Q. I have just been diagnosed with advanced gum disease. I am 39. 6 years ago I had a child and subsequently was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The gum disease has accelerated amazingly in the last 3 years and although the tests appear to show that from taking thyroxine, my thyroid function is normal, I have been arguing that I feel anything but normal. I recently paid for provate tests which suggested I also have adrenal fatigue and recent blood tests revealed the presence of thyroid antibodies. I now also have urticaria – research suggests this could be linked to auto-immune disease. I wonder if all these (and many other small issues including sinusitis) could be linked to auto-immune and whether that has a link to why the gum disease has advanced so quickly……..can you help – I have had a real problem getting the doctors to consider any link – a 5 minute appt will only deal with one issue! My dentist is going to refer me to a specialist but I am concerned that once again I will end up being treated but not dealing with the route cause. Thanks,