r/Hyperthyroidism

Hi

I’m sorry if this has been asked before, and also sorry if my English isn’t good it is not my first language.

I’m reading through every single post here since I’ve been diagnosed last year, and get literally lost into every type of symptoms, case etc. without finding something similar to mine, and need answers from this community.

Long story (not so)short: I (F35) was diagnosed one year ago last April. Was put on beta blockers and Neo Mercazole (carbimazole) immediately.

I’m now in the “normal range” since months, still on 5mg carbimazole per day and no beta blocker anymore, but even though my labs shows I’m back to normal, I do not feel “normal” at all. If anything I feel worse.

I have a plethora of symptoms and every doctor just tells me that it’s normal or that there’s nothing to worry about.

For example some of them include, on a daily basis; anxiety, depression, loss of energy, weight gain, tired all the time, hair loss, panic attack, brain fog, digestive issues (extreme bloating and starts to notice a gluten intolerance: gastrointestinal booking made for next month)… all that I think is normal, from what the doctors told me.

I also developed ocd from checking my pulse 1000 times per day in absolute fear of having another “thyroid storm” where my heart was at 220bpm and the ambulance had to come. I’m in h24 constant absolute terror of this happening again. It was traumatising, felt my body betrayed me.

But there is one issue that is making me feel worse than everything else.

The back pain. It’s absolutely awful. Its constant. From the moment I wake up, to when I lay to sleep, the whole day, my back is, from the top of the neck to the butt completely painful, everywhere, and very painful. Something like feeling trapped in a very old person’s body. Whether I lay on the floor, couch, chair, bed. It’s there. I’m walking every day in nature, stretching and doing some Thai chi to relax but it’s still there.

Doctor just told me… he also has back pain. Told me it’s normal.

Another doctor told me it’s the effect of my med (didn’t see back pain in the side effect list?) and finally another doctor told me it’s from my hyperthyroidism, although I’ve been stabilised since months. It’s like still losing weight after treatment and regulated thyroid: not so normal ?

I feel I’m the only one to think something is wrong, a chronic and painful back pain cannot be normal.

I’ve done weeks at the physio, one to two times per week and still it change nothing. I’ve stopped because I felt I has made them loose time.

Have you also had this ? How do you feel after being stabilised?

I feel so alone in this. Am I ever gonna be normal again ? Is it ever going to feel like a normal life?

I’m so sad. So desperate. No one understands.

I feel I am now a (stabilized) depressed and fat monster in constant pain and anxiety.

I use to have so much energy, I use to be positive, fit and hot, wild and free. I had so many plans and dreams, now my only dream is to be healthy again. I’m so sad.

Please be kind to me. I’m really hoping to have answers from this community.

So in the past 8 months, I have gained 23 lbs. I have also noticed that I am not as active as I used to be, and I find it much harder to sleep early. I usually now fall asleep between 11 PM and 1 AM.

Because of that, I got blood work done and found out that my thyroid labs were abnormal:

• TSH: <0.010
• Free T4: 2.35 (high)
• T3: 169 (normal, but close to the high end of the range)

Thankfully, I do not have major physical symptoms like racing heart or shortness of breath. The only things I have noticed are hair loss, feeling less energized than usual, and having a harder time waking up in the morning (I used to naturally wake up around 5 AM).

I have been reading about treatment options, and it seems medications are commonly recommended. Honestly, I am hesitant about that route and would prefer to approach this more holistically first through diet, stress management, lifestyle changes, and possibly herbal support.

Do you think that is feasible? Has anyone here had a similar journey where they improved naturally or with lifestyle changes first?

Hi,

Last week I did some blood tests and they came back fine, with some major exceptions:

- TSH 0.01;

- TPOAb 290;

- FT4 1.48.

I've been feeling very tired during the last few months and also stuck in fight or flight mode constantly. I pee a lot. It can get so bad as up to 4 times an hour, especially if I drink alcohol or coffee. I'm also having some problems with my erection and that's the main reason why I wanted to see a doctor. Some of my friends think I'm crazy because I can't stand warm environments. (during last summer I used sweat so much that you could assume I was coming back from the Gym). And the brain fog... It sucks. I feel like during the last few years I became dumb - it's sometimes almost impossible for me to remember things. I blamed my ADHD first, but after being on treatment, there were still things that weren't completely explained by it. (although ADHD has been the diagnose that could easily describe my entire life)

What's your story about getting diagnosed with hyperthyroidism? Are these symptoms relevant?

LE: I'm 22.

