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.
Thyroid Blood Tests
Thyroid Full Profile – £149
What can I expect from a Full Profile?
Fully analyse the function of your thyroid gland including checking for the commonest causes of thyroid dysfunction.
Problems are common and can cause significant health problems. A blood test is the only way to find out.
This test includes TSH, FT3, FT4 and Thyroglobulin and Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies.
What is tested?
Free T4
Free T3
TSH
Antithyroglobulin Antibodies
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies
Thyroid Function – Diagnosis and Monitoring – £69
What can I expect from Function - Diagnosis and Monitoring Profile?
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 notoriously difficult to diagnose these problems without a blood test.
What is tested?
Free T4
Free T3
TSH
Consultations
GP Thyroid Consultations (30 Mins) - £120
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.
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 the elderly 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 management of gynaecological prolapse.
In addition, I perform steroid knee injections to help with knee pain due to arthritis.
Aside from work, I enjoy walking my 3 dogs, ski- ing, and singing in a local choir.
Dr Susan Connell (She/Hers)
GP
I qualified from Charing Cross & Westminster Medical School in 1993 & as a General Practitioner in 2001. I have a passion for Medicine & for thorough, holistic care. I look forward to meeting you & helping you to shape your health goals.
Our Phelbotomist
Jo Clarke (She/Her)
Phlebotomist
I have been performing Phlebotomy for adults and children since 2001.
I have worked in various Hospital and Clinical settings for the NHS and Private sector. I offer Phlebotomy Services, Well Person Checks and Electrocardiograms at Total Health West Berkshire
My weekends are filled with spending time with my husband, 2 children and 3 year old grandson, and hopefully once a year sitting on a sandy beach somewhere very hot.