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Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,928
Registered: ‎11-01-2010

Re: Thyroid med - new doctor says take it, specialist says no

I'd say run hard & fast from any doctor who wants to treat - or not treat - thyroid issues based on lab results alone. 

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,296
Registered: ‎08-22-2011

Re: Thyroid med - new doctor says take it, specialist says no

[ Edited ]

 


@January121 wrote:

@LonestarBabs wrote:

I had my checkup with a new primary physician in October, and the bloodwork showed that one thyroid level was elevated +1 from normal. She prescribed Levothyroxin for life. I got a second opinion from an endocrinologist, and my levels were all within normal range. So, he said no meds were needed at this time but I should check in again with my primary in a few months.

 

I've been feeling fine. Get a note from the primary that it's time to come back in for bloodwork follow-up. AARRGGHH

 

Some of my friends say they've had the same thing happen and took the meds for a year or so and haven't had to take them again.

 

I'm 57. I assumed that an occasional hot flash or headache was menopause. Anyone had a similar experience with this?


@LonestarBabs .... most primary care doctors ARE NOT qualified to treat Thyroid conditions whereas Endocrinologist's are .... listen to the Endocrinologist .... also, a +1 elevation does not warrant medication ... you should have your thyroid levels checked every 6 months by the endocrinologist.

 

 

 

I'm sorry but the comment that a medical doctor is not qualified to treat a patient for hypothyroidism and you must seek an endocrinologist is rubbish, especially at the level of the test results from the OP.

 

A medical doctor is quite capable to treat this because the determining  facotors are the blood work results. It is fairly exacting in treatment. But I hope you would understand that a good doctor would treat a patient according to all symptoms, and a good patient history, tests, etc. and not just from lab work alone.

 

Perhaps you would want an endocrinologist if you were having severe ranges or thyroid storms, but even then my physician has cared for my hypothyroidism for 29 years.

 

BTW,  I do see an endocrinologist for other reasons and this doctor approves of what my medical doctor is doing from my test results.

 

I have treated many patients over the years and this is not a difficult or intense syndrome that requres a specialist. This is early medical school.

 

 

Blessings.

 

 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,170
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: Thyroid med - new doctor says take it, specialist says no

I take mine.  Thyroid problems run in the family.  I had a slightly low thryroid but my hair was shedding.  I am fine now.  Dosage is very low but I have peace of mind I can keep my hair and probably lots of other things I don't even know about.