Thyroid Clinic
A GP led thyroid serviceThe function of the thyroid gland
One of its main functions is to produce hormones that help regulate the body’s metabolism, this is the process that turns food into energy. The hormones it produces are called triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
Many of the body’s functions slow down when the gland does not produce enough of these hormones, this is called hypothyroidism. If it produces too much of T3 or T4 then the body’s functions speed up.
Who is affected by Thyroid problems?
Thyroid disorders are very common and tend to mostly affect women, although anybody – men, teenagers, children, and babies, too – can have problems. About one in 20 people has some kind of thyroid disorder, which may be temporary or permanent.
How Would I Know If I Had A Thryoid Problem?
There are two ways in which you can have problems with your thyroid. It can be overactive (hyperthyroid) or underactive (hypothyroid).
Overactive Thyroid
If your thyroid is overactive then too much hormone is produced and the systems in your body can speed up. Which can cause the following symptoms.
- nervousness, anxiety and irritability
- mood swings
- difficulty sleeping
- persistent tiredness and weakness
- sensitivity to heat
- swelling in your neck from an enlarged thyroid gland
- an irregular and/or unusually fast heart rate
- twitching or trembling
- weight loss
Underactive Thyroid
If your thyroid is underactive then the systems in your body tend to slow down which causes the following symptoms:
- tiredness
- weight gain
- depression
- being sensitive to the cold
- dry skin and hair
- muscle aches
What Causes Thryoid Problems?
There are two ways in which you can have problems. It can be overactive (hyperthyroid) or underactive (hypothyroid).
Cause Of An Overactive Thyroid
There are several reasons why your thyroid can become overactive.
These include:
- Graves’ disease – an autoimmune condition where the immune system produces antibodies that cause the thyroid to produce too much thyroid hormone.
- Lumps / nodules on the thyroid which affect how the thyroid works.
- Some medicines.
Causes Of An Underactive Thyroid
The main cause of an underactive thyroid is Hashimoto’s disease. This is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks the thyroid.
Consultations
GP Thyroid Consultations (30 Mins) - £130
If you have symptoms that you would like to discuss with a doctor or perhaps you already have blood test results or know that you have a problem but have questions you would like to ask a GP then a consultation is for you. It’s a 30 minute appointment in which you can discuss you symptoms, concerns and ask any questions you may have. By the end of the appointment you will have felt listened to and know the next steps forward.
Thyroid Health Check - £192
A two step appointment to help you get a better understanding of your thyroid function and treatment options for it.
Step 1:
A blood test and health assessment with our phlebotomist.
Analyse the function of your thyroid gland.
Check your levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and Free T4.
Low levels affects over 2% of our population and over 13% of women over 60 causing fatigue, weight gain, thinning hair and depression.
It is can be difficult to diagnose these problems without a blood test.
The blood test includes:
Free T4
Free T3
TSH
Step 2:
Once your blood tests are back you will have a 30 minute face to face appointment with one of our private GPs. They will discuss your symptoms, concerns, blood test and health assessment results and suggest treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Private General Practitioners
Dr James Cave (He/Him)
GP
James is a senior General Practitioner with over 30 years of experience. He has a wealth of experience in all aspects of medicine including Cardiovascular disease (particularly the management of cholesterol and blood pressure), Respiratory diseases, Endocrine, ENT, Musculoskeletal, and Rheumatology.
His work as Editor-in-Chief of the medical journal Drug & Therapeutics Bulletin means he has significant expertise in understanding the pros and cons of drugs and enjoys working with patients to understand what might be best for them rather than satisfying a target set elsewhere.
He has a particular interest in the care of older people and does offer a visiting service. He believes passionately in personal care and understands how difficult it has become for people to see their GP. Whether you have a new problem, would like time to really talk through an ongoing issue, or just get a second opinion James will be delighted to help.
In addition to general consultations, he offers soft-tissue and joint injections for such problems as frozen shoulders, arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, Morton’s neuroma, and trigger finger.
In 2009 James was honoured with an OBE for services to medicine.
Dr Barbara Barrie (She/Hers)
GP
Having qualified from Edinburgh University in 1989, I have worked in the NHS for 34 years, mainly as a GP Partner, but I have also had short spells employed as a Salaried GP and GP Retainer.
In addition, I have been a Macmillan GP, an Out of Hours GP working regular weekend sessions, and a GP in Palliative Medicine.
My clinical interests are Mental Health, Women’s health, and Palliative Medicine but in my day-to-day practice, I cover all aspects of primary care.
I am qualified to fit intrauterine devices (coils) for contraception, HRT, and in the management of heavy menstrual bleeding, as well as ring pessaries for the management of gynaecological prolapse.
Aside from work, I enjoy walking my 3 dogs, ski- ing, and singing in a local choir.
Dr Susan Connell (She/Her)
GP
My particular areas of interest are general medicine, elderly care medicine & lifestyle medicine, particularly to aid the management of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes & other chronic diseases. I also enjoy the challenge of deprescribing, taking a careful look at people's medication & helping them to come off it. I have had particular success in doing this with antidepressants.
The thing that has drawn me to private practice is the ability to have the right amount of time to offer people. Working here at Total Health gives me the very best of both worlds. I get to practice Medicine, about which I am passionate, in a relaxed setting, where I really can give people the time they need. Each person & each case is individual & the solution is most often a combination of what I can do professionally & what I am able to advise patients that they can do for themselves. Frequently, small, sustainable changes that people can make with their lifestyles can reap far greater health benefits than I can achieve with medication alone. It gives me great joy to follow people up & see their health improve.
I work on a Wednesday & would be delighted to help you.
Dr Tom Morgan (He/Him)
GP
Dr. Tom Morgan qualified in medicine from The University of Bristol in 2011, following a degree in Physiology at The University of Southampton. His medical training took place across various hospitals and GP practises within Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Currently, he works as a GP Partner at The Boathouse Surgery in Pangbourne and has previously worked in various GP practices across Reading and Oxfordshire.
Primary Care
With a keen interest in all aspects of primary care, Dr. Morgan has a particular passion for mental health, the care of the older people and Men's health. He worked for seven years at the Reading Mental Health Crisis Team, where he managed complex and urgent mental health issues. Additionally, he played a vital role in establishing a new mental health service in Berkshire to enhance collaboration between primary and secondary care.
Believing in the importance of family medicine, He emphasizes that developing a strong relationship with patients is essential for understanding their concerns and providing effective care. He values the time afforded by private general practice to fully grasp each patient's situation and collaborate on a tailored care plan.
He lives in South Oxfordshire with his wife, two energetic boys, and their adored golden retriever. He enjoys family life and the beautiful countryside of the region, as well as watching cricket when time allows.
He looks forward to working with you to support your health and well-being