Thyroid nodule, hyper symptoms

[brsjo]

Hi, I've been having symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism for one year (hair loss, neck stiffness, depression...and earlier this year, insomnia, weight loss, heart palpitations, GI problems). This week a nodule was found on my left thyroid. My GP is not concerned, though, because it is smaller than 1 cm. My TSH has routinely been .78-.88, but now is above 1. I think this change is because I am taking thyroid calming drops (by herb pharma). I would like to have an endocrinologist give me a 2nd opinion, but must convince my GP to give me a referral. Has anyone had hyperthyroid symptoms from such a small nodule? I've been told it is unlikely, but I would desperately like to find an explanation (and possibly remedy) to my symptoms. Thank you for taking the time to read this!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If your in Uk suggest you get a full Thyroid and vitamin test privately

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

You may have raised antibodies and/or low vitamins. Some symptoms sound hypo - this may indicate Hashimoto's where we swing from hyper to hypo

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular test. Same tests, just different companies. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting

[Clutter]

Brjso,

Thyroid nodules rarely cause any symptoms. A 'hot' nodule which secretes thyroid hormone can cause hyperthyroidism but your TSH levels are unequivocally euthyroid (normal). If you were hyperthyroid TSH would be dropping not rising.

I had what I thought were hyperthyroid symptoms but it turned out they were due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis and my thyroid levels were euthyroid. Ask your GP to check thyroid peroxidase antibodies. There is not treatment for Hashimoto's until you become hypothyroid but adopting 100% gluten-free diet can help reduce symptoms and delay progression to hypothyroidism.

[brsjo in reply to Clutter]

Thanks for your reply! My TSH started rising only after I began daily doses of bugleweed and motherwort. It was a hunch on my part, but it was after I started taking this herbal that I stopped losing weight and the heart palpitations/feeling hot all the time stopped. May be unrelated, but seemed significant at the time.