Overactive or underactive thyroid?

[Naturegirl22]

I have just had general health blood tests and was told by receptionist at doctors today that my thyroid function test has come back abnormal and I have an appointment on Tuesday but I have no idea if it is underactive or overactive. Is there any way to tell? I looked up symptoms but still feel confused

[lynmynott Partner Thyroid UK]

Hi Naturegirl22,

It can be confusing, depending on the symptoms you have. Generally, with hypothyroidism, everything slows down and with hyperthyroidism, everything speeds up. Hypothyroidism can cause things such as tiredness, hair loss, dry skin, constipation and muscle pain. However, hyperthyroidism can cause some of those symptoms too.

With hyperthyroidism, though, the heart races and you usually feel very hot and sweaty. With hypothyroidism, you can get palpitations where the heart almost seems to stop and then catches up with itself. You also feel very cold all the time, even in summer.

Hypothyroidism usually causes weight gain and hyperthyroidism usually causes weight loss so these are other indications of what's wrong.

We have had some instances, though, where people have had a general health check which includes a thyroid blood test and this comes back abnormal even though the patient hasn't had any symptoms whatsoever. We've had a few people come to us who feel really poorly because they have been given levothyroxine due to a slightly high TSH result, even though they felt perfectly well before treatment.

If this is the case for you, discuss this carefully with your GP before accepting treatment.

[Naturegirl22 in reply to lynmynott]

Thank you. I do have symptoms such as feeling tired all the day and I get very depressed. My weight has gone up and down. I do have dry skin and hair but no loss of hair. I do feel the cold but when I have been out, I do sweat and always during the night. I can't tell with constipation as I was diagnosed with IBS, I have asthma, am overweight and was diagnosed with Borderline personality disorder as well so am not sure about the depression and sweating.

[lynmynott Partner Thyroid UK in reply to Naturegirl22]

Hi Naturegirl22,

You do have a very confusing picture. Depression can be a sign of an underactive thyroid and being overweight is another sign so I think it could be that you have low thyroid issues. I'm sure your GP will discuss things fully with you but if you need to come back to me, you are very welcome.

Lyn