Push for an endocrinologist referral?

[Saya85]

Hi everyone,

Just a quick question. I’m about to receive some results of vit D, b12, ferritin and folate tests and I think bone density?

I am autoimmune hypothyroid and have PCOS but have a lot of b12 and vitamin defiencies. I was severely vit D deficient in past. My tsh is creeping up again very quickly but of course T3 not being tested.

So my Q- when I speak to the doctor about the results- should I push for endocrinologist referral? Or is it just not worth the fight? Will I be better just self managing if no further treatment is offered?

I know a lot of people will tell me to run for the hills (!) 😂 but is it still worth pursuing a referral at least? Will the endo do at least some more testing or be even vaguely useful?

I suppose it depends on how good the endo is but in general- were there any benefits?

If deemed completely useless then I’d rather pick my battles with my Gp and not push for referral at this stage. I’d rather keep him on board for other queries!

Any advice, for or against, appreciated ☺️ TIA

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Is this specifically in relation to PA?

Usual recommendation in relation to PA is referal to a haematologist. However, B12 deficiency cuts across many medic specialisms rather than being a specialism in its own right. The best you can really do is ask for a referal to a specialist and how they have the common sense and the confidence to follow up with other specialist or suggest follow up with other specialists where they can see they are getting into an area that they aren't specialists in.

As you have a thyroid condition an endo would be a good option - and may be ask them what they known about thyrogastric syndrome

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[Saya85 in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks. I wasn’t tested for IF antibodies so I wouldn’t know if it’s PA yet. I thought that might be next stage if it is indeed low.

That’s the problem- what specialism do you choose. Immunologist haematologist endocrinologist gastroenterologist. The list seems endless. Wish there was a specialist who could just link the dots!

Thanks again

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Saya85]

suggest you go with endo and keep fingers crossed that they do know their stuff