Hi. I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago with hypothyroidism after a routine blood test and my GP told me it was an auto immune disease. I have noticed from my print out of my blood results that antibodies were not tested. Apart from low Hb and ferritin for which I am on iron tablets (taking these well away from my levo) and high magnesium everything else was within range. Does this therefore mean that this is Hashimotos and should I be requesting antibodies are tested? I am due my next blood test next week as I am on a starter dose of 50mg levo. I don't have a visible goitre but often have that feeling as if something is stuck in my throat.
Auto immune acquired hypothyroidism: Hi. I was... - Thyroid UK
Auto immune acquired hypothyroidism
For your doctor to say it is an autoimmune disease s/he should have tested your antibodies first as some people's hypothyroidism is due to an autoimmune condition and some people's isn't.
Unfortunately many doctors know SFA about they thyroid so make up things up and you seem to have a doctor who falls into this category.
In regards to testing your antibodies the only reason to do so is because:
1. If you have one autoimmune disease you are likely to end up with another, and,
2. You may need to modify your diet to decrease your body's likelihood of attacking your thyroid.
As the treatment for hypothyroidism is the same.
However you need to be aware the NHS won't test both the antibodies mentioned on here - thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... So you will need to do it privately.