Transitioning From Hypothyroidism to Hyperthyroidism: Is It Possible?
You’ve spent so much time and energy trying to understand hypothyroidism so you can make the appropriate changes to maintain your health. But your body is playing tricks on you. Now, you’re having symptoms on the opposite end of the spectrum. Could it really be that you’re now experiencing hyperthyroidism?
If so, then every adjustment you’ve made is now the wrong thing to do. This may be a confusing and unsettling realization. But you can move forward safely and confidently with the guidance of a healthcare provider who is sensitive to your health complaints and flexible enough to adjust treatment protocol according to your changing situation.
HealthierU discusses how hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism present differently, how to regulate your thyroid function naturally, and the importance of medical monitoring of your thyroid.
Table of Contents
Can My Hypothyroidism Turn Into Hyperthyroidism?
Yes, hypothyroidism can turn into hyperthyroidism. Although a switch from hypothyroidism to hyperthyroidism is rather anomalous, it is possible, and it can come about through various means.
HealthierU can help you get to the root cause of such a change in your particular case, but for now we’ll explore the major causes that may be operative in the transition from a hypothyroid to hyperthyroid state.
Autoimmune Factors: Hashimoto’s and Graves’ Disease
Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis tend to fluctuate over time, causing flare-ups at some times and at others relatively stable. In rare cases, variation is extreme, leading to a complete autoimmune “switch” to Graves’ disease.
Researchers have offered different hypotheses regarding how this switch takes place, but the mechanism is still unknown. It may be that certain environmental or lifestyle factors alter gene expression in genetically susceptible individuals to produce the switch.
A
2023 study determined that the prevalence of the switching phenomenon was higher among smokers and those with a family history of autoimmune diseases.
Medication-Induced Shifts: The Risk of Overmedication
Patients with hypothyroidism are prescribed a thyroid hormone replacement medicine called levothyroxine. If too much is taken, the patient may begin experiencing the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
A few reasons a patient may take too much thyroid hormone replacement include:
- Incorrect dosage due to pharmacist error
- Doctor’s failure to reduce dosage as the patient loses weight
- Potency fluctuations in different brands of thyroid hormone replacement therapy
- Inadequate monitoring of patient’s current thyroid status
Seasonal Thyroid Function: Oscillating Between States
Some patients seem to experience alternating hypo- and hyperthyroid symptoms depending on the season. This oscillation may be related to seasonal variation in circulating TSH levels (higher in winter, lower in spring and summer).
Seasonal switches may be more difficult to manage because thyroid and antithyroid medications take time to bring about their desired effects. Although they begin working immediately, you may not have a notable change in your symptoms for several weeks.
If your thyroid function transitions from hypothyroid to hyperthyroid within that time, it is difficult to determine whether it is a result of medication or a true switch that needs to be addressed with a different medication.
Recognizing Symptoms of Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism
Early detection of your condition will help you manage it more effectively, so be sensitive to changes that indicate a transition from one thyroid state to another.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Low levels of thyroid hormone cause a range of symptoms associated with a lower metabolism:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Depression
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Brain fog
- Dry skin and hair
- Irregular or heavy menstruation
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
High levels of thyroid hormone cause symptoms associated with a higher metabolism:
- Weight loss
- Heat intolerance and increased sweating
- Anxiety or irritability
- Rapid or irregular heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Insomnia
- Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
- Mood swings
- Shakiness or tremors
- Lighter or absent menstruation
Getting Your Thyroid in Check With Natural Approaches
Nutritional Support: Selenium, Iodine, and Vitamin D
You can support your thyroid health by supplementing with vitamins and minerals that you may have difficulty garnering from your diet. Just be sure to clear your plan first with a healthcare provider who is acquainted with your specific health situation. Supplementation can be dangerous without professional guidance.
Many supplements have proven to be effective in treating thyroid conditions. The following are specifically helpful if you find yourself in a hyperthyroid state:
- Selenium: Helps to reduce oxidative stress, regulate thyroid levels, and slow the progression of Graves’ disease by reducing inflammation in the thyroid.
- L-carnitine: Blocks excess thyroid hormone activity and thus reduces hyperthyroid symptoms. May help protect heart health, which is critical for people who’ve experienced cardiovascular stress due to high levels of thyroid hormone.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Help reduce inflammation, support the heart and immune system, and may promote nervous system stability.
- Probiotics: Support a healthy gut microbiome, helping to reduce inflammation associated with autoimmunity, optimize nutrient absorption, and improve digestion.
- Lemon balm: Has calming effects, which may help reduce anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. May relieve gastrointestinal distress that afflicts hyperthyroid patients.
- Glucomannan: Though generally used for weight management, hyperthyroid patients can use this to reduce appetite.
- Bugleweed: May inhibit the release of thyroid hormone.
