anyone have experience with Endocrinologist?

[HeyJules]

Hi everyone

After doing a lot of research, I am fairly certain I have quite a bad hormone imbalance and thyroid issues. I am going to my GP on Tuesday for blood tests, but I have read on so many forums that a lot of people have found their GPs are quite dismissive, refuse to refer them to specialists etc. I've also seen a lot of people say their results from their GPs showed no serious cause for concern, but the specialist/endocrinologist picked up immediately what the issue was.

My question is how expensive is it to see an endo? I've heard its usually around £150 for a consultation. Has anyone had any experience in this area? Any general info would be great :)

£180 seems to be pretty much the standard rate for an initial appointment in the part of the Midlands where I live.

However, be aware that price is no guarantee of quality and you will need to do your research very carefully.

Have you thought about what blood tests you would like to ask for, or, if you've already got the form, what blood tests has your GP asked for?

I can recommend Dr Hurel. Private at London Bridge, NHS at UCLH.

Consider taking out private health insurance before your visit to the GP, and before anything goes on your records about this issue.

You'll be looking at £150+ for an initial consultation but then there may be further blood tests, investigations, and follow up appointments.

Thanks everoyne. I'm in Oxford so will do some research. I'll see what the GP says on tuesday but I have a feeling he'll just sort of dismiss all the symptoms. Fingers crossed an endo will get to the bottom of it

I have the reverse, my gp is great and the endocrinologist contradicts herself.

How long did you all have to wait to get an appointment? The waiting list to see the dermatologist was 7 weeks, should I expect the same?

Hormone 'problems' is a very broad area to start with your GP if you have symptoms of over active or under active thyroid then concentrate on these. Most Gps will dismiss you as a Google Loony if you start listing the symptoms of every endocrine problem going.
I was diagnosed with a pituitary problem in my 20s and have had problems with my 'hormones' since. Such as recurrent miscarriage due to odd luteal phase. PCOs but this is secondary to pituitary problem so I don't have many of the physical symptoms and was diagnosed after scans and blood tests. The list is long and boring but suffice to say many of the endocrine problems do not cause text book symptoms.
I would also add that treatment is not always easy. The drug I take (sporadically) is awefull. So I only take it when my hormone levels are at a level that causes symptoms. The side effects from the drug are worse than the increased hormone levels.