TL;DR:

Diagnosed with Graves' disease in March 2025. Had an allergic reaction to Methimazole, but did well on Propylthiouracil (PTU). Due to a national shortage, I’ve been off PTU for ~2 weeks and my thyroid levels are rising again. Supply may not return until December. Looking for advice or alternatives, and wondering if it’s possible to safely get PTU from abroad.

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I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease in March 2025. I initially started on Methimazole, but after a few weeks I developed allergic reactions, so my endocrinologist switched me to Propylthiouracil (PTU).

On PTU, my thyroid levels improved significantly and I was mostly symptom-free.

Last September, my current endocrinologist advised reducing my PTU dose to 1 tablet per day. My levels went up slightly, so I returned to 2 tablets per day. However, PTU supply in my country has been very limited. To stretch my medication, I reduced my dose to once daily—but I’ve now been completely out of PTU for almost 2 weeks.

My recent lab results show elevated thyroid levels again, indicating a recurrence of hyperthyroidism. Unfortunately, the ONLY distributor here in the Philippines recently announced that their overseas manufacturer has suspended operations, and PTU supply may not resume until December.

I’m feeling stuck and unsure what to do next.

- Has anyone experienced a similar situation?

- Is it possible (and safe/legal) to have someone abroad purchase PTU and ship it to the Philipoines?

I would prefer to avoid radioactive iodine (RAI) if possible, as it’s very expensive here, and I previously responded well to PTU at the right dose.

Does anybody experience this?

In the time my labs started showing an overactive thyroid i have been waking up with an excessively dry mouth and throat. Its not mouth breathing but I notice in general my mouth is a lot drier than usual!

No matter how much water I drink it doesnt sort the issue out and then im left with a bursting bladder as soon as I wake up (for some reason I dont wake up to pee).

I bought some dry mouth gel from my pharmacy which I have tried applying just before I sleep andnit makes no difference, I wake up with that same dry mouth/throat which makes it sore!

Im not on thyroid meds yet, just on beta blockers however my endo appt is in June so im going to ask my GP to start meds before then as its a bit away to wait.

If you experience this, how do you manage it?

hello, im not sure if this is the right place to ask this but does anyone with hyperthyroidism know how to combat weight gain? last year, i had started losing weight by calorie deficit, and then calorie deficit and treadmill. i didnt lose weight at all unless i tried, but i have lost a significant amount of weight and the weight loss has stalled since i have been trying to maintain it until my appointment with my doctor. it just sucks because im finally happy with myself and im so worried that ill gain weight after meds. for the first time in my life im happy with myself after being heavy my whole life. i dont want to give up on my weight loss, but if its impossible, i dont know what to do. thank you for any advice, im also 18 and female

that’s all

I’ll start with saying I have a goiter as well, nothing huge but there. I find myself at times feeling like food or pills get stuck or lodged when I swallow. Anyone else with or without goiters feel this as well? I’m wondering if this is my sign for RAI or thyroidectomy

What are some natural ways to raise TSH? I have subclinical hyperthyroidism (this is the second time I’ve had it). I am very sensitive to thyroid changes, and very symptomatic. My mental health takes a huge toll when my TSH is low, as the anxiety is out of hand. Last time this happened was 5 years ago and I went GF. Felt better maybe 8-12 months later. In 2023, my TSH was 1.7 🙏🏼. This time around, I’m looking for more natural remedies to get out of subclinical hyperthyroidism and raise TSH? We have ruled out any toxic nodules, as well as Graves (although I know you can test neg, my endo wants to retest in 6 months). I have been GF and dairy free for the last month, and I’m trying my absolute hardest to avoid inflammatory foods. No seed oils.

Also, I am curious if anyone has had any experience with this. In 2020 and 2025, are the only two times in my life I have lost a significant amount of weight by diet and exercise changes. I mean like 50-60 pounds. Shortly after both weight losses, is when my TSH plummets and I’m super symptomatic. Can weight loss cause issues like this? I’m concerned it throws off my hormones, affects my thyroid, etc. My endocrinologist didn’t seem concerned about weight loss negatively affecting my health but it’s now a pattern, and I’m curious if weight loss has been my trigger to enter subclinical hyperthyroidism twice now. In 2020/2021 was also the time around Covid / the vaccine so for the longest time I thought that was my trigger but I haven’t gotten any vaccines since 2021 and I haven’t had Covid since 2023 (to my knowledge). I’m just not sure what’s causing my low TSH if I don’t have Graves or a nodule? And if it’s thyroiditis, why can I get a virus sometimes and not have this type of reaction? Any perspective on all of this would be so beneficial. Any remedies, insight, personal experiences. PLEASE! 🙏🏼

Something I’ve been struggling with as of late is hair loss….im surprised I still have any hair because they amount that comes out when I wash it is so staggering…but I’m so worried about my eyelashes…they used to be so full and now they’re not. Suggestions?

Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in 2021 and took methimazole for about a year. My doctor eventually said it was under control, and I stopped treatment. Since then, I’ve been living pretty normally.

Earlier this year, I started going to the gym consistently, but I’ve noticed I’m not gaining muscle at all despite regular workouts and effort. At the same time, I’ve had some symptoms come back like weight loss, hair loss, and maybe some mental health dips.

It made me wonder if my thyroid might be acting up again. I’m planning to get checked, but I recently moved to a new country so I’ll be seeing a different doctor.

For those who’ve experienced a relapse:

• Did it affect your ability to build muscle?
• Was going back on medication enough to fix it?
• Has anyone gone for surgery, and did that improve things long-term (especially physically)?

Would really appreciate hearing your experiences, especially related to fitness and muscle gain. Thanks!

Diagnosed with Hyperthyroid/Graves. At the first visit my BP was normal, and Endo said he didn’t want to put me on Beta blockers. During the monthly check ins, he never talked about BP and didn’t tell me to monitor it either.

Fast forward to the 6 month in office visit, they took my BP and it was very high. I raised the concern and he literally said “oh I didn’t care about that”, and that my thyroid levels are normal. I have a pre existing heart condition that could be impacted if my BP raises, and Endo is well aware.

Went to cardiologist immediately after who put me on beta blockers. She concluded my heart condition worsened from high BP impact/thyroid and recommended me to a heart surgeon, a step she expected years down the line not now.

Does the Endo bare any responsibility here? Should they have thought about monitoring BP as part of the thyroid treatment? What would you do?

I’ve been on methimazole for over a year. I was diagnosed March 2025 after feeling unusual symptoms for almost a year and being brushed off my doctors. 
Once I started methimazole I quickly felt better. I was at my pre graves weight, no tachycardia, tremors, anxiety. Life was GOOD. I had my first long stretch of labs in December 2025 after being stable on 15mg for 3 months, my doctor said repeat labs in April 2026. 
Some time in March 2026, I was doing my makeup and I noticed one of my eyes looked different. I took a picture and sure enough one eye was wide and round the other was smaller and almond shaped. I had my labs thinking maybe my levels were off but they’re all within normal range. My TSI is still elevated at 238% (normal is less than 140%) but a good decrease from 332% when it was tested in June 2025. 
 I went through a series of unfortunate events earlier this year. I had a kidney stone that landed me in the ER in January, and a breast lump scare in February that turned out benign thankfully. I think that definitely added a lot of stress. I’ve read a lot about iodine and gluten free/dairy free and honestly I have not restricted my diet. I had negative celiac test in June 2025. I’ve consumed occasional sushi. I actually had sushi in March, right before I noticed the asymmetry. 
 I’ve seen my ophthalmologist who said I just have dry eyes and no TED. He said my asymmetry is normal but there’s just no way. There is no obvious bulging, only one wider eye (no white showing) and one more closed lid. When I first noticed it, I felt like the smaller eye was trying to close shut involuntarily. I need to know there’s hope for me. 

I’m sleeping with my head elevated, taking selenium (one week in), hot compresses. I see my endo next week and he said he’d check my eyes too.

Hi all, I know that part of the treatment at the start is have your anti thyroid drugs plus some level of beta blockers as well to stop the heart from racing.

I want to focus on what's happening when your thyroid labs results are all good, which one stopped taking the beta blockers? Or maybe you stayed on minimum dose, like 10mg propenolol?

Did the endo recommended stopping?

Thanks

I don’t see my doctor for a week unfortunately

EXAMINATION: Thyroid ultrasound.

INDICATION: Neck swelling.

TECHNIQUE: Real-time sonographic evaluation of the thyroid was performed. Grayscale and color

Doppler images recorded.

COMPARISON: No prior studies available for comparison.

FINDINGS:

The thyroid gland is of homogeneous echotexture bilaterally.

The right lobe of the thyroid gland measures 5cm in greatest dimension. No significant thyroid nodules are appreciated within the right thyroid lobe.

The left lobe of the thyroid gland measures 4.7 cm in greatest dimension. No significant nodules are

demonstrated afthe las shuraid lobe.

