What does high anti tissue transglutaminase antibody mean?

[EmmaT116]

My level is 4 (<1)

Trying to get to the bottom of absorption issue but probably nothing

Thanks

[Clutter]

EmmaT116,

It means you are positive for coeliac disease and should 100% avoid gluten. Coeliac disease is the commonest reason for malabsorption in hypothyroid patients. You almost certainly will not need 150mcg Levothyroxine in future but you are undermedicated on the 50mcg Teva you were switched to.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You are supposed to be offered an endoscopy to confirm its definitely coeliac

I gather like most things at moment in NHS there may be long wait. Supposed to be given endoscopy within 6 weeks

Result can be high due to Hashimoto's

But either way the result is the same

Changing to strictly gluten free diet

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

Ask GP for coeliac blood test first

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...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Link about false positive due to Hashimoto's

But majority of us find strictly gluten free diet helps reduce symptoms significantly anyway

celiac.org/celiac-disease/u...