Private consultation for hair loss, lethargy, weight gain - who should I see?

[Jmangel]

Went to my GP who was non plussed by my symptoms and said if he had a penny for every middle aged women who wanted peri -menopausal and thyroid function check, he'd be a rich man!
Who would I go to for blood tests and dietary/supplement advice - a nutritional therapist or just a private general physician.
I live in Manchester, so any Recs would be appreciated.
My GP made me feel like I was wasting NHS time which I kind of get but equally feel like I need health MOT.
I'm 45, have been losing a lot of hair, eat really well, minimal white crabs, veg, fruit and exercise 4 x week with strength training, HIIT. I do drink 2-3 nespresso pods per day which are my weakness.

No recommendation, but I would see a different gp. Sounds like thyroid to me! (Not a medic but DM has thyroid trouble)

That was carbs!

If you are paying see a physician or endocrinologist. You need the blood tests done. No point in seeing a nutritionist.

I had the same problem a couple of years ago with my GP dismissing symptoms. I would specifically ask for a thyroid check and if he refuses again, tell him you want it noted on your records that you asked and they refused. They'll probably cave in and get you tested.
If that fails, just get the test done privately if you can. It was a battle for me to be tested but as soon as the results came in and I was on thyroxine, I felt 10 years younger.
Good luck!

My money is on a) peri menopause or b)thyroid
Are your periods still regular?

At 45 you are on the cusp for peri meno. Blood tests are not reliable so please don't shell out a fortune. If anything book yourself in to see a private consultant gynae who knows about peri meno.

Dr Louise Newson is one, up north. Good videos on her site.

menopausedoctor.co.uk/

Thank you. Yes been having heavier periods and sometimes skip a month - will check Dr Newton out.

You can get your thyroid tested privately yourself. A full screen costs about £100 I think. You can do it online and get a kit in the post.

Sorry to hear about your gp op. That's shocking and terrible treatment. It's also stupid because, if it is thyroid, it's generally very treatable and if you go undiagnosed you can stack up other health issues that would cost the NHS more time and money. Makes you almost wish the illness on the gp. Sounds sexist to boot.

Your doctor sounds like a total arsehole. Try and see a different GP.

I'm a GP and a thyroid screen would be the first thing I would do if you came with those symptoms... but I'm not in the UK so blood test guidelines maybe different!

Consult with a functional health practitioner. ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/?location=Manchester&country=GB&rad=100&pos=

Please go back and insist on a thyroid check. It is a simple blood test. The GP really should do it without complaining. I have recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Addisons, I am 47 and had similar symptoms to you (nb: Addisons is very rare, so it is unlikely you have that!) and initially put it down to being peri-menopausal. Being treated for thyroid issues now can save the NHS money in the long run.

I would also add to have your serum ferritin levels checked. Check the result if you've already had this done by your crap GP - ideally should be 70+, hair loss and lethargy are symptoms of low ferritin.

I know there is a tendency for thyroid issues to be under diagnosed, and the levels in tests are disputed, BUT peri meno is often also underdiagnosed- women are given all kinds of bullshit by GPs when all they need is HRT!
Yes this could be your thyroid but it's equally likely, or more so really, it's your hormones.

See an endocrinologist - sounds like classic under active thyroid to me (I have hashimoto's).

PS white crabs!

sorry but I don't see any evidence that screams 'thyroid'!

The OP has said she has some hair loss and her periods have started to become irregular, and she's 45.

This is classic peri meno.

But hair loss can also be caused by anemia.

I don't know why, but on MN everything seems to be down to 'thyroid' when in fact it's quite rare, but 100% women do go through menopause.

34 signs of peri menopause
www.34-menopause-symptoms.com/

... I don’t see any evidence that screams thyroid !

Hair loss, weight gain, lethargy, heavy periods are typical hypothyroid symptoms.

Yes but they are also typical of peri menopause which statistically is FAR more likely!!!!

Thyroid issues affect 6% of women. Ok it's often underdiagnosed. But at 45, there will be around 50% of women going through peri menopause.

Yes but they are also typical of peri menopause which statistically is FAR more likely

I was replying to your assertion that you didn’t see any evidence of
hypothyroidism when clearly the OP listed quite a list of hypothyroid symptoms.

Sounds like a thyroid issue. Have you had blood tests done? It could possibly be hypothyroidism.

And I would see an endocrinologist, but your gp should have ordered a blood test first if they haven't already

I would now find another GP practice to register at.

You should see an endocrinologist; your thyroid function needs to be properly checked. Hypothyroidism could be a possible cause of your symptoms. No point whatsoever in seeing a nutritional therapist.