Looking for a good doctor/specialist in The Netherlands for hypothyroidism

[Jocelin]

Hi all,

I'm hypothyroid for many years and things are getting worse. The doctors I have seen so far are not open to a full blood panel and only test TSH and FT4. They don't even bother about symptoms.

I am looking for a doctor/specialist in The Netherlands now who understands the importance of guiding by symptoms and by at least FT3 and RT3. Who has experience with T4/T3 combination and/or NDT.

If you know of such doctor/specialist in The Netherlands, I would be very happy if you could private message me.

Many thanks!

[shaws]

You might be better treating yourself if you can get your own private blood tests.

Can you import - for your own use - thyroid hormones? Or can you source them 'over the counter' without a prescription.

I am assuming they only prescribe levothyroxine and not liothyronine (T4 and T3). If they permit an import you can also get NDT (natural dessicated thyroid hormones.

The aim is a TSH of 1 or lower.

[Jocelin in reply to shaws]

Hi shaws,

Thanks for you reply.

I am on levo and liothyronine right now, but think the dosage and ratio is not good. I believe conversion or cellular uptake is a problem. The 'specialists' I saw have no experience with liothyronine and don't believe in it. They lowered my levo because of a very low TSH of 0,03 last August. I do get much more hypo symptoms however and work only parttime because of lack of energy and joint problems. (With a low budget as a consequence.) I asked my GP if she knew a specialist that has more understanding of hypothyroidism, but as many of you experience, she also has no clue.

I'd love to treat myself, o what a relief would that be. I sure can find a private blood testing company. But I do not know how to get levo, liothyronine or real NDT without prescription from a reliable source. Can you, or anyone else here, advise me on that?

Thanks so much!

[jamalka in reply to Jocelin]

I can get levo without prescription here in Libya german made ( Berlthyrox )

[Jocelin in reply to jamalka]

Thanks, jamalka, I'll look into it what the possibilities are. Glad to read that it gives you the ability to treat yourself.

[StitchFairy in reply to Jocelin]

Are you allowed to import prescription medications into The Netherlands? Some countries do allow it for personal use (we can here in the UK), but some don't.

[Jocelin in reply to StitchFairy]

Hi StitchFairy,

Thanks for your reply. The first information I just found on the site of the tax department of the government, is that it is not allowed to import medications, with or without prescription, only with a special license. I may look into that further. Thanks!

[shaws in reply to Jocelin]

I'm sorry you are only able to work part-time at present and that you are on a T4/T3 combination. Research has shown that a 4:1 or 3:1 (T4/T3) combination suits many.

There is a non-prescription NDTalthough it is called a dietary supplement - called Thyro-Gold and it was made specifically by one of our Advisers (deceased) so that people could source their own. His widow - Tammy Lowe - runs that part of the buisness.

Other sources may be sent to you by Private Message by other members if they have the information.

naturalthyroidsolutions.com/

I have also just read this blog which may be very helpful.

pauljonesblog.com/2016/05/2...

Dr Lowe also invented Thyro-gold

[shaws in reply to Jocelin]

The following might also be informative:

hormonerestoration.com/

[Jocelin in reply to shaws]

Hi shaws,

I am very grateful for all the information you offer me. Lots to learn, I go read the info in the links you sent and look into Thyro-Gold. Many thanks!

[shaws in reply to Jocelin]

It is not surprising that the doctor who runs the Hormone Restoration website cannot take on any more patients. The following is re T3.

hormonerestoration.com/Thyr...

[Jocelin in reply to shaws]

Hi all,

Happy to to have found you all. I feel very much supported and it helps me to take further steps. Thanks all!

I had an appointment with my GP last week. I have not seen her for three years because she was ill herself. I went to her to discuss my options for a more complete treatment of my hypothyroidism. She unfortunately could not help me with that (seems to have not even heard of t3) but she certainly paid good attention. She was willing to support me to go to another doctor, but I would have to search for him/her myself. Because of low income I decided to contact the health insurance company and requested their help to find a regular endocrinologist with a more open-minded view. Even they could not get in touch with doctors directly but got a few names in a few hospitals in the neighbourhood, that, according to the information they had received, seem to be pretty open-minded and human. They offered me to try one of them and I can change again if I feel it does not work. I checked their names on a review site and chose one that sounds really interested in the patient instead of the numbers. I am going to give it a try and made an appointment for end of November. In the meantime my GP allowed to test some vitamines and minerals, that will also help getting a good picture.

I am glad this is arranged now, it gives me a moment to pause instead of keeping busy searching. I hope it will turn out well! And for all of you who have to take all kinds of hurdles, I hope you are able to find what feels good for you, too!

[Jocelin]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Very informative