Hi, I've just searched online as to why my hands smell of petrol when I haven't been in contact with any and was lead to this site!Is this a common occurrence?
Hands smell of petrol.: Hi, I've just searched... - Thyroid UK
Hands smell of petrol.



hello and welcome
That’s a new one on me, I’ve heard of garlic type smells and that can be over range Selenium. Ketones from eating too low carb diet are a bit pear dropsy. But both of those are more breath and sweat not hands.
When were you diagnosed hypothyroid?
Do you have any other symptoms?
Do you have recent blood test results?
Take any particular supplements?

helvella - Phantosmia or Phantom smells
This blog has links to many previous posts on this subject - but there will be others. I try to keep adding when new posts on the subject are posted. You will find many cross-references between posts.
Last updated 09/02/2025
helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...
Regenallotment

Welcome to the forum
Phantom smells can be hypothyroid symptom
palomahealth.com/learn/smel....
What are your most recent thyroid and vitamin results
How much levothyroxine are you taking
Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription
Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
Post all about what time of day to test
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing
Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins
medichecks.com/products/adv...
Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins
bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...
Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee
Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.
Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test
support.medichecks.com/hc/e...
If you normally take levothyroxine at bedtime/in night ...adjust timings as follows prior to blood test
If testing Monday morning, delay Saturday evening dose levothyroxine until Sunday morning. Delay Sunday evening dose levothyroxine until after blood test on Monday morning. Take Monday evening dose levothyroxine as per normal
i smelt horrible things everywhere it used to drive me nuts. I was swinging from hyper to overtly hypo and was very poorly. I had awful problems getting a diagnosis so wasn’t even being treated for thyroid disorder. Later on once diagnosed, I was told it was olfactory hallucinations and was indeed a symptom of my thyroid disorder. It has gone away now I am optimised on thyroid hormone therapy. I think zinc deficiency can also alter taste and smell.