Can a compounding pharmacist do thyroid testing?

[Alphabetika]

I'm considering testing for my dd, but a friend who has a history of thyroid problems has told me that she has had little success with traditional doctors. She goes to a holistic doctor. Does anyone know whether a compounding pharmacist could help with this? I've not been to one, but we have a few here who have been recommended to me for other reasons.

 

Thanks!

[TracyR]

I have heard a few times of others having success with holistic treatments of thyroid conditions. I haven't tried it myself yet though.

First the condition needs to be diagnosed which you will need a conventional doctor for because they have to draw blood.

[KarenNC]

I'm considering testing for my dd, but a friend who has a history of thyroid problems has told me that she has had little success with traditional doctors. She goes to a holistic doctor. Does anyone know whether a compounding pharmacist could help with this? I've not been to one, but we have a few here who have been recommended to me for other reasons.

 

Thanks!

 

I've gotten a flu shot from our compounding pharmacist (adults only, no children), and they mix up a special dosage of medicine for my cat, but I don't think testing falls within their scope of normal operations unless there is some sort of do-it-yourself testing kit available that they could sell you. For that you wouldn't need a compounding pharmacist, I wouldn't think

 

Here's what I found

http://www.iacprx.org/site/PageServer?pagename=What_is_Compounding

 

and about the vaccinating ones

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15380907

[Hillary in KS]

I've never had a pharmacist order any kind of testing.

 

I've had *wonderful* luck seeing an endocrinologist for my thyroid issues. However, I've heard stories from many people about unsuccessful thyroid testing/treatments going through their family dr. I'd suggest sticking with an endo for something like this.

[Jean in Newcastle]

My naturopathic doctor uses a normal lab for blood work and other testing including thyroid. The only difference is in how she chooses to treat it. I am having good success treating it with a natural thyroid medicine (I don't really know what is in it but it is prescribed and filled by the naturopath). I also take selenium (per her advice) which is a mineral which supports your thyroid.

[Alphabetika]

Thank you, everyone! I am mulling it over, and in the meantime making sure I know what to ask for at the doctor so I get the most complete testing possible.

 

Thank you!

[Tap]

Pharmacists aren't allowed to test, diagnose, and prescribe prescription products.

 

There are a few pharmacists who are also doctors, nurse practitioners, and/or PAs, so they would have more options, but most pharmacists are just that, pharmacists.

 

Personally I would go to an endo and then go from there to your compounding/natural pharmacist for options with the lab results AND the endo's suggested script, in hand. Then talk to the pharmacist about your options. A holistically trained MD or DO, may be a good way to go, if you have a good one in your area but I would go to the specialist first. There are conditions that make you body stop making 'thyroid hormone', some conditions that increase it, and others that create 'anti-thyroid'. A holistic doctor may or not be well versed in identifying when these conditions overlap, an endo will be.