The isthmus measures 2 cm in thickness.

IMPRESSION:

1. No thyroid nodules are demonstrated on either side.

Hello, I (28M) was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism this January, though I suspect that I've had the condition for months longer but I just didn't know.

I want to ask anyone for their experience with propranolol, particularly those who have stopped taking it.

For my medicine, initially my endocrinologist gave me methimazole and propranolol was added after a few weeks following a visit to the ER because of my heart rate symptoms. I got scared of my symptoms (it was a first for me) and my scheduled visit with my endo was still in a couple weeks so I went to the ER instead. I got to see my endo later and I was advised to continue with propranolol. Another month passed and my FT3 and FT4 are normal now so my endo told me to continue on a lower dose of methimazole meanwhile I take propranolol as needed.

My dose of propranolol started at 10 mg once a day then increased to 10 mg twice a day. I've read online and on other posts here that propranolol shouldn't be stopped abruptly and the dose has to be tapered off. For now I'm taking 10 mg once a day. Any advice on how to taper it off and for how long? Based on what I've seen here too my dose is tiny in comparison so I'm not sure how much tapering there is for me to do. Thanks in advance for any replies!

Hi. My question is slightly more nuanced than the title says.

Heres the context. I was always skinny growing up and tall. Only finding out recently i have a hyperthyroid and may need to get surgery to ablate it.

Couple things here. After researching it a bit more. kind of explains why ive always been so skinny and could eat all i want without seeing much weight gain.

Secondly, from 18-25 i lifted weights and went from 140lbs 6'1" to 185 lbs at 12% bodyfat. But i noticed between 22-25 that i kind of plateued at 180-185 and found it extremely hard to get beyond that. My goal was to hit about 210-220 12-16%body fat. could never do it.

Now im in my early thirties. Finding out i have a hyperthyroid. Could that possibly explain some of my plateauing back then? I definitely do not work out as often as i used to, and now im at about 180 20% bodyfat around. But if i were to get this surgery, and i started lifting again would i potentially see it more easy to gain weight; or rather a better word would be to gain muscle mass?

Has anyone out there tried this after getting their surgery? What happened to those of you out there who were skinny like me; did you see really great results in the gym after the surgery?

Ranges from .4-.2 normal t3,t4

I’m tired,can’t sleep,heart palpitations. Cyst was found a year ago and since it’s subclinical they think it’s the cyst causing the numbers to be off. Did another round of Ultrasound today for a 6 month follow up, results aren’t up yet. Have been given metoprolol before and didn’t work well with me got dizzy.

But immm soooo tireeed of this. Because it’s subclinical there’s not much to do. What should I do when I see Dr. in 2 weeks again.Ask for a different beta blocker?

I just need to sleep 🛌

I'm just curious what the longest you all have been on a beta blocker for is? I'm taking atenolol currently (25mg once daily)

I've been on it since end of october/november and recently i've started to think i can taper off it, was gonna talk to my endo next month about it at my appointment

But is there any damage for long term use? Anything i should look out for?

Aside from that -

Does anyone with bad heat intolerance have advice for the upcoming summer? This is my first summer dealing with this while medicated

Any other fun facts/general tips are welcome

Last night a saw an out of hours dr as inwas seeking beta blockers. I explained my symptoms and explained the last 2 drs said my labs say I have an overactive thyroid with my T4 being 27.6 and TSH being 0.21.

I havent had any further testing for this, just the basics but my actual dr said it was an overactive thyroid and referred me to an endocrinologist and that was that.

This guy i saw yesterday told me that I needed to look at the trend graph and stated that because in 2004 when I was a kid my T4 level was 39, he was making out like just because my level is lower now in 2026, I dont have thyroid issues!

Surely if anything above 22 is abnormal then it doesnt matter what my last results were when I was a kid because this result still shows as abnormal?

Yes as a child i was also diagnosed with an overactive thyroid however after a short course of meds it seemed to go away up until now after I had severe food poisoning and post infectious issues.

He is telling me, given how bad my body was affected by the food poisoning and the fact that a lot of my other labs are off, that my level of 27.6 doesnt mean it have thyroid issues and that im likely just stressed and that i likely just have a viral infection.

My pulse was 105bpm so he prescribed me propranolol until I see my actual dr next week but otherwise I left feeling like... this doesnt sound right!

Two drs have said my results are in fact overactive thyroid and even referred me to an endocrinologist but then this one guy (who tells me he trains drs) is telling me for sure its not.

Has anyone experienced this or even heard of this?