High Antibodies

[sophiejfisher]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anybody could help me at all, I have had a few blood tests in where my thyroid antibodies are abnormal and too high. My thyroid function however is normal but I have been very tired, my hair has been falling out, I have had lots of spots and my skin has been peeling (mostly on feet). My doctor just told me that my thyroid may become under active but just to leave it and come back in 6 months, is this normal procedure?

Thanls

[susymac]

unfortunately yes.

You could try to reduce your antibodies naturally, by cutting out gluten and dairy, which may help how you feel, but its unlikely you would get treatment on the NHS while your levels are "normal". The NHS does nothing about antibodies, so its up to yourself to lower them if you can.

It may also be worth getting print outs of your bllod tests as the NHS version of normal isnt the same as ours!!

[sophiejfisher in reply to susymac]

Thank you

I already have a gluten free diet as I was advised to do this for another reason, and since I have done that they have gone down slightly but they are still abnormal apparently. I will try to get exact numbers.

Thank you

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Sophiejfisher.

It helps members to advise if you can post your recent thyroid blood results with the lab ref ranges (the figures in brackets after your results). Ask your GP receptionist or Practice Manager for a print out your results.

You have hypothyroid symptoms but your doctor may be waiting for your results to rise above range before making a diagnosis and starting treatment. High thyroid antibodies mean your thyroid is under attack. Levothyroxine can prevent progression to overt hypothyroidism and ultimate failure of the thyroid gland. Scroll down to read Dr. A. Toft's comments in Guidelines and Treatment Options thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... Email [e-mail] if you want a copy of the article to show your GP.

Ask your GP to test ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate as hypothyroid patients are often deficient/low and these deficiencies can cause musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and low mood similar to hypothyroid symptoms. Post your results with the lab ref ranges (the figures in brackets after your results) in a new question and members will advise whether supplementation is required.

[sophiejfisher in reply to Clutter]

I just rang my doctors and will be picking up the results tonight, I will post again with this. It might not be that bad, I was just concerned when he said my thyroid is potentially diminishing. i would rather do all I can to stop this happening.

Thanks

[sophiejfisher in reply to Clutter]

On one blood test it was 158 iu/ml and another was 112 iu/ml. That was on thyrois peroxidase antibody level

Thanks

[Clutter in reply to sophiejfisher]

Sophie, we need the lab ref ranges (the figures in brackets after your results) to be sure, but those results will be positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) in most ranges I've seen.

This link explains Hashimoto's disease thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[sophiejfisher]

Oh sorry one said 158 iu/ml (<49) >75 iu/ml= positive

The other days 112 iu/ml (<49) >75 iu/ml= positive

Is that what you mean? Sorry I don't really know what it all means

Sophie

[Clutter in reply to sophiejfisher]

Sophie, yes they're positive. Do you have results for TSH, FT4 and FT3 too? These measure your thyroid hormone levels.

[sophiejfisher in reply to Clutter]

I don't think I was tested for those my TFT was normal

[Clutter in reply to sophiejfisher]

Sophie, TSH, FT4 & FT3 collectively are a thyroid function test. They may only have tested TSH but it's very unlikely NHS will test thyroid antibodies without doing TSH first.

'Normal' means within range and bottom of the range and top of the range will both be 'normal'. It's good practice to know exactly what your result is and where in range it is in order to monitor your thyroid performance so ask your practice for the TFT results.

[sophiejfisher in reply to Clutter]

Oh ok I did ask but it seems as tho I only got the antibodies on this print out, I will ask again tomorrow then

Thanks for your help it's nice to have more information than your thyroid is diminishing lol

[Clutter in reply to sophiejfisher]

Sophie, the receptionist may not know the distinction between different tests. If you've only had one blood test which did thyroid function and antibodies, ask her for TSH, FT4 and FT3 thyroid results (they may have only done TSH). If you had an earlier TFT prior to the antibodies then ask for the results for your thyroid tests for the blood draw taken on whatever date it was.