Anyone know of a private doctor who can prescribe NDT?

[EmmaConstantine]

Hello everyone, I have recently had some full thyroid blood work done which even though the TSH is ‘normal’ (1.66) my T4 is low at 11.800 and my T3 is 3.02, I’ve suffered symptoms for a long time and I’m getting worse so now I’m looking at finding a private doctor (my GP won’t refer as TSH is normal) . Has anyone got any experience of Dr Peatfield? I’ve heard many things about him? I would appreciate any advice as I’m really not feeling well at all and really need to speak to someone who will take me seriously x

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

EmmaConstantine

Can you add the reference ranges for your results please.

If your FT4 is low or below range, it's possible you might be looking at Central Hypothyroidism which is where the TSH can be low or normal or slightly elevated with a low FT4. With Central Hypothyroidism the problem lies with the pituitary (secondary hypothyroidism) or the hypothalamus (tertiary hypothyroidism). Central Hypothyroidism isn't anywhere near as common as primary hypothyroidism and many GPs don't know about it. If your results fit this criteria then you GP should refer you to a thyroid specialist - not an endo whose speciality is diabetes (most of them are) but a proper thyroid specialist (which unfortunately are few and far between).

Information about Central Hypothyroidism:

bestpractice.bmj.com/topics... - you can read the summary (click on READ MORE), your GP can access the rest as it is a BMJ article.

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

Dr Peatfield is very experienced and well respected, but he wont be able to get the tests done needed to find out if the pituitary or hypothalamus are involved. If you think your results suggest Central Hypothyroidism I would persue this with your GP first, push for a referral, rather than spend money on a private doctor at this stage.

[EmmaConstantine in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi, yes the T4 results were 11.800 (range 12.00 - 22) and my T3 is 3.02 (range 3.10 - 6.80)

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to EmmaConstantine]

Emma

Then I think you may well be looking at Central Hypothyroidism, your results certainly fit the criteria. Push your GP to refer you, use those links I gave you and anything else you can find from a reliable source by Googling.

[EmmaConstantine in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you, I’m feeling very upset about feeling so I’ll all the time but having just read the links you sent me it looks as though it can be easily treated once diagnosed which gives me a little bit of hope x

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to EmmaConstantine]

Emma

Do you have anyone you can take to your GP appointment? From experience I know that many doctors will fob you off, especially females, but it's amazing the difference it can make when there is a witness, especially someone who could speak up for you if you feel the need. With your results, I would take someone with me, along with the evidence about Central Hypothyroidism, and not leave the doctor's room without the promise of a referral. But do bear in mind to push for your GP to find a proper thyroid specialist. Tell him that you understand most endocrinologists appear to specialise in diabetes, and that wont be good enough for a more rare form of hypothyroidism. If you are willing to travel then make that clear too. Anything to get the right consultant.

[EmmaConstantine in reply to SeasideSusie]

I have a free 15 minute telephone consultation on Monday with Dr Sharma. He has my blood test results via email and all my symptoms. It’s only 15 minutes and it’s free so I’ll see what he has to say, he’s London based but that’s fine for me

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to EmmaConstantine]

Emma

Good luck, let us know how it goes.

[EmmaConstantine in reply to SeasideSusie]

I will....I got his name from the thyroid UK website and looking him up online he seems to be very experienced in thyroid problems....I’ll even mention to him about what just said (central hypothyroidism) thank you for all your help xxx

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You also need vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested

Plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies if not been done

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. When on Levothyroxine, don't take in the 24 hours prior to test, (and if on T3 don't take in 12 hours prior to test), delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

[EmmaConstantine in reply to SlowDragon]

The blood tests I had done were with medichecks. They certainly were not fasting though! Medichecks never instructed me to have the blood drawn whilst fasting, the bloods were done in the afternoon

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to EmmaConstantine]

This is patient to patient tip. And is always advised to do blood tests this way on here

TSH is highest in morning

Graph showing TSH daily variation

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...