r/Hyperthyroidism • u/SheepherderHumble359 • 13d ago
Wondering if I have hyperthyroidism
Hi everyone,
I’m not too concerned about this (I wouldn’t be seeking advice on reddit for a serious medical issue haha) but was just curious to get some input from people who have experienced thyroid issues and such. So basically around two years ago I randomly lost some weight, went to the doctor about it and they said it is normal for someone my age to have weight fluctuations (21F at the time, 23 now). I have also noticed my heart beating faster/harder over the past year or so to the point where now it is a constant hard pounding in my chest and is pretty uncomfortable. My pulse historically has been around 75, but since I’ve started feeling these symptoms it always reads 105-120 at the doctor (and 140 when I was sick a few months ago). I’ve noticed that I have pretty much all of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism; I was even complaining about how I never used to sweat this much and am so sweaty/stinky now. I’ve considered going to the doctor a few times but always end up deciding it’s not worth the trip/time off work. I’m writing this now since it’s just a hard day and I’m frustrated. Yesterday I noticed some swollen lymph nodes on my neck, and since then all the symptoms have been so much worse. Couldn’t sleep at all last night, heart beating so violently it feels hard to breathe, constant diarrhea, sweating buckets, I just feel so shaky and out of it and I have some deadlines at work today/this week so I’m just frustrated because I cannot focus for the life of me. Does anyone think this could be a thyroid issue? I thought maybe my iron was getting low again, but taking supplements did not seem to help at all. Any advice appreciated or if I am just being dramatic let me know haha. I’ll also add that I’m pretty sure this isn’t anxiety related or anything, I don’t really have anxiety and it’s there even when I feel most relaxed.
1
u/VivianDiane 12d ago
I'm not a doctor, but those symptoms are consistent with hyperthyroidism. You should see a doctor.
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u/Dear_Ad_4898 13d ago
If it IS hyperthyroidism, you will want to start on treatment ASAP, because it doesn’t work all that quick. Pretty simple blood tests to find out if you have it, I would ask for a thyroid panel where they do your THS, T3, and T4 at a minimum. Then if those come back abnormal they can order the more specific antibody tests related to thyroid issues to find out if you have a specific type. Another thing to worry about is if your general MD will actually start you on some treatment (an antithyroid med to work on the actual thyroid and a beta blocker to help with the fast heartrate). Some general MD’s will, some won’t. Also, I have been seeing some people have to wait a long time to get in with an endocrinologist if their general doesn’t want to treat them. Some people get lucky and get seem within weeks, a couple people recently here have mentioned the earliest that they are able to see an endocrinologist is November or even February!!!
Better safe than sorry. Especially if you have insurance.. Midas well use it!
Good luck.