Hyperthyroidism caused by a hot nodule

Hi Sophie

I have the same. I used to be hypothyroid with nodules and one turned overactive and I became hyperactive. I was also told to take I131 to kill my thyroid but I opted for Methimazole. I started at 10 mg once a day but cut to 5mg as it made me feel hypo. I take a lot of vitamins and L-Carnitine to help lift my stubborn TSH, which is finally increasing. I'm going for another blood test Mondy though as I'm feeling very hypo again. There's a split opinion as to whether or not the nodule will resolve and stop overproducing hormone, so I'm playing the waiting game. I've heard too many negative stories of problems replacing hormones after killing it. 

Are you symptomatic?  My only symptom was weakness and feeling faint. I think we caught mine very early.  

Hang in there and research the supplements to use for hyperthyroidism. Others here will give you good advice on things to do as well.

hugs

Jaye xo

One more thing,.  I hardly sleep.

Hi Sophie

I've had large nodules (2 large and 3 small) since 2007, that I know of. I might have had them longer. I've had many fine needle aspirations and annual ultrasounds. I was diagnosed hyperthyroid last September after a summer of feeling faint and weak.  A nuclear uptake in October confirmed one large nodule was the culprit. 

Do you know what your blood test readings are? My T 3 & 4 were not much out of range but my TSH was .001 for a long time. After I started Methimazole, it climbed every so slowly. I think L-Carnitine helped bring it up. My TSH is still below normal range, showing me as hyper, although I don't feel hyper at all. I've been dieting and managed to lose almost 30 lbs since January but have been stalled since I started feeling hypo again about 3 weeks ago. 

I'm still on 5MG of Methimazole. My Endo wants me to burn the thyroid out as she says it won't reverse but my PCP said he has seen it reverse in other patients and that being on low dose Methimazole long term isn't harmful. So I'm going to ride it out with diet and supplements, hoping one day to get off the med or even take it a few times a week.

Try not to worry. I know it can be scary but nodules are so common. Many people have them. The overactive ones are a pain, I know.  Your symptoms do sound hyperthyroid. Were you hypothyroid prior to this overactive nodule? It would be good to see your TSH and other readings to know how much meds you'd need to take. 

My first Endo said to take the med for up to a year then taper to see if I could stabilize. I wouldn't let the docs scare me into drinking 131. I know it's overwhelming. I'm sorry you're feeling so bad. Burning your thyroid out is permanent which is why I'll try any other options before doing so, even if it means staying on low dose Methimazole long term.

If you have your most recent blood test results, please post them. Were you tested for antibodies btw? For Graves and/or Hashimoto's? Did you have any illness prior to the nodule going overactive?  I had a horrific case of Labrynthitis - a virus hit my inner ears -  veritigo, nausea, so sick for a week, then constant dizziness for at least 2 more months. I think that caused the nodule issue.  

Hi Sophie

That's about what my numbers were last August. Slightly hyper. But your T4 is below normal range. I don't know about parathyroid so I looked it up on NCBI and found this.  

Conclusion

Transient hyperthyroidism is frequent after parathyroidectomy for (Transient hyperthyroidism after surgery for secondary hyperparathyroidism: a common problem) with Tg being a suitable marker. Awareness of this self-limiting disorder is important to avoid inappropriate and potentially harmful treatment.

So maybe one plays on the other?  I don't know enough about but it's good to do lots of research before doing anything permanent. Maybe a second opinion by another Endo? 

Maybe look into supplements and yes, stress is a trigger for thyroid issues. My PCP felt mine could have been caused by severe stress and grief during my husband's illness and passing. 

I hope you feel better soon and get to the bottom of why your TSH is .001.  Thryoid imbalance can cause you to feel horrible. Hang in there xo

What exactly scares you about this treatment method? I am asking because, in principle, it is ideal to treat hot nodules as the Iodine is quickly concentrated in the tissue of the hot nodule. The radiation that ultimately causes the shrinking of the nodule consists of beta rays (high-speed electrons) that have a range of only a few millimetres in human tissue making it possible to pinpoint the nodule itself. 

If you are worried about radioactivity in general then you should know that our body is well equipped to deal with small amounts of radiation as the cell repair themselves. We are surrounded by natural radioactive atoms in our environment and even our body contains radioactive atoms. Moreover, we are constantly bombarded by by-products of cosmic radiation for example in the form of muons (the heavier cousin of the electron). Several hundred muons traverse your body every second without you even knowing.

Your doctors are likely to suggest the treatment method with the best possible outcome and the least amount of risk.  

Hi Dan and Sophie

I wish they could just inject the hot nodule rather than involving the entire thyroid.  I've read of other treatments which are available in other countries. Ethanol ablation which I'd never have. eeek - just the thought. But Intense ultrasound ablation, which they do use on other parts of the body, sounds interesting. I believe they use it for fibroids. I'm not sure why it didn't take off like 131 did for nodules. Maybe there are complications? I periodically keep an eye out for new methods of treatment. ;-) I'll post if I find anything. 

Hi Sophie

Thank you for thinking of me :-)  I haven't gotten blood results yet. I probably won't know for about 3 or 4 days. I'll post back!!

Hope you're feeling better. Any news with your results?