Hyperthyroidism Support Group

Hyperthyroidism (or "overactive thyroid gland") is the clinical syndrome featuring weight loss (often accompanied by a ravenous appetite), fatigue, weakness, hyperactivity, irritability, apathy, depression, polyuria, and sweating. Additional symptoms may include palpitations and arrhythmias (notably atrial fibrillation), dyspnea, loss of libido, nausea, vomiting, and...

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Endocrine System
/ Hyperthyroidism Support Group

Hyperthyroidism and Acne...

deleted_user
deleted_user
Hello,

I was just diagnosed a few days ago...one of the symptoms that I have had with hyperthyroidism is acne (I believe the hyperthyroidism is the cause, as I have never experienced acne before in my life except for this year...it has gotten steadily worse up to my diagnosis).

I have been put on PTU. 150mg a day.

2 things I am wondering regarding this medication:

1) How common is serious weight gain with this drug? Does everyone gain weight? Is large amounts of weight gain typical for those who do gain weight, or is it usually just a few pounds (maybe 10?) Is my dose high enough to cause rapid weight gain?

2) For anyone else who developed acne from hyperthyroidism and is on PTU...did PTU clear up your skin? How long did this take?

I apologize for the extensiveness of my questions, but I received my diagnosis over the phone and was sent to pick up my script. I basically know nothing about this drug. I feel overwhelmed and uninformed.
warpony
warpony
I am hyperthyroid too, but do not take the same medicine. I did search the internet for you and have found that the average adult dose to start is 300 mg/day so you are not taking too much. Blood work as you go along (every 6-8 weeks) will determine if that is a good dose for you. I did not see weight gain as a side effect either. Where we have a problem with being hyperthyroid is that we burn energy so fast we are always eating to keep the hunger at bay. When you start to get back to the "normal" range for the blood work you will not need to eat as much. You have to cut back to the "normal" persons amount of food to keep from gaining weight later. I did not have acne as a symptom, but I did see it is a common one. It should clear up too once you find the right dose. Be patient though, it takes 4-6 weeks before it can really start to work. Hope that helps!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I never had a problem with acne with my hyperthyroidism. Weight gain will happen! I started my PTU in May and was on doses as high as 750mg a day. I am down to 50mg a day, seems my pregnancy has put my Graves Disease into some sort of remission. I probably gained about 20lbs in a few months, but I came to a normal weight. It was alittle depressing, but once you get your thyroid under control, you will be able to get back to a weight that you are happy with. It's nothing to be concerned about, it will happen but you will be able to get any extra weight off, it will just take time, when your become normal.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Ooops I wrote my dosage wrong, it's 300mg a day.

No matter.

I think from reading the replies so far the weight gain shouldn't be a problem...i'm underweight to begin with and could stand to put on a few pounds.

I'm looking forward to getting this acne cleared up and feeling normal again. (I'm on Yaz aswell for the acne and an ovarian cyst, so hopefully that will all clear up.)

So far my only noticeable complaint with PTU is it leaves a terrible taste in my mouth.

Thanks guys!

Any more replies from other users would be helpful aswell.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I definitely developed acne w/ the hyperthyroidism. It will NOT clear up! My thyroid levels are finally getting back to normal so maybe that will help take care of it?! You mention taking Yaz, did you just start that or did you take it prior to the onset of the hyperthyoidism? I am curious as I am wondering if I should see a dermatologist or just try and wait it out. Thanks, Karen
deleted_user
deleted_user
I just started with the Yaz a week ago so hopefully things will help!

I know that on birth control I've taken previously it did clear up some of the acne on my shoulders.
deleted_user
deleted_user
to be clear PTU is most likly not the couse of any weight gain and or acne. It is all the hyperthoidism. Do you have Graves? That might also cause skin break outs as well.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Google it -I have heard of a link of Acne and Hyperthyroid there are also many other skin changes listed
Good Luck
deleted_user
deleted_user
I talked with my dermo and he said yes there can be a link. As your levels change this can cause imbalance in hormones. Kinda like your a walking chemistery set ..Good Luck
deleted_user
deleted_user
I went through some bouts of acne before my diagnosis and after but no PTU.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Even when I was in high school I never had a lot of acne (thanks to genetics), but recently (this year) I have noticed a lot more pimples. I am currently on PTU taking one pill twice a day. A total of 300mg a day. I have noticed weight gain for me, but I can't be sure if its from the medication or the fact that my head hurts so much its hard to excercise. I did notice that before I was put on any medication I had lost almost 100lbs from working out. I know how you feel, I have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism for almost a year and I am still trying to figure it out. This is a good place to get help though. I wish you alot of luck. If you start to get a sore throat or your kidneys hurt tell your doctor a.s.a.p. PTU can cause kidney stones.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am only recently -last week 0 diagnosed so am on no treatment. My symptoms were mixed up with menopausal ones so I don't know how long I've had this. Apart from feeling relieved that I am not going mad I have noticed an increase in spots over the last 6mths. I have an oily skin anyway - great - fewer wrinkles - and had put the spots down to hormones - I think it is the hyper.
flashpoint
flashpoint
After a month of taking PTU, my skin is at it's worst, I've never had a break out like this before :(
flashpoint
flashpoint
I'm taking 250mg/day by the way. Aside from pimples, I don't have any side effects, but I'm starting to lose confidence with what's going on with my face, I'm a makeup artist, btw, so it's kind of a biggie to me :(
StillLearning
StillLearning
Flashpoint,
Not sure if you know this....having hyperthyroidism will affect your entire body - your bones, skin and nails.
I came up with an inflammed pinkie, dark spots on my finger nails and mild rash on the back of my neck and severe itching on my shins. All of these are related to having this thyroid problem. I was on MMI at the time. The medication messes with white blood count (infections) and the liver.

I went to a Dermatologist and he recommended a very strong antibiotic ointment AND a product called Soolantra for the face. (It’s somewhat expensive)

The thyroid hormones fluctuate like “female hormones.” That explains the pimples.

Take Care.
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