Anyone ever go from hypo to hyper thyroid?

Fitnessgirl0913
Fitnessgirl0913 Posts: 481 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
As some of you may know I have been hypothyroid for quite some time now which up until recently has been well controlled with medication. I had my most recent blood levels tested for my thyroid and they showed I was hyperthyroid. I am on a very low dose of levothyroxine (25 mcg) which my doctor has taken me off of. Fast forward to this morning and low and behold I am still hyperthyroid. I made an appointment with an endocrinologist, so hopefully she will be able to help me, but it is not for 2 weeks so I was hoping someone had advice. My doctor told me at this time to just try and maintain my weight, cool, except it is not really working out.

Hyper is so different from what I experienced as hypo. I am hungry literally 30 minutes after I eat, ravenous in fact. I have been eating extra snacks and double portions at meals all week and have lost 3 pounds since Monday, not good. I have been eating an average of 2600 calories a day this week. I know everyone will say to eat more but when I eat closer to 3000 I get dizzy and extremely sleepy. I know the best advice will come from my appointment with the endocrinologist I was just hoping someone out there has any useful tips or advice for me.

I have not been logging on MFP for this time so opening my diary will not help. I have been measuring and weighing everything still but tracking it in a document for my doctor. I am a 26 year old female, 135 pounds, 5'5".

Replies

  • LAWoman72
    LAWoman72 Posts: 2,846 Member
    edited November 2017
    Oh, you're on medication already...then yes, this can absolutely happen. Or rather, your TSH can change to "too high" or "too low" (hypo/hyper respectively) depending upon how your body is responding to your current medication and dose. (I'm assuming this was just TSH..I realize there's a lot more than that one can and should be tested for, but you say you're also having these symptoms, so that would seem to back up the temporarily-hypo theory here...)

    Weight loss can do that, actually, simply because (according to my doctor) you're getting the higher mcg amount per total body weight. I can say that I've lost 60 lbs. and have no hyper-T symptoms, but apparently that can happen.

    I would say perhaps it's a random fluctuation, but you say you've been tested more than once and that you're experiencing symptoms.

    I don't know...I'm not sure it's kosher to continue this way for two weeks. Not to be alarmist, and probably you'll be just fine, but it's no secret that a sustained hyper-T condition can be dangerous. Can you call your doctor back and explain that you are experiencing scary and difficult symptoms and ask her advice? Temporarily lowering the dosage or...? I don't know...I'd call. Can't hurt.
  • Fitnessgirl0913
    Fitnessgirl0913 Posts: 481 Member
    edited November 2017
    LAWoman72 wrote: »
    Oh, you're on medication already...then yes, this can absolutely happen. Or rather, your TSH can change to "too high" or "too low" (hypo/hyper respectively) depending upon how your body is responding to your current medication and dose. (I'm assuming this was just TSH..I realize there's a lot more than that one can and should be tested for, but you say you're also having these symptoms, so that would seem to back up the temporarily-hypo theory here).

    I would say perhaps it's a random fluctuation, but you say you've been tested more than once and thatyou're experiencing symptoms.

    I don't know...I'm not sure it's kosher to continue this way for two weeks. Can you call your doctor back and explain that you are experiencing scary and difficult symptoms and ask her advice? Temporarily lowering the dosage or...? I don't know...I'd call. Can't hurt.

    I have stopped my medication but as of my blood work this morning I am still hyper. Unfortunately my doctor is closed as of now so I will have to endure the weekend, but I have my husband on standby for a trip to urgent care or the ED. I have been trying to drink a protein shake in addition to all my meals, which helps somewhat with the dizziness from eating so much. It is just very strange. the endo said something about an radioactive iodine test (which sounds scary) to help figure out what is going on.

    ETA I was already on the lowest dose of levothyroxine (25 mcg) so I don't think I was over medicated, but who knows.
  • plus20UsernameOfPower
    plus20UsernameOfPower Posts: 480 Member
    edited November 2017
    Hashimoto's Thyroid and Graves' Disease are both autoimmune thyroid disorders that can cause fluctuations in thyroid activity. There are certain things they can test for that can determine these diseases. Talk to your doc about it.

