Hi everyone I am new to this group and would welcome some advice. I had some tests and the anti-tg level test was 498.3 way above the range (-115). Dr suggested hashimoto but said to keep an eye on it. My TSH was 0.75, free T3 was 4.2, free thyroxine 16.5 & thyroid peroxidase antibodies 5.1 so all within the correct range.
Should I be worried & seek further advice or is this result irrelevant? I spoke to a consultant recently and he said there's nothing wrong with your thyroid so ignore the doctor comment about hashimotos as it's rubbish! I'm finding this all very confusing and would be so pleased for some advice. Thanks so much
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Gstclair
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High Tg antibodies mean you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It's the consultant that is rubbish. But, perhaps what he meant is that doctors don't treat antibodies.
What it means is that the antibodies are slowly going to destroy your thyroid (putting it simply) and that although you're euthyroid at the moment, you will slowly go hypo. That's why the first doctor said to keep an eye on things.
The problem is, that doctors don't realise that antibodies can cause symptoms, even if you are still euthyroid. And, whilst there is no cure for autoimmune, there are things you can do yourself, to reduce antibodies, and slow down the process of destruction.
Firstly, a strict gluten-free diet. This has been found by many people to reduce antibodies, and improve their health.
Secondly, take some selenium. This not only reduces antibodies, but also improves conversion of T4 to T3.
Keep an eye on your TSH, and if it starts to rise, ask for a trial of levo to keep it down. The TSH stimulates the thyroid, which will in turn stimulate the antibodies. You want minimum gland activity for minimum antibody activity.
Your GP is right. High thyroglobulin antibodies means you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). There is no cure for Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. Treatment is for the low thyroid levels it eventually causes. Many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in delaying progression to hypothyroidism and may reduce Hashi flares, symptoms and antibodies.
I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.
Welcome to our forum and sorry to hear you are not feeling well.
Elevated TGAb denotes Hashimotos Autoimmune Disease. Your endo is dismissive because the standard care is to simply wait until the immune system has destroyed enough thyroid tissue to classify them as hypothyroid, and then prescribe thyroid hormone replacement (Levothyroxine).
If they start to exhibit other symptoms commonly associated with their condition, like depression or insulin resistance, they’ll get additional drugs for those problems too.
However, if the elevated thyroid antibodies aren't addressed, the immune system will continue to be unbalanced and may cause other bodily inflammation. Adrenal fatigue and gut problems are common as thyroid disorders are insidious and not usually diagnosed until the patient feels quite unwell and body damage has already occurred.
Not moderating the immune system can result in the body becoming stuck in a chronic state of immune system overload, adrenal insufficiency, gut dysbiosis, impaired digestion, inflammation, and thyroid hormone release abnormalities.
Also, having one auto immune disease may predispose you to others. Common ones found together with Hashimotos are Rheumatoid Arthritis, Pernicious Anaemia and Celiac Disease.
Medicating thyroid hormone replacement should help to suppress Hashimoto attacks and supplementing selenium has not only been shown to reduce thyroid antibodies but aids in the T4-T3 conversion of thyroid hormone (active hormone that gives well being)..
Because the immune system is in a heightened state, many experience an over reaction to gluten ( and dairy) which can cause autoimmune damage to the intestines resulting in pain & poor absorption of nutrients. Ask your GP to test Vit B12, folate, ferritin, Vit D and post results complete with ranges (numbers in brackets) for members to comment.
Good links already given above by Clutter. An excellent read to explain the process is
Thank you so much everyone for your suggestions & confirmation of my results I shall look into the gluten free diet and make another appointment with my GP
How did you get on with further tests? I got referred to your post, since my test results are very similar. Nothing much out of line except high thyroglobulin antibodies. I'm trying to figure out what I need to be doing.
My thyroglobulin antibodies were 4.9 IU/ml measured by the Beckman Coulter Methodology, with a normal reference range of 0.0-0.9 IU/ml. My Dr told me everything is normal but I felt bad enough to keep searching on my own. For the last few months I've been taking selenium and a low dose of iodine, and have started feeling much better. Selenium is supposed to help lower antibodies and improve t4 to t3 conversion. Eventually I wasn't to retest and see what my levels are doing, judging by how I'm feeling I'm hoping they have improved but I don't know until I test.
Hope that helps.
P.S. Not sure if I have Hashimoto's or just autoimmune thyroiditis. I'm thinking my thyroid problems are caused by the Epstein Barr virus. I did have it in my teens and have never felt completely well since.
I'd recommend reading the thyroid book by Dr Susy Cohen (I'm sorry I can't think of the title, & my copy is loaned out so I can't check.) But it is a very comprehensive book on the topic and it will help you know what tests to do and what your levels should be, as well as some things you can do on your own to improve things.
Gstclair hi I have the same thing. My thyrobulin antibodies is 12. And everything else is normal. I am waiting to go back to the endocrinologist. One person talked about your vitamins being low and they were right my vitamin is very low. But I have another problem. My pituitary gland , my prolactin level are also high. Years ago it was 150, it went down with drugs and they found a tumor on the pituitary gland so we will see what happens next. But I am thank full I have found all of you who could help. God bless.
Hi I’ve just come across your post,I’ve been so worried as like you I also have a high tg antibodie also just found out with private bloods but all else is ok,I’ve seen a few things online that have really made me panic,can I ask what the outcome was for you ? And what should I do next many thanks xx
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Help !! levels all over now antibodies increased..what does this mean!!!
Extremely high thyroglobulin antibodies
What does this mean?
