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How Are Hyperthyroid Symptoms Treated ?

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Posted on Fri, 4 May 2012
Question: Hi - I am 5'8" and have gained 50 lbs over the last 5 years. I am being treated for hypothyroidism with levoxithrine(sp). But I am now experiencing hyperthyroid symptoms - flashes in front of eyes, a fib, fatigue, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, hoarse voice, swollen neck, etc. I am also on beta blockers which helped for a while but not anymore. Thyroid problems run in the family. My gp doesn't think anything is wrong because my labs are normal. I also saw an endocrinologist 2years ago and she told me i had fibromyalgia. I went to a rheumatologist and he said i did not have all the tender points. I used to run marathons and weighed 135 lbs. Now, I am up to 200 lbs. Help! This has been going on for 6 years. What should I do?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (26 hours later)
Hi,

Thanks for the query.

I have noted down the details given by you. Yes, overcorrection of hypothyroidism can cause spectrum of symptoms similar to yours. However if the serum TSH levels are in the optimum range, the chance that this is hyperthyroid state is unlikely.

It is likely that the symptoms could be related to perimenopause or menopausal condition - It would been better if you had mentioned the details of menstrual cycles too. Have you attained menopause?

Anemia is another conditions that needs to be ruled out too - Have you got your hemoglobin levels checked?

I shall discuss your case details with an endocrinologist while you reply back to me and will post the complete reply to you after we hear from you.

Awaiting your reply.

I thank you once again for posting your query here. Looking forwards to help you.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (7 hours later)
I had a hysterectomy 6 years ago. I have had an untreated sinus infection for 3 months. I also use adderall which I think knocks my immune system which causes these sinus infections. I was put on sotalol in march because of afib which has made me feel much better. When I stopped the sotalol I went back into afib, my neck swelled, flashes in eyes, nausea, dizzy, sore neck, sore throat, sore ears, hoarse voice, difficulty breathing (it feels like something is pressing down on my wind pipe). When I exercise these symptoms flare up. I am at a real loss. Thank you for your help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (14 hours later)
Hi again,

Ovaries that are preserved during conventional hysterectomy do not produce estrogens as it used to be during the reproductory age group. This occurs during perimenopause and later ages. Symptoms associated with it include weakness, fatiguability, back ache, hot flashes, dizziness and so on.

Since You have been suffering from some of the above symptoms since the age of 40 year, the chances that your symptoms could be the same is less. But in some women, such symptoms have occurred as early as 35 years, so this needs to be considered if no other possible explanation is found.

Now reviewing your history and the additional details given, I can think of following possibilities:
1. Recurrent / chronic sinus infections - symptoms of sorethroat and achy ears may be due to it.
2. Hypothyroidism with goitre - increased weight gain, difficulty in breathing, feeling of something pressing down on the wind pipe, hoarseness of voice.
3. Persistent / paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation can produce symptoms of dizziness, difficulty in breathing, generalized weakness and so on. Medications may need to be restarted along with anticoagulants.
4. Menopausal symptoms.
5. Anemia - generalised weakness, difficulty in breathing, recurrent infections and so on.

"In simple terms, perhaps one or more of the following conditions could be related to your symptoms. I encourage you to consult a general physician who can evaluate and rule each of the aforementioned conditions".

Hope you find the answers useful and acceptable.

Thanks again for posting your query.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (17 hours later)
How is a goiter treated?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (36 hours later)
Hi again,

Thanks for writing back.

The treatment of the goitre depends whether its a hypo-active thyroid with low levels of thyroid hormone or hyperactive thyroid with higher levels of thyroid hormone.

Hypoactive thyroid is treated with thyroid hormone supplements like Levothyroxin which have to be monitored and the dose titrated based on the blood levels.

Hyperactive thyroid is treated with medications which inhibit the thyroid hormone synthesis like carbimizole etc.Careful watch on the thyroid hormones is made during the treatment.

Radioactive iodine is another treatment for an over-active thyroid gland that is taken orally (by mouth). When the iodine reaches your thyroid gland, it destroys the thyroid cells and reduces the size of the goitre.

Surgery may sometimes be a choice if there are pressure symptoms experienced by the patient , like breathing difficulties , throat discomfort, voice changes etc

Hope I answered your query.

Regards,
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Prasad J

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3708 Questions

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How Are Hyperthyroid Symptoms Treated ?

Hi,

Thanks for the query.

I have noted down the details given by you. Yes, overcorrection of hypothyroidism can cause spectrum of symptoms similar to yours. However if the serum TSH levels are in the optimum range, the chance that this is hyperthyroid state is unlikely.

It is likely that the symptoms could be related to perimenopause or menopausal condition - It would been better if you had mentioned the details of menstrual cycles too. Have you attained menopause?

Anemia is another conditions that needs to be ruled out too - Have you got your hemoglobin levels checked?

I shall discuss your case details with an endocrinologist while you reply back to me and will post the complete reply to you after we hear from you.

Awaiting your reply.

I thank you once again for posting your query here. Looking forwards to help you.

Regards