    I'm going to bet on Hashimoto's I have it. It's MOSTLY a hypo-disorder, but then there are fluctuations to hyper. Graves is the opposite - Hyper, with fluctuations to hypo. :)
  • Fitnessgirl0913
    Fitnessgirl0913 Posts: 481 Member
    whocaresilikeit wrote: »
    Hashimoto's Thyroid and Graves' Disease are both autoimmune thyroid disorders that can cause fluctuations in thyroid activity. There are certain things they can test for that can determine these diseases. Talk to your doc about it.

    I'm going to bet on Hashimoto's I have it. It's MOSTLY a hypo-disorder, but then there are fluctuations to hyper. Graves is the opposite - Hyper, with fluctuations to hypo. :)

    I have been tested for both and both were negative :(
  • LAWoman72
    LAWoman72 Posts: 2,846 Member
    whocaresilikeit wrote: »
    Hashimoto's Thyroid and Graves' Disease are both autoimmune thyroid disorders that can cause fluctuations in thyroid activity. There are certain things they can test for that can determine these diseases. Talk to your doc about it.

    I'm going to bet on Hashimoto's I have it. It's MOSTLY a hypo-disorder, but then there are fluctuations to hyper. Graves is the opposite - Hyper, with fluctuations to hypo. :)

    They are but the OP's doctor seems to feel the OP's currently hypo-T condition is due to overmedication. I don't think Grave's is medically caused. Graves is autoimmune (again, AFAIK) just as Hashi's is autoimmune.

  • mitch16
    mitch16 Posts: 2,113 Member
    Sounds like it could be thyroiditis of an autoimmune origin--it is not unheard of to go from hypo to hyper. Definitely see the endocrinologist as soon as you are able, as, left untreated, it can have some consequences. Is your primary doctor concerned about the wait to see the specialist? It's going to be an interesting 2 weeks for you--you are going to need to eat much more than you are used to to maintain your weight.

    There's a laundry list of the symptoms you might experience:
    Whole body: excess sweating, excessive hunger, fatigue, or heat intolerance
    Behavioral: hyperactivity, irritability, or restlessness
    Mood: mood swings, nervousness, or panic attack
    Heart: abnormal heart rhythm, fast heart rate, or palpitations
    Sleep: difficulty falling asleep or insomnia
    Menstrual: irregular menstruation or short and light menstruation
  • LAWoman72
    LAWoman72 Posts: 2,846 Member
    edited November 2017
    I think when there are swings that are not due to over- or under-medication it can be an indication of an autoimmune issue...which the OP said she apparently doesn't have (but perhaps ask to be re-tested, OP? You never know). A constantly "attacked" thyroid gland can work well on some days, horribly on others, "too" well on yet others.

    But again...that's usually something like Hashi's, where progressively, damage is happening. Because of this, the thyroid is freaking out and sputtering, coughing on three cylinders at times and over-revving on others in compensation. (Who doesn't love a great car analogy on a Friday?)

    I'm concerned for the OP. I'm glad she has someone there with her. OP, don't be scared as help is there if you need it, but I don't think drinking protein shakes is going to help. I'm wondering...how long is it since you stopped taking your meds? 25mcg is such a small dose, plus Levo exits the body pretty quickly.

    Hang in there.
  • Fitnessgirl0913
    Fitnessgirl0913 Posts: 481 Member
    I am definitely going to call again on Monday and see if I can get in sooner, not sure if it will happen since it is a short work week next week for Thanksgiving. I honestly don't know if it is medication related at this point, since I was only on 25 mcg then went off it for 2 weeks (currently still off it) and am still hyper.

    I am definitely experiencing some of those symptoms you mentioned, irritability, fatigue, excessive hunger, plus I am FREEZING. I have not been warm in 5 days. My toes are numb and hands are ice cold.
  • LAWoman72
    LAWoman72 Posts: 2,846 Member
    Fitnessgirl0913 wrote: »
    I am definitely going to call again on Monday and see if I can get in sooner, not sure if it will happen since it is a short work week next week for Thanksgiving. I honestly don't know if it is medication related at this point, since I was only on 25 mcg then went off it for 2 weeks (currently still off it) and am still hyper.

    I am definitely experiencing some of those symptoms you mentioned, irritability, fatigue, excessive hunger, plus I am FREEZING. I have not been warm in 5 days. My toes are numb and hands are ice cold.

    It's been two weeks?