Dietary Considerations: Gluten-Free and Anti-Inflammatory Diets
Nutrient deficiencies and sensitivities may be playing a detrimental role in the health of your thyroid. To combat this, focus on following a diet that supports optimal thyroid function.
Prioritize the following thyroid-supportive elements of a healthy diet:
- Regularly eat a variety of whole foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, leafy greens, and healthy fats. These will provide many helpful vitamins and minerals, including selenium, copper, iron, and vitamin D.
- Limit or just avoid seed oils, processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol, as they contribute to inflammation.
- Work to improve gut health by eating foods containing probiotics.
- Limit iodine-rich foods, as excess iodine can exacerbate hyperthyroidism.
- Avoid gluten, as there is a strong link between Graves’ disease and celiac disease. Eating gluten can trigger autoimmunity, which is one major cause of hyperthyroidism.
- Avoid caffeine, which can worsen symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heart rate, insomnia, anxiety, and irritability.
- Avoid soy, which can interfere with common treatments for hyperthyroidism.
Stress Management and Sleep Hygiene
Stress reduction and adequate sleep are paramount in maintaining hormonal balance. Follow these guidelines as you seek to reduce stress and get good sleep:
- Regularly exercise during the day. Exercise helps you “blow off steam” and helps support your rest periods.
- Practice relaxation through yoga, meditation, journaling, or deep breathing exercises.
- Have a hobby that you can regularly apply yourself to. Finding one you can do with others might be especially helpful in relieving stress.
- Go to bed at the same time every night.
- About an hour before bedtime, shut off the screens, keep the lighting dim and the room quiet, maybe with some relaxing music.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, exercise, and food too close to bedtime.
These tips can be helpful for anyone, regardless of hormone status. But if you are trying to eliminate variables that could be negatively affecting your thyroid health — via high stress levels and poor sleep quality — they may become real game-changers.
Monitor Your Thyroid Health With Tests and Regular Check-Ups
Key Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, Free T4, and T3)
Various measures are used to detect changes in thyroid function. Each provides a different piece of the puzzle that is your thyroid’s overall health status:
- TSH test: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is secreted by the pituitary in response to low levels of thyroxine (T4) and stimulates the thyroid to produce more T4. High TSH levels indicate insufficient T4 (hypothyroidism), whereas low TSH levels indicate overproduction of T4 (hyperthyroidism). Often a change in TSH levels is the first change detectable, allowing early diagnosis of a thyroid dysfunction.
- Free T4 test: Much of the T4 in circulation is bound to carrier proteins and unable to affect body tissues. Free T4, however, is not bound and thus able to exert its influence. Along with a TSH test, a T4 test can reveal more about the reason behind thyroid dysfunction. For example, high TSH with low T4 suggests that hypothyroidism is a result of a diseased thyroid. Low TSH with low T4 suggests that the problem lies in the pituitary gland. Low TSH with high T4 indicates hyperthyroidism.
- T3 test: This test is useful for diagnosing or determining the severity of hyperthyroidism. When T4 loses one of its iodine atoms, it becomes T3. This hormone is elevated in hyperthyroid individuals.
- Thyroid antibody tests: These tests are normally performed after it is already clear that you have low or high levels of thyroid hormone. They help determine whether an autoimmune disease attacking your thyroid is the cause of your thyroid status and, if so, which disease it is. For example, Hashimoto’s patients present with high levels of thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and Graves’ patients present with high levels of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin and/or TSH receptor antibodies.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound of your thyroid is useful for locating nodules that could be causing hyperthyroidism symptoms. This test is not performed routinely, but if other possible causes of your thyroid condition are ruled out, it may be necessary.
Importance of Regular Monitoring and Follow-Up
Plan on getting consistent check-ups so that your treatment plan can be adjusted as needed given your changing health circumstances. This is a proactive measure you can take to prevent complications arising from, for instance, an as-yet-invisible transition from hypothyroidism to hyperthyroidism.
Partner with HealthierU to manage the challenge of sustaining your overall health and wellbeing with an unpredictable thyroid.
Navigating Thyroid Health Transitions With HealthierU
Dr. Donna Sergi has served the Brooklyn area through HealthierU for over 25 years as a holistic nutritionist and chiropractor. Her goal is to address health issues naturally rather than through synthetic treatments.
Although she has specialized in women’s health and wellness, she is trained and experienced with helping both men and women address a variety of conditions, including:
- Acid reflux
- Acne
- Constipation
- Lower back pain
- Hair loss
- Hormonal conditions, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
If you want to help your thyroid reach optimal function through safe, non-toxic means, consider Dr. Sergi’s hypothyroidism treatment in Brooklyn. HealthierU provides guidance with developing a customized plan for dietary and lifestyle habits to support thyroid health. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
