Do I Have Hashis? Blood tests borderline - Doc Says No!

[Rhsana]

Hi Everyone,

So I am super confused. I though I was given the all clear for Hashimotos but I just spoke to the lab that did my blood tests and they said "there is some cause for concern."

These were the official results:

TPOab (Blood Spot)* 92 IU/mL 0-150 (70-150 borderline)

"Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies are borderline positive, suggesting a possible evolving issue with Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis. If symptoms of thyroid dysfunction become more problematic it would be worthwhile to recheck TPO levels. Antibodies to this enzyme may cause an increase in autoimmune dysfunction around the thyroid causing an increase in inflammatory cytokines, increased T cells, and NK cell function. The autoimmune reaction to the thyroid tissue results in destruction of the thyroid cells with consequent release of high levels of thyroid hormones (T4 and to a lesser extent T3), which results in a hyperthyroid state. Continued destruction of the thyroid gland results in fibrosis and eventual depletion of the thyroid hormone, thus causing a hypothyroid state. Clinical studies show that selenium supplementation is helpful in decreasing TPO antibody levels and thus helps prevent autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland (Duntas et al. Eur J Endocrinology 148:389-393, 2003)."

What the what does borderline actually mean?! Is there another test I can do for clarification?

Thanks in advance! xx

[Clutter]

Rhsana,

Borderline in your case means maybe yes and maybe no.

There's no point in retesting TPOab for a few months but you could order a private thyroglobulin antibody test (TgAb). Positive TgAB confirms autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) although a negative TgAb won't definitively rule out Hashimoto's if you only have antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (TPO).

Alternatively, assume you do have Hashimoto's as it causes 90% of hypothyroidism and give up gluten 100% to see whether symptoms improve and antibodies drop.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

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

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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.

[Rhsana in reply to Clutter]

What a bummer. I really like gluten

Thanks Clutter, I will get that test done as well, good to have all bases covered.

[Hidden in reply to Rhsana]

Clutter is offering sound advice, while the antibodies are so low..keep them low and hopefully they may disappear. How I wish I'd known I had this condition a long time ago. Gluten free is slowly lowering my levels and Selenium is helping too. Best Wishes with it x

[Justiina]

As antibodies seem to fluctuate you might have been unfortunate with timing. You might have got tested just when they are going down or going up.

I had the same test and was borderline too. My doctor saw it is more likely than not likely so I will be retested later on. Tho I have high thyroglobulin but for some reason only TPOAB matters to some doctors :/

[Rhsana]

Thanks Justiina! Did your doc give a reason why he thought it was more likely? There seems to be so many conflicting thngs!

[Justiina in reply to Rhsana]

Because of my symptoms she agreed it is more likely. I had flare up episode three months ago and she said it is very likely if tested that time antibodies could be very high but as time has passed it is going down.

[Rhsana]

ahhh I think I am having a flare up episode.... does that just mean that you are very very symptomatic? R x

[Justiina in reply to Rhsana]

During flare up I seem to lose weight in short period, feel weak, shaky, feel even more cold, my stomach feels awful (not diarrhoea just feels weird) my heart rate is slightly elevated in the morning, I sleep less etc. This usually happens every time I try to get back to normal diet meaning I try to reintroduce either gluten or dairy. With gluten I have given up ages ago but dairy I try and always feel poorly.

[Rhsana]

hmmmm I would say yes to all of that except I Put on weight! my temp wont move from 36.4! R x