    OP, pop on over to Urgent Care. Just do it. Be calm, but go get checked by somebody. I know that's a grind and a pain and the wait is usually wrong but I just feel like you should have somebody look at this.
  • Fitnessgirl0913
    Fitnessgirl0913 Posts: 481 Member
    LAWoman72 wrote: »
    Fitnessgirl0913 wrote: »
    I am definitely going to call again on Monday and see if I can get in sooner, not sure if it will happen since it is a short work week next week for Thanksgiving. I honestly don't know if it is medication related at this point, since I was only on 25 mcg then went off it for 2 weeks (currently still off it) and am still hyper.

    I am definitely experiencing some of those symptoms you mentioned, irritability, fatigue, excessive hunger, plus I am FREEZING. I have not been warm in 5 days. My toes are numb and hands are ice cold.

    It's been two weeks?

    OP, pop on over to Urgent Care. Just do it. Be calm, but go get checked by somebody. I know that's a grind and a pain and the wait is usually wrong but I just feel like you should have somebody look at this.

    Yes, you're right, it is wise to go to urgent care. It is just strange how my doctor did not think it was anything terrible and that I can wait to see the endo. I will go to urgent care after work tonight, I leave the office at 5.
  • Athena98501
    Athena98501 Posts: 716 Member
    What levels were tested? Did you get free t3 & free t4, or just TSH? What were your results? If the Hashi's and Graves' tests weren't very recent, you should have them again. Are you having the rapid heart rate symptom? And fyi, being cold is a hypo symptom, not hyper.
  • LAWoman72
    LAWoman72 Posts: 2,846 Member
    Athena98501 wrote: »
    What levels were tested? Did you get free t3 & free t4, or just TSH? What were your results? If the Hashi's and Graves' tests weren't very recent, you should have them again. Are you having the rapid heart rate symptom? And fyi, being cold is a hypo symptom, not hyper.

    Well, really what she wants to rule out Hashi's is a TPO, isn't it?

    I mean...to look for the presence of the antibodies directly? Aren't T3 and 4 secondary? I could be wrong about that but this could be good information for anyone reading.

    Either way, she needs a quicker, more immediate solution, though, IMO. She can always take this info to the E.R. but she just needs to be looked at...JMO. Good luck tonight, OP. Let us know how it goes.
  • Athena98501
    Athena98501 Posts: 716 Member
    edited November 2017
    LAWoman72 wrote: »
    Athena98501 wrote: »
    What levels were tested? Did you get free t3 & free t4, or just TSH? What were your results? If the Hashi's and Graves' tests weren't very recent, you should have them again. Are you having the rapid heart rate symptom? And fyi, being cold is a hypo symptom, not hyper.

    Well, really what she wants to rule out Hashi's is a TPO, isn't it?

    I mean...to look for the presence of the antibodies directly? Aren't T3 and 4 secondary? I could be wrong about that but this could be good information for anyone reading.

    Either way, she needs a quicker, more immediate solution, though, IMO. She can always take this info to the E.R. but she just needs to be looked at...JMO. Good luck tonight, OP. Let us know how it goes.

    To diagnose or rule out Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, you need a TPO and an anti-thyroglobulin antibody test, but no, free t3 and free t4 aren't secondary at all. They are actual thyroid hormones, whereas TSH is produced by the pituitary gland, and actually not that closely related to thyroid levels. My TSH was .1 in my last bloodwork, but my dose was raised because my thyroid hormone levels were low. This is why I inquired about the specific tests and levels, and the heart rate.

    If her doctor was unconcerned, urgent care is unlikely to take any action, but she'll do as she sees fit. Two weeks is not very long at all to give the hormones levels time to settle into their natural pattern, though.

    ETA: This is what you need to watch out for:

    https://www.medicinenet.com/thyroid_storm_symptoms_causes_and_treatment/views.htm
  • Tried30UserNames
    Tried30UserNames Posts: 561 Member
    edited November 2017
    I have both Grave's and Hashi's. Mostly I'm hypo, but I cycle to hyper every once in a while. I like hyper for about two days then it gets scary.

    As mentioned by Athena, the TSH is a terrible way to determine hyper or hypo. A free T3 and free T4 test are a much better way since (and symptoms, of course, which most modern doctors ignore entirely) they measure actual thyroid hormone. And yes, both the TPO and the TgAb tests are needed to rule out Hashi's. If you had only one of those antibody tests, you didn't rule it out.

    stopthethyroidmadness.com

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