What do I do now? GP will not prescribe thyroxine. - Thyroid UK

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What do I do now? GP will not prescribe thyroxine.

11 years ago•29 Replies

Hi I went to my GP yesterday armed with all my arguments for being given a trial of thyroxine. I have all the symptoms of an underactive thyroid, but my blood tests are normal!

TSH 2.19 (0.27 - 4.2)

FT4 14.6 (12 - 22)

FT3 3.7 (3.1 - 6.8)

I have had all the other suggested tests done too and my GP says they are normal. I have already discussed with another GP that they may be normal, but could be low in range. That fell on deaf ears!

I put forward all my research and arguments, but he said he would not give me thyroxine as there is no evidence that my thyroid is failing. So do I accept that he is right and carry on feeling so awful? Thanks.

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29 Replies

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lab-lover11 years ago

Given my family history (motherwas hyper, brother hypo), and the symptoms I had, I kept saying that I was hypo for about 20 years. Did have bloods done and was always told, very borderline. Then. Last year I saw a different dr. I have RA, and have blood's done every month, and unbeknown to me the thyroid test was also done. This doc picked up on it and said I was hypo! I think it all depends on the reading of the tests, as evidently there are different ways to interpret them. I dont understand the readings at all. But I was pleased to be proved right, even tho it did take so long.

Mini1• in reply tolab-lover11 years ago

Glad you finally got a result

Marz11 years ago

It would seem to me that your production of T4 is near the bottom of the range - and the amount you are converting into T3 is VERY low....no wonder you feel unwell. All my TFT's were in range back in 2005 - but my anti-bodies were also tested and they were HIGH - and so treatment for the Hashimotos began. Have you had your anti-bodies tested - Anti-TPO and Anti-Tg ? A scan maybe to confirm diagnosis - could be some small nodes ....

Do not accept NORMAL from your GP. what is Normal ? - with hormones we are all individuals. Please ensure you obtain copies of the other tests and post with their ranges. Docs think that being just in range is fine for Vits etc. when they need to be near the TOP !!

Mini1• in reply toMarz11 years ago

Yes I had antibodies tested and they were negative. I have posted my results before and been told that my ferritin and b12 are low although in range! I did tell my GP that the T4 was bottom of range, but he said it was ok.

Marz• in reply toMini111 years ago

Sorry - your Doc has missed the fact that having Low T4 is one thing - but having a VERY low T3 is bad news. Did he mention that ? It is the only ACTIVE Thyroid hormone and is needed in every cell of the body - so should not be ignored. I think it could be Adrenals - Low FT4 and FT3 with Low TSH often points to that. drrind.com

Marz• in reply toMarz11 years ago

drrind.com/therapies/thyroi...

Mini1• in reply toMarz11 years ago

He still insisted that T3 was in range! I tried all arguments and quoted Dr Toft, but he just said that it was anecdotal evidence, not scientific.

Marz• in reply toMini111 years ago

Did you find Dr Rind's website that I posted above useful ? Perhaps it is time to change your GP. Maybe have a search yourself and find what you can about the importance of T4 converting into T3. Also check out Low T3 syndrome - PubMed may have something. Am off to take a yoga class so do not have time.... Medicine is sometimes an art and not always a science - The Art of Diagnosis in a clinical situation is vitally important.....

Mini1• in reply toMarz11 years ago

Hi yes I did find website useful...thank you for helping. I have seen 4 GPs at this practice ( due to the fact that you can never get an appt with the same one!) and they have all said my thyroid is fine! I will keep searching x

Marz• in reply toMini111 years ago

Good job you are so aware ! Ignorance is bliss they say - for all those Docs that is ! Keep searching and asking questions - and of course keep reading. Wishing you well......

Mini1• in reply toMarz11 years ago

Thank you. Your comments are much appreciated. I will keep fighting because I know I don't feel right. Doc says its CFS / ME.....I say it's not! Hopefully blood tests will show an increase in a TSH or something..... X

Stourie• in reply toMini111 years ago

When you have bloods done for tsh try to get it as early in the morning as possible. That's when the tsh is at its highest.

