Nhs endocrinologist Kent/e.Sussex/London

[Maz2020]

Hi, does anyone know of a good Nhs endocrinologist in Kent/East Sussex/London who I might be able to get referred to by my GP. The one I’ve seen initially won’t test my T3 which I think may be where my problem lies. Thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

We would ALWAYS recommend getting FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing BEFORE seeing any thyroid specialist

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 you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies

Ask GP to test vitamin levels

You may need to get full Thyroid testing privately as NHS refuses to test TG antibodies if TPO antibodies are negative

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

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

For thyroid including antibodies and vitamins

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

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3 £29 (via NHS private service )

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

Come back with new post once you get results, members can advise on next steps

Email Dionne at Thyroid Uk for list of recommend thyroid specialist endocrinologists

thyroiduk.org/tuk/About_Us/...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking.

What are your most recent TSH and Ft4 results

Do you do blood tests as advised on here?

Have you had thyroid antibodies tested and vitamin levels?

Add results and ranges if you have them

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking?

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone 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.