To be furious at GP surgery?

[Lilyxxxx]

DD (23) has had hormonal issues over many years. A few years ago a blood test threw up possible PCOS so a scan was arranged but then she was told she didn't have it. No further follow up although something must have been amiss for the urgent scan?

She has terrible acne, massive mood swings who started at puberty, very heavy painful periods and gets abnormally tired. We have family history of hormonal disturbance including high testosterone and hypothyroidism.

She has asked for a referral to an endocrinologist several times but this has been refused. Her latest blood test shows borderline results for high FSH, hypothyroidism and high testesterone but GP still will not refer for further investigation, just gave some gel for the acne and was very rude when she tried to press for a referral.

This the same Surgery who insisted for years I was not hypothyroid until I suddenly was severely!

We cannot afford a private referral. What can she do?

Definitely change gp surgery if there is another one nearby as she has a right to change. They may state they won't do home visits though and ask her to sign this. She can also write a letter to her gp outlining her symptoms and requesting referral. State in the letter to have it added to her record. Check the letter has been received and recorded with reception. Once it's written down they have to deal with the situation. Hypothyroidism is notoriously difficult to both get treatment for and get treatment that works as our system works by waiting until things are really bad before treating. It's helpful to read up yourself on thyroid treatment at places like health unlocked and stop the thyroid madness.

GPs don't pay for specialist referrals out of their own pockets. That's hilarious!