I'm going to me first endocrinologist appointment today. What do I ask for? Please help

[Bpthyroid]

Hi, it's my first appointment today with a private endocrinologist. I'm on 100mg of levothyroxine but still getting all the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Constantly tired, dry eyes, weight issues and feeling pretty depressed majority of the time.

So my GP refuses to test all my vitamin levels and my T3 levels and believes what dose I'm on should be working. That's why I've resorted going to see an endocrinologist private.

Can anyone please give me some advice on what I should be asking to get tested for?

Thanks in advance. Feeling abit nervous with what the outcome will be from my appointment today.

[shaws Administrator]

I don't know if we can give advice as Endocrinologist all differ in their treatment.

What I would do, and I'll give you a link, is tick off the symptoms that haven't resolved since taking levothyroxine.

Tell him/her you were diagnosed on ? and have now reached a dose of ? but you haven't improved at all (in fact you may feel worse). You are hoping someone with expertise can assist you in getting better.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Let us know how you get on and I do hope it with a sympathetic doctor.

You could also say you understand many feel much better when TSH is low but GP wont increase your hormones - even on a trial basis.

[Bpthyroid in reply to shaws]

Thank you so much! Will definitely do that list, that's a great idea. Yes I will definitely post to let you know how I got on. Thanks

[shaws Administrator in reply to Bpthyroid]

Although we're tempted, don't make disparaging remarks about GP. Say you are looking for expertise to make you feel well.

[Helena877]

I went to a private Endo and he did some of the more obscure tests - parathyroid, bone, coeliac. Their tests are pricey so anything you can get from Medichecks e.g. T3 and vitamins I'd do yourself as it's A LOT cheaper and results through A LOT quicker.

With my initial appointment I personally wanted to know what his stance was on alternatives e.g. T3 and NDT.

I'd ask the Endo to write to you direct and then it's up to you what you inform your GP.

All the best and hope you come away feeling better.

[Bpthyroid in reply to Helena877]

I'm seeing a private endocrinologist through private health insurance so I'm hoping all the tests will be covered through them.

Yes I would also find out more information and what he thinks of t3 and ndt treatment.

What vitamin tests would you say I should have?

Also can an endocrinologist prescribe you a prescription or do they advise on what they think then you go back to the GP? Sorry for all the questions I just want to feel well prepared on what to ask for as my memory isn't great and I forget everything.

Thank you

[Clutter in reply to Bpthyroid]

Bpthyroid,

You should check whether your private insurance includes paying for tests. The recommended tests are TSH, FT4, FT3, Thyroid peroxidase antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate.

An endocrinologist can prescribe but as you are not seeing a NHS endo you will have to pay for your prescriptions. 28 x 20mcg T3 will cost £258+ It would be cheaper to have Sanofi-Aventis Cynomel or Thybon Henning T3 prescribed or to buy your own online without prescritpion. Your GP isn't obliged to prescribe on the NHS what a private endocrinologist recommends but may agree to do so. Some CCGs insist on a recommendation from a NHS endo before they will prescribe T3.

[Bpthyroid]

Ok perfect thanks for the advice