Exeter endocrinologists

[Ellykiddd]

Hello,

Just joined today. Does anyone know of any good private endocrinologists in and around Exeter? I’ve got hashimotos thyroidocis and experiencing bad symptoms currently. Desperate to find someone quickly to help!

Any advice much appreciated. Thanks x

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Email Dionne at Thyroid Uk for list of recommended thyroid specialists

[e-mail]

We would always strongly recommend you get FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing privately BEFORE seeing any endocrinologist, especially if it's a private consultation

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with Hashimoto's

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose 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)

(If/when also on T3, make sure to take last dose 8-12 hours prior to test)

Is this how you do your tests?

How much Levothyroxine are you currently taking?

Have you had vitamin levels tested?

What vitamin supplements do you take?

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all 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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

As you have Hashimoto's are you on strictly gluten free diet?

Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working

Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten. Dairy is second most common.

According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps, sometimes significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies

Ideally ask GP for coeliac blood test first or buy test online for under £20, just to rule it out first




Trying gluten free diet for 3-6 months. If no noticeable improvement then reintroduce gluten and see if symptoms get worse

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

amymyersmd.com/2018/04/3-re...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

restartmed.com/hashimotos-g...

[Ellykiddd in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you so much. This was so informative. I have ordered a kit to test for my functions before I go to the private appointment at the end of the month. It may well be I’m vitamin deficient again, in previous years I was and they put me on vitamin supplements. I’m also going to see a nutritionist. I have elongated gluten from my diet and dairy to see if symptoms improve, I’m most sure I do have leaky gut!

Thank you for the advice, so helpful. Especially now I’ve ordered the blood kit, the gp only tested TSH and not the rest so this is very helpful to know the vitamins and T4 & T3 etc

Thanks again! X

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Ellykiddd]

Current NHS management of thyroid disease is completely inadequate

Hence almost 100,000 members on here

Come back with new post once you get results and ranges. Members can advise on next steps

Meanwhile suggest you read posts daily, learn as much as possible about Hashimoto's

[shaws Administrator in reply to Ellykiddd]

Blood draw should be at the earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours if you were on thyroid hormones replacement.

Also make sure you are well-hydrated a couple of days before blood draw and that arms/hands are warm so blood flows more easily.

[Ellykiddd in reply to shaws]

Great thanks. I watched the demonstration video. Not on medication right now but I will do it in the morning