Which specialist do I go to?

[Letsgetbetter21]

If I have Hashimoto’s which specialist do I need to see? I have seen an endocrinologist but do I need to see an immunologist as well?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

As you have Hashimoto's low vitamin levels are extremely common as are food intolerances. Most common are gluten and/or dairy

Many people find regularly testing and supplementing vitamins to maintain at optimal levels improves symptoms

do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies. You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up. They can no longer charge for printing out, rules changed after May 25th 2018

How much Levothyroxine are you taking ?

Can you add most recent results and ranges for TSH, FT3 and FT4, thyroid antibodies, vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested.

All thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Do not take Levothyroxine dose in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take immediately after blood draw. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Is this how you do your tests?

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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random