Endocrinologist

[ABro]

Hi guys, can anyone recommend a good endocrinologist for thyroid matters in the Preston or Lancashire area? Not been referred to one yet but just shopping around in case I need one in the future.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

please email Dionne at

[e-mail]

For the Thyroid UK list of recommended thyroid specialists

But before seeing any consultant you need FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing

That's- TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

low vitamin levels are extremely common and very often need correcting with supplements to improve Thyroid hormone use and uptake

Are you still only on 50mcg/75mcg alternate days.

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

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, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

[ABro in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you SlowDragon, I am currently still awaiting my results I’m just thinking ahead of myself but I will take note. I have now been on 75mcg for about a month and feeling better than I was so hopefully won’t meed further action. Just waiting for an ent specialist to look at an ear problem (tinnitus and feeling of blockage to eustachian tube in one ear) which I’ve had for the last four months. I’m wondering if there may be a thyroid connection but not sure. Have changed from teva brand to actvis and wockhardt in the last few weeks due to change of gp and pharmacy so maybe it will make a difference.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to ABro]

Tinnitus is very often due to low B12, extremely common when on Thyroid hormones. Dizziness common result too.

Suggest you get full private testing of thyroid and vitamins after 6-8 weeks on new dose.

Do you have Hashimoto's diagnosed by high TPO or TG antibodies? Low vitamin levels are more likely with Hashimoto's.

Many, many patients do not get on with Teva brand

Always stick to same brand if at all possible at each prescription. Different brands are not bio equivalent - they give different level of uptake at apparently exactly same dose

[ABro in reply to SlowDragon]

I was tested last week by gp having been on new dose in stages for about 10 weeks and the results should be back today hopefully - had vits and antibodies tested so will re-post when results known. When I started on levo two years ago I was given wockhardt 25mcg for the first month. After that I was given Teva 25 then 50 which I continued with until I changed pharmacy recently then was given the actavis and wockhardt as they don’t stock Teva. Not sure if teva was good or bad for me but either way I seem to be ok on the new brands and 75 dosage so far. Not sure about Hashi’s - it’s never been discussed with me but we will know more from my upcoming results hopefully. Thanks again

[Lolly600]

Hiya

I was under Royal Preston Hospitals Endo team but as soon as my blood levels were within normal range, they told me I'm fine and no longer Hypo - what a miracle!

I have now gone private and see a Dr I O'Connell at Euxton Hall Hospital, he's been really good for me and he also does NHS work at Wigan & Leigh if you don't want to go private.

Good luck.

[ABro in reply to Lolly600]

Thank you, that’s very useful. So you were no longer hypo? That must be a first 😏

[Lolly600 in reply to ABro]

I'm just a walking miracle - NOT. I feel totally worn out but now I know what's happening I can try to heal myself.