Help finding Endo

[Bethcath]

I wonder if anyone can advise me if there is a good Endo in the Dorset area. Basically my gp doesn’t seem interested in how I’m feeling and the fact my hair is coming out. He said my blood test was within range and fine but I didn’t feel fine and had to insist on further blood tests as it appears they only test for the basics now. I was given six tablets of VitD and when I asked for k2 I was told they don’t prescribe them, I am now self medicating as I wasn’t offered anything else when the six tablets had gone. I’m also taking a b12 tincture as this as low again the gp said this was fine although it was right at the bottom end of the scale. I would just like to see someone who actually seems bothered as I’ve tried other doctors in the practice and get no further. I know they have to watch the pennies now but how do they know what deficiencies we have if they don’t test for them. The nurse told me it was because of the cost. I’m quite happy to pay for blood tests but need someone to act on results.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Before considering seeing any endocrinologist you will need FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing

How low was vitamin D?

How large a dose were these 6 vitamin D pills?

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 if Thyroid antibodies are raised or if under medicated

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

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

Medichecks currently have an offer on until end of May - 20% off

thyroiduk.org.uk/index.html

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's.

Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

The aim of Levothyroxine is to increase the dose slowly in 25mcg steps upwards until TSH is under 2 (many need TSH under one) and FT4 in top third of range and FT3 at least half way in range

All four vitamins need to be regularly tested and frequently need supplementing to maintain optimal levels

NHS guidelines on Levothyroxine including that most patients need somewhere between 100mcg and 200mcg Levothyroxine. Also what foods to avoid (note recommended to avoid calcium rich foods at least four hours away from Levo)

nhs.uk/medicines/levothyrox...

NICE guidelines

cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...

The initial recommended dose is:

For most people: 50–100 micrograms once daily, preferably taken at least 30 minutes before breakfast, caffeine-containing liquids (such as coffee or tea), or other drugs.

This should be adjusted in increments of 25–50 micrograms every 3–4 weeks according to response. The usual maintenance dose is 100–200 micrograms once daily.

Come back with new post Once you get results and ranges

Meanwhile email Dionne at Thyroid Uk for list of recommended thyroid specialists

[Bethcath in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you