Jo xx

Mini1• in reply toStourie11 years ago

Thanks. Blood was taken at 10 o'clock....hope to get results in next couple of days.

Heloise11 years ago

Mini, your doctor is NOT right. I agree that people shouldn't rush into thyroid treatment if it can be avoided. But, then, I get upset with the attitude of doctors who don't listen to symptoms. You will possibly get worse especially if you show antibodies. Lately I have been posting these short videos. You may have other things going on that are causing your low thyroid symptoms and can possibly be corrected before your thyroid is destroyed. This is one of 22 five-minute videos so if you care to review the others, he talks about other hormone problems, leaky gut which often causes autoimmune disease, glucose problems and so on.

youtube.com/watch?v=nZ_CP7l...

Mini1• in reply toHeloise11 years ago

Hi yes I had antibodies tested and they were negative.

Heloise11 years ago

Mini, there are cofactors (video #12) involved that help production of T4 or conversion in the liver. And how are your adrenals (video #15 high cortisol), which also are needed for the thyroid to function. Are you willing to try a gluten free diet? The things necessary to do are very difficult and that's why we would rather just take the hormone pill. Staying on a whole foods diet and avoiding sugar as well as artificial sugars and refined flour products and in our case, goitrogens takes a lot of motivation. I try to do this myself to a degree....not perfect. Maybe even dairy is a problem for you. Because of the videos I am trying out some things Dr. Clark mentioned although he is not prescribing or diagnosing.

Personally, if all fails, I would consider taking other steps. I certainly wouldn't wait 20 years of being ill in this day and age.

Clutter11 years ago

If your GP has ruled out thyroid disease as a cause of your symptoms you need to ask him what he intends to do, or where he intends to refer you, to enable you to recover your health.

Mini1• in reply toClutter11 years ago

Thank you. I have done this and he is looking at hormonal level to see if it is menopause and will offer me HRT. He has said he will refer me to an endocrinologist, but will they say the same thing?

jaxnbreeze11 years ago

My neice had this problem with exactly the same levels as you - she now take 3 nutri thyroid tablets per day and after 6 months her TSH has halved.

Mini1• in reply tojaxnbreeze11 years ago

That's interesting. Thank you. Does she feel better ? X

jaxnbreeze• in reply toMini111 years ago

Yes she does Mimi but needs to rest a bit more than before but she tested positive for antibodies (she also has morphia). Before she was taking Nutri she was feeling very ill but dr. refused to prescribe levo. said TSH wasn't high enough - it's ridiculous isn't.

Mini1• in reply tojaxnbreeze11 years ago

Yes it's ridiculous! I have all symptoms of being hypothyroid, but my blood tests say I am fine! X

jaxnbreeze11 years ago

I would try Nutri Thyro. Mini - they contain the vits. and mins. needed to enable your thyroid to function and as you are 'subclinical' they could make a big difference. My TSH was 8 a couple of years ago and I now take 50 levo. plus one Nutri tablet per day and I can tell when I don't take it. x

Mini1• in reply tojaxnbreeze11 years ago

Thank you....it's on my list of next things to try. I have had more blood tests, so will wait and see if they come up with anything and go from there. X

Marz• in reply toMini111 years ago

...maybe some adrenal support too - also from Nutri Ltd..... x

Mini1• in reply toMarz11 years ago

Yes that's on my list too thank you x

gazelle5412 years ago

Ask him what he thinks is causing your problems. Keep asking, again and again, put it in writing - with a bullet point list of your symptoms - if necessary. Be polite and respectful. Keep on going until they come up with an answer. You are paying for their services through taxation.

Espeegee• in reply togazelle5412 years ago

this thread is 9 years old ... 😉 ...

helvella• in reply toEspeegee2 years ago

In order to prevent future inadvertent additions to this old thread - which was pretty much specific to the original poster, I'll close it to replying.