Diagnosed with hyperthyroidism but lacking symptoms...

[mortulangel]

I have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism but I don't have insatiable hunger, fast weight loss or even fast weight gain. I have had recurrent bouts of episcleritis, some fine hand tremors and sometimes, some heart palps. I am concerned about having my thyroid removed because what if there is a different underlying problem which is causing this. I don't have my levels yet, I will get the lab work in a week as well as meet with my endo then. I'm just wondering what other things should I look into so that I am well prepared for this journey.

[Barb135]

Have you had thyroid antibodies tested?  You could have either Hashimoto's or Graves Disease, but you can't know without proper testing.  While Hashimoto's is, typically, associated with hypothyroidism, it's often characterized by periods of hyperthyroidism in the early stages.   Graves Disease is always associated with hyperthyroidism.

To test for Hashimoto's, you need Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab).  You need them both, since some of us have one or the other, some have both.  If you have only one, you run the risk of misdiagnosis.  

While some, with Graves Disease can have TPOab, the definitive test to confirm/rule it out is Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI).

When you get the tests results, please post them and be sure to include reference ranges, which vary lab to lab and have to come from your own report.

[ChitChatNine]

I think your levels will help  answer a lot of your questions and help guide you and your doctor with a game plan.  Keep us posted!

C~

[Red_Star]

I was hyperthyroid for a year and my poor appetite never improved and I lost no weight either on the scales (although I have muscle atrophy). The reason was due to severe insulin resistance which worsened even further due to excess thyroid hormone.