Armour in Edinburgh/Fife

[HilaryW]

Hello everyone, I have lived in Belgium for many years. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's about 12 years ago and have been on Armour with varying doses of T4 ever since. I have never had any problem getting Armour here in Belgium where currently my GP will prescribe it for me so I think I have been very lucky up until now. However, we are thinking of moving back to the UK - probably Scotland, I read the posts here often and am beginning to get rather distressed at the thought of not being able to find anyone in Edinburgh who will prescribe Armour. I know this question has come up in the past, but can anyone help me with up-to-date information on Armour-friendly doctors in Edinburgh or anywhere reasonably close. After many, many years of chronic fatigue, I finally feel I am in a good place and really don't want to have to try and adapt to T4 alone.

Thank you to everyone for reading this.

[adin]

Hello HilaryW , could I ask you on what combo dose (armour +T4 ) you are?

[HilaryW in reply to adin]

Hello, After a lot of shifting doses, I have been on 2 grains of Armour alone for about 6 months. However, my GP doesn't like my suppressed TSH and wants me to lower my dose to 1.75 (although my T3 and T4 levels are very good). She says that there is some link between suppressed TSH and breast cancer. I can find no studies at all on this however.

[adin in reply to HilaryW]

Some link between suppressed TSH and breast cancer??? I never heard about that, I heard about osteoporosis and mitral valve issue but not breast, is something new for me ...

In my opinion you should stay on 2 grains if you feel good on it, but of course your GP is the master.

[HilaryW in reply to adin]

Yes, I must admit that was a new one on me. I am going to ask for references next time I see her. I actually have a very 'fluid' relationship with my GP who is actually very open. I have only just gone back to her after many years having ended a working relationship with a functional medicine doctor whom I could just no longer afford. We are not registered with a doctor here in Belgium so I can go wherever I want and, although better than the UK, the doctors who use Armour are limited. Interestingly enough the 2 grains was diagnosed by kinesiology by somewhere whom I really trust. My GP did admit that she had a medical dilemma because my T3/T4 levels are good. She said that the suppressed TSH issue is an area where doctors disagree. I have looked and cannot find out the purpose of TSH other than to stimulate the thyroid and, as it was probably diagnosed late, there is probably little functioning thyroid to stimulate in my case!

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, HilaryW.

NDT isn't licensed for UK use so it is very rarely prescribed on the NHS. Most members using NDT have private prescriptions or buy their NDT online and self-medicate.

Email [e-mail] for a list of member recommended endos. You should check with their offices whether or not they prescribe Armour or other brands of NDT before booking a consultation.

Send me a private message by clicking on my username and selecting Message if you want sources where to obtain Armour without prescription.

Many doctors have concerns (unfounded) that suppressed TSH will cause atrial fibrillation or osteoporosis but causing breast cancer is a new one. I would ask your doctor to cite her sources for this assertion.

[HilaryW in reply to Clutter]

Thank you. I was looking for a private doctor. I have always paid for my thyroid (and in general doctors) so am used to this though the recent hikes in price for Armour are ridiculous. Thanks for the email contact. I will send an email. Yes, I found this a rather strange connection and will ask her for some evidence next time I see her. I am slightly daunted by the idea of self prescription but could easily order private lab tests and keep an eye on things. Who knows, I might end up travelling back to Belgium to get my prescription! i will send you a personal message so I know where to order if I need. Many thanks for your help.

[Clutter in reply to HilaryW]

HilaryW,

If you get a private prescription shop around for Armour as costs can vary.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/treatm...