No thyroid antibodies

[nanbullen]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism three months ago and have been on 100mcg of levothyroxine a day since. I saw my GP yesterday and asked him if I had thyroid antibodies (and therefore Hashimoto's). He said there was no evidence of antibodies. I understand this is reasonably unusual. Does it mean that I don't have an autoimmune disease, just a failing thyroid?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Did he test for antibodies?

I've been tested twice for antibodies (private tests) and both times they came back under range and marked negative.

I was diagnosed 40 years ago and never given an explanation so I just assume that my thyroid gland failed in some way.

[shaws Administrator]

Hi nanbullen,

You are right in that not all people have antibodies but they can have a failing thyroid gland which is hypothyroidism. If you have antibodies it means you would have an Autoimmune Thyroid Disease (hashimotos) and the antibodies are attacking the thyroid gland and you would eventually be hypothyroid but in the meantime you could swing between hyper (too much) and hypo (too little) thyroid hormones. A thyroid gland which is not providing sufficient thyroid hormones it is called Hypothyroidism and they go only, usually, by the result of the TSH.

You say you are 100mcg of levo since you were diagnosed which is a bit unusual as 50mcg is usually a starting dose with a 25mcg increment wiith a blood test about every 6 weeks till you feel well.

You don't say whether you are having clinicial symptoms at present on 100mcg levo.

If you've been on 100mcg of levo since first diagnosed I would ask for a new blood test. Ask for a full thyroid function test if you're still not feeling well, which is TSH, T4, T3, Free T4 and Free T3. The labs may not do them if your TSH is in range.

You should also ask for a Vitamin B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate if you've not had them recently.

When your next blood test is due leave about 24 hours between last dose of levo and the blood test which should be as early as possible, fasting, and take levo afterwards. Get a print-out of your blood test results and post with their ranges for responses from members.

[faith63]

You can have Hashimotos and negative antibodies testing. You would need an ultra sound of the thyroid and possible biopsy, to know for sure. Do you swing from hyper to hypo and back again and have really terrifying , odd symptoms? If so, it's autoimmune, i'll bet.

[Bagpuss in reply to faith63]

How would an ultrasound diagnose hashimotos please ? I also show negative antibodies .... I do have a large thyrpid nodule ...... Is that related to it being autoimmune ?

[faith63 in reply to Bagpuss]

In Hashimoto's, the immune system is sending out signals [antibodies] to the cells, to destroy the Thyroid Gland like it is a darn, Frickin' Germ or Virus..makes me mad, when i think about it!!! Soooo..the Thyroid Gland will show evidence, like grooves and missing areas. Yes, nodules are very common with Hashimoto's. A Nodule shows something is not right for sure.

[Bagpuss in reply to faith63]

Thank you for the info !

[nanbullen]

No, I just started grinding to a halt! My GP isn't very communicative, I'm afraid.