Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

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Thyorid Eye Disease?

emstethem
emstethem Posts: 263 Member
edited December 26 in Social Groups
OK, so, I've been hypothyroid for about 6 years, and medicating with Armour. Recently, I went to the lab for routine blood work, and the blood work came back that I am hyper-thyroid now. And one of my eyes looks like it is pushed forward? :( I follow up with my doctor next month to discuss going down on my dosage. Will this clear up on it's own when my dosage is reduced? :(

Replies

  • firstsip
    firstsip Posts: 8,399 Member
    Bulging eyes is is like one of the most well known symptoms of Graves disease, which also involves hyperthyroidism.
    When your dosage is reduced, theoretically your symptoms should go away (although Graves means there is an auto-immune disorder at work, in which case further action may need to be taken).

    What are your levels, by chance?
  • greenie
    greenie Posts: 47 Member
    The bulging of the eye comes from swelling of the extra-ocular muscles (there are 6 in each eye) as a result of the thyroid being too active (hyperthyroid). This is know as Grave's disease. Getting the thyroid hormone levels back to normal is the most important treatment. Sometimes the inflammation of the extra-ocular muscles decreases as the thyroid regulates. Unfortunately, sometimes the eye bulge remains. I hope things start equalizing for you!
  • tecallahan
    tecallahan Posts: 732 Member
    I don't know if mmmDrop is still on this forum, but she has both Hashi and Graves and has TED - Thyroid Eye Disease. She is going to a specialist in TX somewhere for it.

    I actually know a lot about hypothyroidism, but not about TED.

    I hope you find a doctor to help you!
  • shvits
    shvits Posts: 249 Member
    DO NOT WAIT! Go to the doctor right away. This might not go away if not taken care of ASAP and it can get worse. Call him/her on Monday and be seen for a change of medication.
  • MmmDrop
    MmmDrop Posts: 160 Member
    I'm still here! :D

    TED isn't something you should just take a "wait and see" stance on. If the muscles in the back of your eye swell too much, it could put pressure on your ocular nerves and cause some nasty damage.

    Although its possible it could get a little better on its own, its still way too serious to not see an eye doctor about.
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