need treatment.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Cancer / Nodules & Hyperthyroidism Forum

Popular Resources
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.