What tests can I expect from first endocrinologist appointment?

[MeganChar1]

Hi all,

I’m on the waiting list to see endocrinologist on nhs, and also will be trying to conceive. I have Hashimotos. I know TSH will need to be under 2.5 for trying to conceive. What tests can I expect from the endocrinologist? Can I expect them to do a full thyroid panel including antibodies and T3? Will they also test other factors which can be linked like progesterone or for other autoimmune conditions?

Thanks

[tromashka]

Hi Megan,I dont have a good story for you from my experience. And hope your experience will be different.

I went to a private endo hoping to speed the things up ( ive hyper thyroid). I was very hopeful as GPs didnt know much .The presumed Graves. She didnt refer me to do any tests. I insisted on antibody test. The Endo reluctantly recommended my GP to do so( who most probably wont do it as I was refused of the tests before). I won't see the endo for another 4 months.

It might be a different story for you if you mention you are planning a baby.

I would do all the tests privately before the visit if you can afford it. Only my humble opinion.

Best of luck!

[fuchsia-pink]

My endo appointments are VERY brief. Basically I get weighed (it's at a diabetes clinic) and then have a minute - sometimes two - with the endo himself [shortest was 30 seconds; but the last one, by phone was 4 mins 13 seconds which was by far the longest! Much of it was debating why the lab had refused to do the vit D test he had requested). I don't think this is enough so I contact his sec a few weeks beforehand for a blood form (which I can get done locally). I always get TSH, free T4 and free T3 tested (I'm on levo and lio) but last time I asked for and got key nutrients tested too (except for vit D), saying that these were recommended by Thyroid UK.

Hope you get what you need - and good luck getting preg x

[JAmanda]

Yes, agree with below - either get his secretary to have Endo to do slip for tests at hospital/surgery prior to appointment or get them done privately yourself so the conversation can at least be based on recent results. Make sure you get your tests done first thing in AM, before raking meds and a week away from vitamins with biotin in.