thyroid antibodies

[jazzanne]

hi all if your tsh t3 t4 is normal, is it worth getting the antibodies test, would it show anything new x

[greygoose]

Yes. It would show if you've got antibodies.

I presume that you've got symptoms so you got your TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested. However, you doctor saying that they are 'normal', doesn't make it so. Do you have the actual figures?

The fact that you have antibodies over the top of the range, means that you have an autoimmune disease. If those antibodies are TPO or Tg antibodies, that means you have Hashimoto's Disease. In which case, those 'normal' results could become abnormal sooner or later. And whilst the majority of doctors refuse to treat just because you've got antibodies, at least you both know to keep an eye on your thyroid and get a test from time to time. So, I would say it was Worth it, yes.

[jazzanne in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for your reply my tsh was 2.07 (range 0.27-4.2) free thyroxine 16.0 (range 12.0 - 22.0 and t3 4.8 (range 3.1 - 6.8) so its worth getting antibodies done as well.

[greygoose in reply to jazzanne]

Yes, it is. Your TSH is suspicious enough to warrent further investigation. Your FT4 is is below mid-range, so that's not good. Your FT3 is also below mid-range, which is even less good. Most people need it up the top of the range to feel well.

It looks like your thyroid is failing - for whatever reason - so it's a question of trying to find out why (although doctors Don't care!) and surveying it to see if it fails any further (TSH up, Frees down).

[jazzanne in reply to greygoose]

tHANKS for your help x

[greygoose in reply to jazzanne]

You're welcome. x

[missymystique]

Hi Jazzanne

I believe yes it is. In my cas that's how they found, I sort of had an early diagnosis with antibody check although my tsh,T3 and T4 are normal. Also you shouldn't accept TSH above 2 normal. I know lab tests say 0.5-5 is normal but a normal healthy person with no thyroid issue/antibodies would have a TSH between 0.5-1.5

[pamsbl]

I agree with comments above! I've been hypothyroid for at least 10 years but have never had meds adjusted enough to feel much better. Just went to new endo who tested my antibodies. They were very high at 856. So definite Hashimotos. I had never had a doctor offer to test them before. It is a simple blood test, I highly recommend you ask for it with your scores. Apparently most people who have hypothyroidism have Hashimotos as the cause but most are not tested. I've heard some can reverse the disease symptoms if caught and treated early enough. Knowledge is power. You have to be your own self-advocate to find out the latest research, because most conventional doctors do not and are behind the times.

[jazzanne in reply to pamsbl]

i also had a high result for the 9am test they do for cortisol not sure if its all connected x

[pamsbl]

Yes, I believe adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism or Hashimotos are related. My cortisol was high first thing in morning and last thing at night, when I was tested 5 years ago. Still working on finding ways to relieve stress- meditation, sleep, eating nutritionally, walks in nature/ sun, music, Epsom salt baths, doing fun things, etc!

[jazzanne in reply to pamsbl]

did you get tested for cushings Pam x