Antithyroid peroxadase antibodies

[Jenbot78]

Hello,

       

I'm new here but am trying to find out more about these APAs...finding it very confusing! So, basically I  have been trying to conceive for three years now.

After year 1 of trying to conceive I found out I had a TSH of 30.3. It took an entire year (and much battling with GP about the reference range) to get down to a decent level (bounces between 0.4-1.1) I was recommended to go through IVF for "unexplained infertility" which resulted in a chemical pregnancy-no surprise at all when you read the literature on antithyroid antibodies and miscarriage/infertility.

Having seen a private fertility consultant who recommended that I get the test for APA,  I did so. Just had the results back, they are 1300 and the normal range is 100. This post is not about fertility really, more about what this means for me and my health.

Does anyone know what having high antibodies means for my health  (aside from infertility) and what I should be asking for from the GP (who isn't bothered!) I do still struggle to get up in the mornings  and I often feel as though I have quite a thick head although my energy levels appear to improve throughout the day. No other major symptoms. It is such an ongoing battle with this thyroid issue!

Any help/advice on navigating this really tricky issue would be really gratefully received. Thanks very much in advance.

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Jenbot78.

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) which causes 90% of hypothyroidism.  Don't expect much from your GP, a typical response is that everyone has some antibodies and it is low thyroid hormone, not Hashimoto's, which makes you symptomatic, something I'm not at all in agreement with.

There is no treatment or cure for Hashimoto's which burns out once it has destroyed the thyroid gland.  Levothyroxine replaces the low thyroid hormone caused by Hashimoto's and having TSH <1.0 means there is little stimulation of the thyroid gland which will reduce Hashi flares, symptoms and antibodies. 100% gluten-free diet can also improve symptoms and reduce antibodies.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

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

Hashi/hypothyroid patients often have low vitamins and minerals which cause musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and low mood similiar to hypothyroid symptoms.  Ask your GP to test ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate.  Post the results and ranges in a new question and members will advise.

_______________________________________________________________________________

I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[Jenbot78 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks very much. I have already had a vitamin D test which appears normal but will ask for a test of ferritin, B12 and folate. I am hoping he is sympathetic to this...quite often they are resistant. Thanks very much for your advice!

[Clutter in reply to Jenbot78]

Jenbot78,

What was the vitD result?

[Jenbot78]

Hi Clutter, I was told "normal" but I need to go into the docs today to get the result. I heard about Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) as a good way of increasing energy levels. I listened to a podcast on Hashimotos where she was being interviewed and she reports Thiamin at high doses 600mg as being helpful for energy levels. I went and bought some anyway...It seems to be pretty safe, does anyone have any experience of taking it? 

Thanks for the tips on the other vit tests BTW. I am wondering whether my GP will let me get them he is already quite difficult to get regular TSH tests. Do you have any tips on how to persuade him to do these? Thanks in advance.

Oh, here's the link to this lady. I will see if I can find the link to the podcast and put it up too:

thyroidpharmacist.com/