TPO Result

[DanaScully]

I was CC'd into a letter my Endocrinologist sent to my GP regarding blood tests he sent me for. He doesn't include ranges (which I'm not surprised about).

Can anyone help me to understand the TPO result? I'm not due to see Endo for another six months.

TPO 1017u/l

From what I can see on other TPO related threads here, it seems that mine is quite high. Any input?

Thank you in advance.

[Clutter]

DanaScully,

That is a high TPOab and it means you are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. There is no treatment for autoimmune diseases but 100% gluten-free diet may improve symptoms and reduce antibodies. Levothyroxine is prescribed to replace the low thyroid hormone caused by Hashimoto's.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

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

[DanaScully in reply to Clutter]

Thank you for your reply, Clutter. I suspected it was a high result. Very interesting that Endo just lists the result and doesn't mention anything about it; he seemed to be of the opinion that the antibody tests didn't matter very much. It was only that I persisted he put it on the form.

Learning every day thanks to this forum and others similar. Thank you.

[DanaScully in reply to Clutter]

Should I request an ultrasound? Does the high antibody result make it likely that I have nodules?

[Clutter in reply to DanaScully]

DanaScully,

Autoimmune disease causes 90% of hypothyroidism so having antibodies isn't a big deal to endocrinologists, they expect to see them.

Having a high antibody level isn't likely to cause nodules. There's no need for an ultrasound unless you can feel nodules or a goitre.

[DanaScully in reply to Clutter]

Thank you very much.