Help with test results please.

[tamhen]

Hi,

I've had my second lot of blood test results back today and my TSH has not changed after being on Levo (50mcg) for 8 weeks.

My results are TSH greater than 150.0 mU/l (0.35 - 5.50)

T4 7.7 pmol/l (10.00 - 22.70) it was 3.1 last time

My Thyroid peroxidase antibody level is greater than 1000 IU/ml (less than 60.00) and this is flagged up as Autoimmune disease. What does this mean? Does it mean I have Hashimotos and what should I expect?

I am very surprised that my levels haven't changed much as there has been significant improvement in my symptoms. I don't feel great but compared to how I felt 3 months ago many of the symptoms are lessened. I have also been taking Vit D and Iron tablets as these were also very low on my previous test but weren't tested this time.

My GP has now doubled the Levo dose to 100. I read a lot on here and notice that many people are symptomatic with ok ish blood levels and mine seems almost the opposite of that. Can anyone shed any light on that for me.

I know there are a few questions in my post but would be very grateful for any advice. My GP is not particularly helpful but I am moving house soon so will be registering with another practice.

Thanks

Tammi

[Clutter]

Tamhen, positive antibodies means you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) which has caused your hypothyroidism. Adopting 100% gluten-free diet can be helpful in managing and reducing Hashi flares and antibodies.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Your FT4 has improved but is still below range which is why TSH is still high. The pituitary gland produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) when it detects low circulating thyroid hormone. As FT4 rises the TSH will subside. Your symptoms will have improved with the raising of FT4 but it has a long way to go yet. Most hypothyroid patients on Levothyroxine feel well with TSH around 1.0 and FT4 in the upper range ie >18.

I've not seen any explanation why some patients are so symptomatic with TSH 3-5 and FT4 in normal range that they can barely function, but others, like you, have incredibly elevated TSH and deficient FT4 yet may be largely asymptomatic until they hit a tipping point. People with very high TSH at diagnosis appear to make a faster recovery with better resolution of symptoms than others, although it will still take months until you are optimally dosed.

Ask for B12 and folate to be tested when you have your next blood test as they are also commonly low in hypothyroid patients. It can take months to improve vitD and iron so testing isn't likely to be more frequent than 4-6 month intervals.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...