Question:
Thyriod

I was told by doctor i had hyperthroid ,not hypothroid,I'm not skinny ,I'm overweight, can anybody help me out here on this subject.    — tmparker (posted on March 28, 2009)

March 28, 2009
Hyperthyroidism, in general, causes an increase in metabolism and weight loss. It was why there has been abuse of Synthroid in attempt to lose weight and people ending up with arythmias and hypertension. Not all hyperthyroid people are skinny unless they have been that way a long time. Discuss this with your doctor for clarifiation. You may be one of the people who is the exception to the rule but your doctor should be willing to discuss this with you in understandable terminology if you let them know that you are confused about what your condition means. Kevin
   — hapkidodoc

March 28, 2009
I am also an "exception to the rule." I have a hyperactive thyroid, and take medication to shrink the nodules I have on my thyroid gland because my thyroid gland produces too much hormone. My endocrinologist explained to me that it's sort of a myth than "hyperthyroid" means you're thin and "hypothyroid" means the opposite. The truth is that your thyroid often has little to do with your weight, generally speaking, because there are so many other factors involved.
   — agwc

March 28, 2009
I was very overweight, but experiencing all the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and the doctor didn't even think of that as a diagnosis. He did every test but the thyroid test and was stumped. I paid out of my pocket and went ot a former doctor I trusted and said - "something is terribly wrong with me" (shaking, fever every day, fast heartbeat and flu like symptoms - could hardly walk) He immediately said Hyperthyroidism (Graves Disease) and it was confirmed with lab work. My thyroid was so out of wack, the thyroid harmone was attacking my muscles! Within days of receiving medication, my symptoms were releived significantly. Now atter 13 years, 3 radioactive iodine treatments & medication, I am Hypothyroid, on synthroid, checked every 3 months to regulate the thyroid harmone and I feel great. That, & losing a 100 pounds & being 60 years old, I feel the best I have felt in 20 years!
   — BonnieP