Hashimotos

[xanon]

I just wondered if hashimotos would be picked up in routine bloods or if they have to be specifically looking for it?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Thyroid tests of any kind are not part of most routine blood tests. A few people might get a TSH test as some sort of screening - but I'd guess extremely few get anything more. TSH alone cannot diagnose Hashimoto's - indeed, all too often TSH remains within reference range for a very long time.

Rod

[crimple]

There is a specific blood test for thyroid antibodies. TPO antibodies are a sign of auto immune disease. Most GP's if checking thyroid function never ask for antibody tests. I only ever had TSH and occasional T4 tests for 6 years. When I felt particularly unwell I asked for TPO test and it showed high levels. I am now on gluten free and dairy free diet and have managed to show a reduction of almost half of my antibodies.

[xanon]

Thanks for replying. I posted the other day about gallstones and someone asked about hashimotos. I have read up on it and recognise a lot of the symptoms although I appreciate it could just be coincidence. Would it show up in a liver function test? Just wondered if it was worth requesting the bloods be done just to rule it out

[Marz]

Good idea to rule it out. So ask for Anti-TPO and Anti-Tg.tests. Doctors have the attitude, in some cases that Hashimotos and straightforward thyroid issues have the same treatment. Personally I think that as Hashimotos is an Auto-immune condition then it is important to know so you can work at healing the gut and addressing absorption problems and mineral deficiencies....

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Marz]

Marz is quite right. These tests are the only blood tests that do.

Ultrasound scan of thyroid can be used - often as well as these.

[sue11 in reply to Marz]

Reading what you put on here,wrote it down to ask my doctors as feel rough sometimes,throat sometimes hurts,well,discomfort feeling,as had left thyroid removed cos of hashimoto.....but opp was to remove a nodule......anything else you could tell me

Sue11

[Marz in reply to sue11]

Not sure what information you need. Am more than happy to answer any specific questions you may have. On the Right Hand Side of this page there is a list of topics under the heading Browse by Category. Click onto Hashimotos and have a read of the posts that appear. Maybe therefore are some helpful hints there. Also the main Thyroid UK website has LOTS of very helpful information....

[dgleds]

pretty sure they have to look for it