Loading condition information
Conditions
ThyroidProblems
Disorders of the thyroid gland affecting metabolism - hypothyroidism (underactive) causing fatigue and weight gain, or hyperthyroidism (overactive) causing anxiety and weight loss.
Get assessed
From $49.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
refund if declined
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofThyroidProblems
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Hypothyroid: fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, depression
Hyperthyroid: weight loss, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance, tremor, diarrhoea
Both: fatigue, mood changes, menstrual irregularities
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Blood test referrals for thyroid function (TSH, T4)
- Review and refill of thyroid medications (thyroxine)
- Initial assessment of thyroid symptoms
- Medical certificates if symptoms are debilitating
What needs in-person care
- Thyroid ultrasound or biopsy (needs specialist)
- Radioactive iodine treatment
- Complex thyroid disease management (needs endocrinologist)
- Emergency thyroid crisis
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Unexplained fatigue with weight changes
- 2Symptoms suggesting overactive or underactive thyroid
- 3You are already on thyroid medication and need a refill
- 4Family history of thyroid disease
- 5You need thyroid function blood tests
Seek emergency care if
- Severe rapid heartbeat with chest pain (thyroid storm)
- Severe confusion or lethargy (myxoedema coma - rare)
- Difficulty breathing with neck swelling
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonThyroidProblems
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Thyroid disease is one of the most common endocrine conditions in Australia, and hypothyroidism in particular is frequently diagnosed late because its symptoms - fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, low mood - are vague and overlap with many other conditions. I routinely include thyroid function tests when investigating unexplained fatigue, weight changes, or mood disturbance. The test is simple: TSH is the primary screening marker, with free T4 added if TSH is abnormal. Hypothyroidism is treated with levothyroxine (a daily tablet that replaces the thyroid hormone your body isn't making enough of). Once established on the correct dose, it is a straightforward repeat prescription - well-suited to telehealth management. The dose needs monitoring with blood tests every 6-12 months, as requirements can change with age, weight, pregnancy, or other medications.
Treatment
TreatingThyroidProblems
Hypothyroidism is treated with levothyroxine (synthetic T4), which is one of the most prescribed medications in Australia. The dose is individualised based on weight, age, and TSH response. Dosing starts low (25-50 mcg daily) and increases every 6-8 weeks based on TSH monitoring until euthyroid (TSH in range). Established patients on a stable dose can have prescriptions renewed via telehealth without an in-person visit. Hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease, toxic nodular goitre) requires antithyroid medications (carbimazole) and specialist management -- telehealth is appropriate for initiation of blood test referral and assessment, but ongoing hyperthyroid management typically requires endocrinologist involvement.
Levothyroxine sodium (thyroxine T4)
Oroxine, Eutroxsig
Class:Synthetic thyroid hormone (T4 replacement)
Typical dose:Initial: 25-50 mcg daily for elderly or cardiac patients; 50-100 mcg daily for others. Titrate by 25-50 mcg every 6-8 weeks to achieve TSH in target range (0.4-4.0 mIU/L for most adults)
PBS:PBS listed for hypothyroidism; $25.00 general / $7.70 concession per script (PBS, 2026)
- First-line and definitive treatment for hypothyroidism -- replaces deficient thyroid hormone
- Take on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast -- food (especially calcium, iron) reduces absorption
- Do not switch brands without medical review -- formulations differ slightly in bioavailability
- Established stable patients can have prescriptions renewed via telehealth without in-person review
- Requires dose increase during pregnancy -- inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant
Carbimazole
Neo-Mercazole
Class:Thionamide antithyroid agent
Typical dose:20-40mg daily initially (divided doses); reduced to maintenance 5-15mg daily once euthyroid -- under specialist guidance
PBS:PBS listed for hyperthyroidism; $25.00 general / $7.70 concession (PBS, 2026)
- First-line for Graves' disease and toxic goitre -- reduces thyroid hormone production
- Serious risk of agranulocytosis (low white cells) -- any fever or sore throat on carbimazole requires urgent FBC
- Requires specialist (endocrinologist) initiation and monitoring -- NOT initiated via telehealth
- Telehealth can support prescription renewal for established patients in liaison with their specialist
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines -- Endocrinology, 2024; Endocrine Society of Australia: Clinical practice guidelines for hypothyroidism in adults; Australian Thyroid Foundation guidelines. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Refer to an endocrinologist for: newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease requires specialist management), thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer workup, difficult-to-control hypothyroidism on levothyroxine, pregnancy with thyroid disease, or persistently abnormal TSH despite adequate levothyroxine dosing (consider T3/T4 combination or adherence issues).
Thyroid Problems in Australia
Hypothyroidism affects approximately 1 in 33 Australians (about 750,000 people)
It is 5-10 times more common in women than men, with incidence increasing with age
Hashimoto's thyroiditis (autoimmune) is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in Australia
Levothyroxine is one of the 10 most prescribed medications in Australia
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Hypothyroidism on thyroxine: most people feel improvement within 2-4 weeks. Full stabilisation of TSH levels takes 6-8 weeks. Dose adjustments may be needed over the first few months.
Return to work
Most people continue working with thyroid disease. Severe untreated hypothyroidism with profound fatigue may require a few days off initially. Once on treatment, energy levels improve progressively.
When to reassess
Recheck TSH 6-8 weeks after starting or changing thyroxine dose. Once stable, annual monitoring is sufficient. See a doctor if symptoms return despite treatment, if you become pregnant (dose usually needs increasing), or if you develop new symptoms like neck swelling or difficulty swallowing.
Self-Care
ManagingThyroidProblemsathome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Take thyroxine first thing in the morning on an empty stomach - wait 30-60 minutes before eating for best absorption
Don't take thyroxine with calcium, iron, or antacids - these reduce absorption. Separate by at least 4 hours
Keep your medication routine consistent - take it at the same time every day
Don't adjust your dose without medical advice - too much thyroxine causes hyperthyroid symptoms (anxiety, palpitations)
If you are planning pregnancy, tell your doctor early - thyroxine dose typically needs increasing in early pregnancy
Get your TSH checked annually once stable, or 6-8 weeks after any dose change
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutThyroidProblems
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
A simple blood test (TSH and free T4) can diagnose most thyroid problems. TSH is the most sensitive screening test - elevated TSH suggests hypothyroidism, low TSH suggests hyperthyroidism.
Yes. If you are on established thyroid medication and know your dose, our doctors can renew your prescription via eScript. You should have regular blood tests (every 6-12 months) to ensure your dose is correct.
Yes. Hypothyroidism affects approximately 1 in 33 Australians. It is 5-10 times more common in women. Many cases are undiagnosed because symptoms overlap with common complaints like fatigue and depression.
Yes. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) frequently causes anxiety, palpitations, and restlessness. If anxiety has developed alongside weight loss, tremor, or heat intolerance, thyroid testing is warranted.
Ready to get help with Thyroid Problems?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.