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!