Central hypothyroidism

[MY04zzz]

I put a post on here a few months ago asking for recommendations for an endo who specialises in Central Hypothyroidism - and got several. I got one from Oxford

My friend contacted him and was advised she needed a referral from her GP.

Guess what! The GP said NO he wouldn’t and it would be a waste of her money! He says because her last test came back with T4 just over bottom range ( despite the fact the one before was below) that she was fine. She said she was happy to pay to see him.

What can she say to convince the GP to do another referral ? Her TSH is always just over 1 - her T4 ranges from under range to just above bottom range.

Can anybody please give some advice on how to convince GP to refer? Or what to do next? She would be so grateful.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Suggest she sends these results, plus covering letter outline main symptoms to the endocrinologist she wants to see, and explaining that her GP refuses to write letter of referral

See what the response is

Meanwhile continue working on improving low vitamin levels

[MY04zzz in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi SlowDragon She sent results of last 3 tests with her email together with a list of symptoms - and the endos secretary asked for her to be referred by her GP. She’s going to respond saying the GP won’t - and ask for their response. Thank you

[Hedgeree]

Hi MY04zzz,

Has your friend written to their surgery requesting a referral?

It's taken me two years to get my gp to take my problems seriously; I have a below range FT4 and possible central hypothyroidism.

The only way I got any action was when I wrote to them and also sent a letter to the practice manager. It took three letters to get them to act.

I got blood tests done this way and also eventually an NHS referral but there's a long wait but at least I have been referred. Before that I was told to come back in a year and it's all in your head/anxiety.

I've posted twice on the forum regarding Central Hypothyroidism and requesting if anyone could recommend an endo but sadly I didn't get any responses; could you possibly send me the info via pm regarding the recommendations that you were given.

It would be much appreciated.

Hope your friend gets some help from their gp?

I know how hard it is to be taken seriously but keep at the gp.

Best wishes.

[MY04zzz]

I think keeping on at the GP is the only way 😡. She may end up self medicating at this rate if she doesn’t get help soon I think she’s reluctant to take the vitamins until she’s seen this endo (if she ever manages to get an appointment)

Would that matter if she took them now or is it better to leave it for now until she’s seen somebody?

Thank you

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to MY04zzz]

I think it would be good idea to start improving low vitamin levels

A) it improves symptoms

B)it might increase TSH

[MY04zzz in reply to SlowDragon]

So do you think perhaps Thorne Basic B complex What other would you recommend in addition?

Thank you

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to MY04zzz]

Yes ….supplementing a good quality daily vitamin B complex, one with folate in (not folic acid) may be beneficial.

This can help keep all B vitamins in balance and will help improve B12 levels too

Difference between folate and folic acid

chriskresser.com/folate-vs-...

B vitamins best taken after breakfast

Thorne Basic B is a recommended option that contains folate, but is large capsule. You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule

IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

Low B12 symptoms

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

If serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a B12 supplement as well as a B Complex (to balance all the B vitamins) initially for first 2-4 months, then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.

B12 sublingual lozenges

amazon.co.uk/Jarrow-Methylc...

cytoplan.co.uk/shop-by-prod...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Is she currently taking any vitamin D

Or is that a natural level?

[MY04zzz in reply to SlowDragon]

That’s natural Vit D - what do you recommend is the lowest level to aim for?