Full endocrinology review?

[Wex73]

Hi, I have a appointment coming up with the endocrinology clinic in hospital. I was advised to ask for a full endocrinology review but I am not sure what I am asking for! Can anyone tell what this means?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Who was it that asked you to have a full endocrinology review? Can you not ask them what they mean by it?

We always suggest that for a full picture of thyroid status the following tests are needed:

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid antibodies

and because nutrient levels need to be optimal for us Hypos we also advise testing

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

I'm not sure if this is what is meant? We always suggest these tests are done prior to consultation so the results can be discussed at the time.

[Wex73 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for that info. I have most of these done in my recent blood tests. My doc has never tested for FT3 they said the labs aren't processing this test any more. My problem really is that my TSH is now 3.9 and my GP says all is fine but I am not fine! I need the endo to take me seriously and not just decide based on that number alone.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

When were vitamin levels last tested?

What vitamin supplements do you currently take?

Previous post showed you have Hashimoto's diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 regularly

Most/many Hashimoto's patients need to supplement some or all of these virtually continuously

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

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/300...

The obtained results suggest that the gluten-free diet may bring clinical benefits to women with autoimmune thyroid disease

nuclmed.gr/wp/wp-content/up...

In summary, whereas it is not yet clear whether a gluten free diet can prevent autoimmune diseases, it is worth mentioning that HT patients with or without CD benefit from a diet low in gluten as far as the progression and the potential disease complications are concerned

Official NHS guidelines saying TSH should be between 0.2 and 2.0 when on Levothyroxine

(Many of us need TSH nearer 0.2 than 2.0 to feel well)

See box

Thyroxine replacement in primary hypothyroidism

pathology.leedsth.nhs.uk/pa...

So you are under medicated and need 25mcg dose increase in Levothyroxine and bloods retested in 6-8 weeks

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .

Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood 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)

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 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

[Wex73 in reply to SlowDragon]

I am on Q10, Vit D, Zinc and Selenium. I have had private nutritionist advice and am on low carb high protein diet.

I didn't know about the tests, good advice. I was fasting for the last test which was only last week so very recent. I had taken my meds beforehand though. I will look in to getting a private FT3 test, I am in Ireland but I will see if these companies or others do the test here.

Thanks for your advice!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Wex73]

How much vitamin D are you taking?

What was vitamin D before starting supplementing

Ask GP to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

[Wex73 in reply to SlowDragon]

I don't yet have a copy of the latest test results, only a phone call from the nurse. I will be getting the printed results next week and check what exactly was tested. I am taking Bioactive D-Pearls 3000IU on recommendation from nutritionist.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Wex73]

Wex73

I will look in to getting a private FT3 test,

Don't do FT3 test on it's own, it needs to be done at the same time as TSH and FT4.

[Wex73 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks! Will check it all out.