What does the Thyroid Antibodies Blood Test possibly show ?

[joannec123]

GP is now doing this as she has decided I need to see an endo now... I was wondering what this test can show up and basically what it is for? I am "borderline" hypo, with many symptoms...

[Clutter]

The Thyroid Peroxidase antibody test will show whether or not you have autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's). If you do, it means that you have a fluctuating condition whereby lympohcytes attack your thyroid causing you to have hypothyroid followed by hyperthyroid symptoms and back again, although your TSH may be within normal range.

GPs should treat with levothyroxine when TSH is >5 rather than waiting for TSH >10 if there are no antibodies. TSH of 5 is enough to make most people feel very very unwell. TSH >10 can be crippling.

Having one autoimmune disease predisposes one to others, so it's as well to know about it sooner, rather than later.

When you have your results post them and recent TFT with the lab ref ranges if you want advice.

[joannec123 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks. I will do. Currently my tsh is 2.3 but i feel very poorly with many hypo symptoms.. tried levo 25mcg and that helped.

[Clutter in reply to joannec123]

25mcg is a starter dose for over 60s with dicky hearts. You ought to have been started on 50mcg with a view to increasing to 75mcg if your symptoms haven't resolved. Unfortunately, many GPs treat by TSH and although yours is within range it is still to high for you to feel euthyroid.

[joannec123 in reply to Clutter]

Yes, im hoping the endo I see will realise that!! fingers crossed x

[Marz in reply to Clutter]

I was started on 25mcg at 59 in 2005 - not quite 60 and no dicky heart My GP here in Crete said the thyroid needed support whilst under attack. All TFT's in range....just high anti-bodies. Still HIGH !

[crimple]

I was diagnosed hypo in 2007 and dose eventually reached 125mcg in 25mcg steps. 2 years ago started to feel very unwell, dosage adjusted up/ down and back again. I asked for TPO antibody test which showed high. GP emailed Endo who said slightly increase levo, nothing else. I have now had a private ultra sound scan, shows thyroid is severely atrophied. I am now reading "the paleo solution" by Robb Wolf as antibodies or Hashi's is an auto immune disease made worse by Gluten and dairy. will be posting how I get on.