New, with normal TSH etc but TGab >4000

[l7j5c3]

I'm new here and not yet diagnosed, but did get GP to refer me to endo yesterday, so waiting for that appt. I've had many symptoms for a couple of years but some have got a lot worse recently. I've had carpal tunnel for quite a few years and very dry skin, but in the last 6 months, my skin cracks (feet especially) and I have to moisturise all over twice a day. Eyebrows have all but disappeared. Very tired, weight gain, and recent cholesterol test with high LDL. Nothing makes sense, as I've always eaten low fat etc, rarely drink. NHS tests only TSH and T4 I think and always within range as they are now. But had private tests with Medicheck last week and TGab >4000. Think this probably means Hashimotos, but don't know what will be done?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

l7j5c3

Unfortunately doctors attach little to no importance to antibodies but raised antibodies do confirm autoimmune thyroiditis and eventually Hypothyroidism develops. You can help reduce antibodies by adopting a strict gluten free diet and supplementing with selenium L-selenomethionine 200mcg daily.

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Your B12 is very low, folate also low (it should be at least half way through it's range), check for signs of B12 Deficiency here b12deficiency.info/signs-an... then it would be an idea to post on the Pernicious Anaemia Society forum for further advice rather than just self supplement healthunlocked.com/pasoc

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No Vit D? That's important too.

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, 17j5c3.

High thyroglobulin antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). There is no cure for Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine treatment is for the low thyroid levels it eventually causes. Many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in reducing Hashi flares, symptoms and eventually antibodies.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

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

Your TSH, Free thyroxine (FT4) and Free T3 euthyroid (normal). Most doctors will tell you that euthyroid Hashimoto's is asymptomatic but I can tell you from personal experience that it can make you feel extremely unwell. Unfortunately NHS won't diagnose hypothyroidism or prescribe Levothyroxine until TSH or FT4 are abnormal so do try the 100% gluten-free diet as it may reduce symptoms. You can also take 100-200mcg selenium daily as this is good thyroid support and may delay progression to hypothyroidism.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/resear...

medscape.com/viewarticle/76...

B12 is low in range. If you have symptoms of deficiency in b12deficiency.info/signs-an... go to healthunlocked.com/pasoc for advice as they are the experts re B12 and folate.

Folate is good.

CRP is low which is good.

Ferritin is just shy of the optimal halfway through range level.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You could have raised TG antibodies due to Pernicious Anaemia

healthline.com/health/antit...

Certainly your B12 is very low

Low stomach acid can be envolved with low B12

This is common when hypothyroid too

Definitely get vitamin D tested

If GP won't do it - vitamindtest.org.uk - £28

[l7j5c3]

Thank you....I have a blood test form to get tested for Pernicious Anaemia. My Vit B12 levels was 456 in June 2017, and 201 in Dec 2017. That's worrying

[greygoose]

Cholesterol has nothing to do with eating fat. They are two entirely different substances. And fat does not magically turn into cholesterol after you've eaten it.

Cholesterol is made in the liver. And it is made in the liver because your body needs it. If your level is high, it's a sign that something is wrong somewhere in the body - it is a symptom, a result of a problem, not a disease in itself. You have high antibodies, signifying Hashi's (normally) so it could that, although your numbers are euthyroid at the moment, at some time in the past, your FT3 was low, which would mean that your body couldn't utilise cholesterol properly, and it built up in the blood - just a hypothesis, but high cholesterol is very often a symptom of low thyroid.

As for fat, eating low fat is very, very bad for you - not healthy, as so many people think. The body needs fat. And low/no fat can lead to all sorts of problems - physical and mental. Low fat can cause depression, and suicidal thoughts. Eating fat does not make you fat, either, which is why so many people cut it out. Low fat products, on the other hand, are full of sugar, and other things that mask the fact that without fat, nothing has any taste. Nature made fat enhance flavours, because she intended you to eat it! And Mother Nature knows what she's doing. Ignore her at your peril!

[l7j5c3]

I've been of that opinion for several years now....the bit my GP can't seem to get her head around is that I had my gallbladder removed at the age of 38 and looking back, had attacks of biliary colic right back to my mid 20s. And gallstones are made from cholesterol. I'm finding this all so confusing and worrying, as I seem to be needing to piece the jigsaw together for my GP