Reproductive Endocrinologist recommendations in the UK?

[PaulaDag]

Hi All,

Can you recommend an RE that is good in the UK? Preferably South West but doesn't matter if not as can travel or be via video conference.

I am currently referred to a normal endocrinologist but I'm not overly impressed and want to change consultants (private work medical insurance) to an actual specialised RE for infertility. Current consultant reluctantly agreed to refer for a pituitary gland MRI scan even though i was paying privately but said nothing will be there causing the elevated prolactin. Low and behold the scan showed a 4mm microadenoma (benign tumour) on the pit gland.

So I have slightly elevated prolactin and tsh so taking bromocriptine and levothyroxine to rule it out more than anything. Probably caused by tumour and stress. My main problem has been recurrent miscarriage and 2 failed ICSI cycle/3 failed transfers.

Any recommendations gratefully received 🙏

Thanks

xx

[Purpledoggy]

If you get any can you please PM me - this is my next move if this upcoming cycle fails xx

[PaulaDag in reply to Purpledoggy]

Of course will do xx

[Hobbies89]

Hi, I’m based in the north west and my endocrine Dr Ajith George has been amazing for me, whilst he isn’t a specialist RE he knows his stuff. I have Graves Disease which was triggered when I became pregnant in 2019 (after 2 years of ttc), it wasn’t picked up until after I’d miscarried and the Graves was advanced but Dr George has worked with me the past 16-18 months throughout the pandemic to get my thyroid removed and Graves under control - he signed me off to start ivf in October and still checks on me every 6-8 weeks. Currently on the 2WW with our first FET and if successful he’ll see me every 4 weeks throughout pregnancy. He is empathetic and leaves no stone unturned to get to the bottom of the problem

[PaulaDag in reply to Hobbies89]

Hi, thank you for the recommendation I will look up Dr George. Thats what I need, no stone unturned but for the one I am seeing, it's a big struggle to get him to do any tests even when its private which I think is a bloody cheek. It's as if he doesn't think I need them so he won't but he doesn't know fertility issues.

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis of Graves Disease. I'm so pleased you got to transfer as even that is hard for many, and good luck in your 2WW (I find this the hardest part all the waiting ).

xx

[Hobbies89 in reply to PaulaDag]

Thank you! I was originally seeing Dr George under the nhs, when covid hit things slowed down out of his control so we swapped to private health (spire) seeing him and then swapped back to nhs when things calmed down x

[Hidden in reply to Hobbies89]

Hey Hobbies. I see him too privately. Or did. He got my ths sorted and wrote to my gp to check every 6 weeks. Its good to know he will accept you when pregnant so will contact him aiF i ever again get pregnant x x x

[PaulaDag in reply to Hobbies89]

Thanks. That is good to know I can do it on nhs and private x

[PaulaDag]

Quick questions everyone as I am confused now about what an RE is....

I checked with my current endocrinologist if he is a reproductive endocrinologist and he said no he isn't. I asked if he can recommend RE and he said an RE is my fertility consultant at the IVF clinic!! Is this true??! I didn't think they are endocrinologists?

Really confused about what an RE is now 😭😒. Any thoughts?

Thanks

xx

[BBHH1 in reply to PaulaDag]

IVF doctors are specialized in reproductive endocrinology.

[PaulaDag in reply to BBHH1]

Ok thanks. I think I am getting confused between a normal endocrinologist, a reproductive endocrinologist and an Ob Gyn or ivf clinic doctor.

[Purpledoggy]

It's a fair point - I, like you, would infer a reproductive endrocrinologist was an endrocrinologist with an interest in infertility, rather than a gynae, which is what IVF docs are by training. But on looking into it IVF docs are often referred to as reproductive endocrinologists even though they are not endocrinologists by broader specialty. It is very confusing! I assume you are wanting an endocrinologist who has an interest in fertility? That is what I was after as my IVF docs haven't a clue regarding my hormonal nonsense and have suggested discussing with an endocrinologist. xx

[PaulaDag in reply to Purpledoggy]

Yes that’s exactly what I thought. It is so confusing. It seems from google an RE has more studying or qualifications than an ob/Gyne doctor.

Yep same, my ivf doctor has no clue re my hormones and told me to find an endocrinologist in that aspect. Yes so an endo with an interest in fertility. I can’t seem to find any though. Have you? xx

[Purpledoggy in reply to PaulaDag]

I haven’t but not looked very hard yet. There are a few endos at the private hospital near me who have an interest in gonads (so to speak 😂) but I was hoping we’d find some more recommendations. Xx

[PaulaDag in reply to Purpledoggy]

🤣🤣. You could be on to something there then lol. Hopefully we’ll find some more recommendations xx

[PaulaDag]

Found this which sort of explains the difference, US website extendfertility.com/what-is...