Positive TPO antibodies

[Bex90]

TPO antibodies 1149 IU/mL (>1000)

Hi I'm new, I am guessing I have Hashimotos is this correct? I take 75mcg Levothyroxine diagnosed 2015, thankyou

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Bex90.

Yes, high TPO antibodies confirms autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's).

There is no cure for Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine treatment is for the low thyroid levels it 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_...

[bluebug]

Lots of posters on here get private tests due to having problems with doses and medications after being diagnosed many years ago. However in your case while you are trying to get the correct dose you should always attempt to get your GP to do any tests you can first.

You will be told by posters, particularly admins of this group, who are based in the UK what the NHS will and won't test, and testing protocols.

Also when asking for any tests make sure you say you got the information from Thyroid UK, a charity for those with thyroid disorders recommended by NHS Choices. DO NOT say something like "I got the information of the internet" to any NHS medical professional otherwise you will be seen as a crackpot and not listened to.

[Bex90 in reply to bluebug]

Thankyou my GP did my last test and he was the one who tested my TPO antibodies and I don't have access to the other results

[SlowDragon Administrator]

75mcg does not sound very much. If you add you most recent Thyroid test results members can advise

Also vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 if you have results and ranges

Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels stop Thyroid hormone working

Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten

According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)

But don't be surprised that GP or endo never mention gut, gluten or low vitamins. Hashimoto's is very poorly understood

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

[Bex90 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thankyou I don't have my latest results and my vitamin levels when tested last time were not good

[bluebug in reply to Bex90]

You need to ask for a copy of them with the ranges. Simply state you want a copy for your own records to the receptionist. If the receptionist is difficult put in a written data subject access request. Expect to wait up to 5 working days for your request to be actioned.

Unfortunately there is no consistency on what GP's practices can charge however there are maximum charges paid down by the Information Commissioner. You can't be charged more than £10 for electronic records plus possibly a few pence for copies. If the practice tries to charge you more then complain to the practice manager in writing making sure you have proof you sent the letter. In it point out they are breaching the Data Protection Act 1998 and the terms laid down by NHS England, and you are going to take your complaint further.