[Ski]

#1063226

First, no, perimenopause cannot cause hyperthyroidism. The symptoms can be very much the same, so it’s possible that you’ve never been going through perimenopause, you’ve only been hyperthyroid. Keep in mind that the list of hyperthyroid symptoms is not an "all or nothing" list ~ some people have some of the symptoms and not others ~ and the abnormal thyroid hormone levels are conclusive for hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by other things than Graves’ Disease, but GD is by far the most common cause. Whatever the cause, it needs to be addressed.

As far as lab values ~ the range of normal is VERY large, so yes, people do come in with widely varying normal thyroid hormone levels, but if they fall outside that range, it is NOT something you can ignore. Hyperthyroidism can cause a great deal of damage, and if it’s not corrected, some damage can be permanent. Untreated hyperthyroidism can also lead to thyroid storm, which is an ER event, and can be fatal, or severely debilitating.

Some of us do feel that we have very few symptoms, until we are successfully treated and TRULY normal. Then, in hindsight, we can see that it was a state of hyperthyroidism that we had learned to deal with (and appreciate ~ I got all my chores done when I was hyper!).

I hope that’s helpful. Let us know how it’s going!

[TraceyAnne]

#1018201

Hi, I am a 41 year old women. A few years ago my gyno thought I might be entering perimenopause because of the flucuations in my sex drive and vaginal dryness. Last year I was diagnosed with hyperthyroid, even though I had absolutely no symptoms. Because of that, I did not follow up with the endocrinologist and never went on medications. Now, I seem to be experiencing more peri symptoms, but not some of the predominant hyper symptoms. I do get heart palpitations, sweats, sleep disturbances and irritability. I do NOT however have any problems with my weight, my period or my skin. I do not have tremors and I am constipated more often than not. So, my main question is, can perimenopause cause the thyroid to be overactive? Also, is it possible, not ever having a baseline TSH test, that some people may just be normally higher (or lower) than others.

[TraceyAnne]

#1063227

Thank you for your reply, it was very helpful. I will let you know how it goes.

[KimmieSue]

#1063228

Please keep us updated on your progress. I too am new here, 41, and hardly have any symptoms (that I can tell, at least.)
I was diagnosed with Graves disease after my a bunch of blood tests and a thyroid uptake scan (I have almost no TSH, high T3, high T4, and antibodies). I do have a hand tremor, but I don’t notice any other symptoms. I do not meet with my endocrinologist until mid-January. Before diagnosis I stopped drinking diet coke in case that was causing my hand shake and I gained 5 lbs in a month so, unfortunately I don’t have the weight loss thing going on. I am normal weight and perhaps unreasonably paranoid about gaining weight. I am very sporty and active and I fear the possible depression, lethargy and weight gain that may come with being hypo. I do realize that I will have to treat this somehow, although it is very hard for me to get used to seeing myself as someone with a disease condition.

[TraceyAnne]

#1063229

Well, I did get some more blood tests done. I am definitely NOT Peri- or Menopause, but my T3 and T4 have doubled in the last year and my TSH is about the same, almost undetectable. So, I have an appointment with the Endo in 2 weeks. Most of my symptoms have waned but I know they will come back and my PCP says it is now time that I get treated. I have my concerns about treatment (I too have the unreasonable paranoia of weight gain), but I know that not being treated is worse. I will check back on my progress. I am hoping that all around I will feel better, that I will stop eating constantly, I will get a full nights sleep for a change and not soak the sheets all the time, that my legs will stop itching, I will not get so cranky and snippy and that my poor husband can turn on the heat a little more. Oh, and I quit smoking a month ago and I rarely get the heart palpitations.

[snelsen]

#1063230

Hey, Tracey Ann! You did the wise thing. When you have Graves’, you always have it, so good to check in with endo and get labs. Lots of your symptoms, plus your labs, say you are hyper, not a happy or healthy place to be. So glad you are following
up pronto!
I think your labs have told you the answer to how you are feeling. As Kimberly stated, hyperthyroidism is a place you DON’T want to be, for the reasons she stated. Follow with your endo, and with us! (:
shirley

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