My thyroid was found to be overactive about 18 months ago and since then I've been having blood tests every 3 months. Sometimes it shows as normal and other times it's high again. The strange thing is that I have no symptoms of an overactive thyroid and actually have some symptoms of it being underactive ie: feeling really cold all the time, constipation.

My doctor gave me tablets to treat it but they gave me awful side effects and I stopped. I then paid to see a private specialist and he advised that there was nothing to worry about unless I start having any symptoms. So I've never taken anything for it. I am really confused as to how it can be overactive but without any signs of it at all. My doctor also seems mystified about it.

Re your hyperthyroid symptoms - like you I was getting varying high and low results on 3 monthly blood tests - my thyroid is monitored because I have another auto-immune condition. The doctor didn't want to medicate because of the side effects plus the medication (thyroxine) interferes with my other meds. I found a dietary solution in Adele Davis' book "Let's Get Well". To put it simply: I take 1 teaspoon of kelp flakes daily plus 200mg Vit E capsule. Started this two years ago and blood tests have been consistently normal since. The kelp provides iodine and the Vit E assists with iodine absorption. Keep monitoring it because I found after a while I was able to take the kelp a little less frequently. I get my kelp flakes by buying a packet of dried seaweed sheets (used for sushi), tear them roughly then shred them in a blender - store in an airtight container, (a pack of 10 sheets lasts about 6 mths - very cost effective!). I add them to porridge, smoothies, soups, scrambled eggs, stir fry etc. I started this with my doctor's knowledge and she commented that the soils in our country were known to be iodine deficient so depending on where you live that could be a factor.
Hope this is of some use. Good luck.
bluesfan

Thanks for your reply, bluesfan. I'll look up a copy of that book. It sounds good. My thyroid has never been low. It's either high or in the normal range (according to the NHS). The wierd thing is that when it is in the 'normal' range, I have many symptoms of having an underactive thyroid. When it's high, I feel fine.