Hyperthyrodism

[sarahsfocus]

i have just been diagnoised with hyperthyrodism i have looked on the internet for some information but all it talks about is Graves disease(i don't got graves disease)what i want to know is my immune system low or not working?i keep a cold sore on my lip.i have been taking Methinzole 10 mg but i don't think it's strong enough.can i get some info about my conditions.

[Barb135]

T3 is the main thyroid hormone that the individual cells, actually use.  Some of it is produced by the thyroid, but most is converted from T4 in other organs of the body, but mostly in the liver.  Free T3 is most important.  Total T3 is considered obsolete and of little value.  

Are there any tests on the report that indicate antibodies?   Is the T3 for Free or Total?  They aren't the same and if it doesn't specify "Free" then it's Total.  Is there a T4?  That should also specify "Free" in order to be most useful.  There should also be a TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.

If you like, you can just list the tests that are on the report and we can pick out the relevant ones and explain them to you.   When posting results, always be sure to include the reference ranges, because those vary lab to lab and must come from your own report.  Ranges are usually found in parenthesis beside the sample result.

[sarahsfocus]

i have the copy of my results.i think the doctor said something about Autoimmune.i guess it's bad that you have a condition and you don't know what you have.i don't understand a lot of what these symbol  means.(like i don't know what T1 or T3 Mean).

[Barb135]

It's possible that you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which is another autoimmune thyroid condition.  While Hashimoto's is typically associated with hypothyroidism, it can be characterized by "swings" from hyper to hypo, as well. The hyper phases can last a short time or a long time.  I used to have them for up to a couple years at a time, before I'd swing back to hypo. I have Hashimoto's.

Tests for Hashimoto's are TPOab and TGab (you need them both), and as gimel noted, the definitive test for Graves Disease is TSI.  

Also, as gimel noted, be sure to get both the FT3 and FT4 and always make sure you get a copy of the report for your records.  Don't count on your doctor to necessarily keep track of your levels.  I note on my report whatever symptoms I was having when the labs were drawn and what dosage(s) of medications I was taking at the time.  This has become my running record.

[sarahsfocus]

thanks for the comment.this has been a rollercoaster emotionally for me.i have to take Anxiety pills.i feel like i have been going crazy.i have acute hyperthyrism.i guess i need to talk to my doctor about my immune system.

[serenityseeker56]

PS.....mayo clininc.com has some good information on hyperthyroidism, listing all possible conditions that can cause it.

[serenityseeker56]

i was diagnosed with hyperthyroid in march 2012 Then follow up tests to find out why.  My doctor sent me for ultrasound, then radioactive scan, then biopsies and continuing bloodwork once a month.  I also do not have graves, the final diagnosis for me is toxic multinodular thyroid.  I am also on Methimazole as well as Metoprolol.  I will be having total thyroid removal in the next few months.   I know I rode a roller coaster for awhile, but things have improved with the two medications.  I will be on them until surgery .  How have your symptoms been? Hang in there, take it one day at a time and if you need support, this is a good place to chat with people who understand what you are going through.

[sarahsfocus]

when i was tested for thyroid they might have tested me for Graves disease.my thyroid doctor told me i don't have Graves disease.

[sarahsfocus]

thank you.my doctor told me my next blood test will be to adjust my dosage and see how my meds are working.

[sarahsfocus]

thank you for your in put.

[gimel]

The definitive test for Graves is TSI.  Have you had that test?

Also, if you are taking Methimazole, if the dose becomes too much, you can swing over into being hypo.  To track where you are, I suggest that you should make sure that the doctor tests you for the biologically active thyroid hormones (Free T3 and Free T4) each time you go in for testing.  Note that these are not the same as Total T3 and T4.  Tracking Free T3 and Free T4 will help in properly adjusting your dosage.

[rosetoes]

I am definitely not an expert, I have Graves disease and what I have read and been told by my Dr. the vast majority and hyper thyroid cases are Graves disease.  If you are taking Thyroids meds such as Methimzole, then you have a Dr. prescribing them.  Ask your Dr. the question that you have.  He is the expert, what we give you is our personal experiences with our Thyroid issues and what work and didn't work for us.  I have had Graves for 16 months and my immune system is fine, no colds or cold sores, etc.  Hope that this helps.