Hashimoto's yes or no??

[Marymay2]

I have just got some blood tests back, ordered by gyno. I have only once ever registered Hashimotos antibodies (20 years ago), and never again (thyroid gland has now shrunk) She (as well as another doctor) insist that I don't have Hashimoto's, as I have under range antibodies. My daughter's thyroid is being slowly destroyed and has been told she has Hashimotos by her endo..with less than range antibodies . I am so confused..Do we have Hashimoto's without having antibodies (or well under range)???

[Clutter]

Marymay2,

If you had high antibodies years ago you had Hashimoto's. Antibody levels fluctuate. They're high after a lymphocyte attack on the thyroid and subside in between attacks. If your thyroid gland has completely atrophied Hashimoto's may have burned out. I had Hashimoto's prior to thyroidectomy but no longer have Hashimoto's or thyroid antibodies.

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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.

[greygoose]

If you once tested high then you have it, it does not go away, although antibodies fluctuate. And, of course, the less gland you have, the less antibodies you will have.

But, yes, some people do have Hashi's without high antibodies, and the diagnosis is made when the gland is scanned.

[Marymay2]

Thank you both. So many variables to take into consideration. I guess I just got excited when 2 doctors were insistent I didn't have an autoimmune disorder!! I guess my thyroid gland has atrophied enough not be be worthy of attack any more..