Thyroid antibodies

[Charlieboy01]

I called doctors for blood test results . I was diagnosed in October with underactive thyroid so been on 50mcg levothyroxine since went for my first blood test on 1st dec to check I am on the correct dose , only to be told by the doctor they seem to have missed doing that test so will need to come back on for another test. However they tested antibodies & that was positive . She didn't say anymore what that means or what I have to do or take. Any idea what that means antibodies in thyroid positive. Sorry new to all this.

I have asked doctor to give me a letter for my work to say I need to go back in the morning for another test as they forgot to test me for correct dose of meds I explained my work has put me on warning for being so ill again so they are not going to believe doctor missed doing the blood test That I really needed . Already disputing warning so I don't want them on my case without me having evidence. I feel like they think I am a fake I am getting so paranoid in my work place now. I can't help feeling like this . It's really getting me down .

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Having high antibodies means the cause of your thyroid problem is Hashimoto's. This is an autoimmune disease. The Medics won't treat/consider the Hashimoto's, but just replace the missing thyroid hormones with thyroxine.

But many, many of us find adopting a gluten free diet really helps improve symptoms. (It's easier to do than you might think)

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

Before changing to gluten free, be good idea to ask GP for coeliac blood test. But getting a negative result, does not mean you won't still benefit from going gluten free. The coeliac test is unreliable and doesn't pick up gluten intolerance.

As Hashimoto's is autoimmune it is more common to get other autoimmune diseases. Coeliac is also autoimmune.

Selenium supplements can help improve symptoms and reduce antibodies too.

Keeping your TSH low at around, or just under one can help. So making sure the thyroxine dose is adequate. GP's are inclined to under dose.

ALL thyroid tests should be early in morning, ideally before 9am. No food or drink beforehand (other than water) If you are taking Levo, then don't take it in 24 hours before (take straight after). This way your tests are always consistent, and it will show highest TSH, and as this is mainly all the medics decide dose on, best idea is to keep result as high as possible

Always take your Levothyroxine on an empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after. No other medications at same time, fours gap for some including iron, calcium, HRT, magnesium.

Many take Levo on waking in the morning, but lots of us find taking at bedtime gives better result. (At least 2 hours after a large meal) Recent research backs this up

Retest thyroid 6-8 weeks after each increase in Levo. When Gp increases it should only be in 25mcg max steps up. We need time to adjust to each increase.