“I knew in my gut that something wasn't right, but I struggled to get a healthcare professional to listen.”

Which condition were you diagnosed with?

I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism due to nodules in March 2026

What symptoms did you experience?

My symptoms started in July 2025. Out of the blue, I began feeling anxious, emotional, fatigued and dizzy. I constantly felt on edge, as though I was 'missing something', but I couldn't identify exactly what was wrong. I knew I didn't feel like myself, so I made an appointment with my GP.

How were these picked up on?

Getting answers wasn't straightforward. Initially, my symptoms were attributed to anxiety, my mental health and work-related stress. I repeatedly asked for blood tests but was told they weren't necessary. 

On one occasion, I was told that anxiety would not show up on a blood test and was referred instead for talking therapies and CBT.

As the months passed, my symptoms continued to worsen. I was having emotional breakdowns almost daily and felt strongly that something wasn't right.

In March 2026, a GP finally agreed to arrange blood tests. The results showed abnormal thyroid levels, leading to a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis.

What treatment were you given? 

I was referred to an endocrinologist in April 2026 and started on 30mg of carbimazole daily in May 2026. The improvement was remarkable, and within 7 to 10 days I began to feel significantly better.

In June 2026, my first blood tests since starting treatment showed that my thyroid had become underactive, so my carbimazole dose has been reduced to 10mg daily.

 I have also been referred for radioactive iodine treatment, which is planned for August 2026.

How are you feeling now?

Thankfully, I am feeling much better than I was at the beginning of my journey, although I can still have days of feeling fatigued.

Treatment has helped improve my symptoms, especially with the feeling of anxiety and dizziness these symptoms have subsided and there are now majority of days when I feel like myself again.

Although I still have appointments, treatment and monitoring ahead of me, I am now able to enjoy life and focus on the things I love rather than constantly worrying about my health.

What has been the most difficult part of your journey?

The most difficult part of my journey wasn't the diagnosis itself-it was the months leading up to it.  

I knew in my gut that something wasn't right, but I struggled to get a healthcare professional to listen to my concerns and agree to arrange blood tests. 

Being told it was anxiety made me question myself at times, even though I knew how different I felt and that something wasn't quite right.

Living with the uncertainty while my symptoms continued to affect my daily life was emotionally exhausting. 

I often found myself wondering whether my symptoms were real or if I was somehow imagining them.  

Even now, not knowing exactly what lies ahead can sometimes feel overwhelming, but finally having answers has helped me make sense of everything I was experiencing.

Did you manage to find some support from those around you?

Yes. I have been incredibly grateful for the support of my family, friends and my employer throughout my journey. 

Being able to talk openly about my fears and concerns has made a huge difference.

I have also found comfort in reading about other people's experiences with thyroid conditions, as it reminds me that I am not alone.

What would you say to someone on their own thyroid journey?

Be kind to yourself and trust your instincts. If you feel something isn't right, don't be afraid to ask questions and advocate for yourself.

Thyroid conditions can affect both your physical and emotional wellbeing, and I don't think that is talked about enough. Most importantly, remember that you are not alone. There is support available, and things can get better.

One thing this experience has taught me is how well we know our own bodies.

For months, I knew I wasn't feeling right, yet I gradually started to believe that my symptoms were solely related to anxiety, my mental health and work pressures. I even began applying for other jobs because I thought my work environment might be the cause just like the GP said.

Looking back, I am glad that I have stayed in my current employment and I continued to push for answers regarding my health.

My advice to anyone experiencing ongoing symptoms is to keep advocating for yourself, trust your instincts and take things one day at a time. 

Sometimes you know something isn't right long before a test result confirms it.

Further information

You can find more information about how hyperthyroidism is diagnosed and treated, as well as details of  peer support we offer at: 

Living with hyperthyroidism