how can i get help, i need loads of advice

[hypodi]

I have been taking eltroxin for about 20 years and have never felt worse, cold, tired, depressed, thin hair, dry skin etc they have increased the level and its not helped, how can i get intouch with an expert, im in essex. Any help at all would be much appreciated.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Hi there,

My first guess is that you are under-dosed. How much do you take?

Also, do you have any of your thyroid test results? You certainly should be able to get them from your surgery. I'd expect to see TSH results and hope to see at least some free T4 results. And make sure you get the reference ranges that your laboratory uses - they do vary around the country. And when you get them, come back here and post them.

Also - mention any other medicines you take including supplements. And are you aware that you need to take the thyroxine well separated from food, drink (other than water) and medicines/supplements?

Really the only way of getting in touch with an expert is to get your GP to refer you to an endocrinologist. But you want one who is a thyroid specialist - seems that those who specialise in other areas (diabetes and sex hormones) are more common. And even if/when you get to see one there is no guarantee that the will be much use - peoples' experiences vary widely.

All the best

Rod