I have been diagnosed and treated for hyperthyroidism for five years now. It is more of an imbalance in the body rather than a disease, so it really is not something that can be treated. Rather it is maintained.
Hyperthyroidism is more common with women than with men. It is hereditary. Critical times when women get hyperthyroidism are the onset of menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. All these events trigger intense hormonal changes in a woman.
Mine worsened during college. The combined stress, genetic predisposition, and vices in college have contributed to my hyperthyroidism. I started losing weight, then I started getting weak. It was two or three years ago when I found a solution to maintain my thyroid condition. Although I have kept my thyroid, and its pesky symptoms, in check for the past two years, I still had problems with my period. It tended to be too little during times of stress. There are times when I do not have it at all.
Anyway, I am taking PTU once a day to maintain my thyroid during pregnancy. The doctor said that PTU does not cross the placenta so I should not worry that my baby will be harmed. They said that my hyperactive thyroid can cause my baby to have an underdeveloped thyroid since my extra hormones are suppressing her own. I don’t know yet the exact causalities.
I am now in the middle of my 6th month and I have been feeling some symptoms arising. I think I should get my blood tested again this weekend before going for my prenatal check up.
I get tired easily. I think my heartbeat is stronger lately. I obviously have been irritated here in the office often. I have not been sleeping well.
Although the tremors are not showing, I am also not talking faster than usual, my hair is not falling off at an alarming rate.
Though someone here in the office said that I look like I lost weight. Darn.
Thankfully, my heart rate and my blood pressure are within normal range so far.
I know I have been immense pressure here in the office. I am also in a lot of pressure to save up enough for the baby. My brain has been sharp and it feels like it hasn’t rested in a few days. It could be because of stress that is why my hormone levels are up.
It could also be that my physical condition is normal for someone this far along.
I think I am going for a nap.
