Result in..,

[SarahFerguson]

Hi folks I have PA, 47 yr old female. Had PA for 4 years but probably a lot longer. On b12 plus si. Went to GP and asked for TSH and Thyroid Peroxidase antibody test- results in TSH 5.24 and positive for antibodies. Can you tell me what to expect from GP and does this mean I have Hashimoto's? As note on records tell gp to monitor with yearly bloods and treat if presents with new symptoms!?

[Marz]

Your TPO anti-bodies confirm Hashimotos. The TSH is high - but you have not posted the ranges. A healthy person will have a TSH around 2 and anything over 2.5 should be considered Hypo. It would be helpful to also have the results for FT4 and FT3 for the full story and for people to give better advice. You should be started on treatment to support the thyroid whilst under attack from the anti-bodies. Be prepared for your GP to say all is well and to ignore the anti-bodies ....

Best to keep reading and asking questions here - most of us have Hashimotos if Hypo.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu....

[SarahFerguson]

Ft4/ft3 not tested my TSH was 5.24 (5 is top ref range) is the antibodies measured or is it a positive or negative result?

[Clutter in reply to SarahFerguson]

SarahFerguson,

If you don't use the Reply button the member you are responding to will be sent an email and on-site notification you have replied otherwise they may not see your reply.

If Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are positive it means they are high and over range confirming Hashimoto's. TSH 5.24 is positive for subclinical hypothyroidism but as a virus can elevate TSH some GPs won't make a diagnosis on the first abnormal TSH result and will retest in 2-3 months when a virus or infection would be likely to have cleared. However, in the presence of positive antibodies it would be pragmatic to assume hypothyroidism and prescribe Levothyroxine rather than waiting until symptoms are worse and TSH higher. Read Dr. Toft's comments in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 0.3 - 1.0 with FT4 in the upper range. FT4 needs to be in the upper range in order that sufficient T3 is converted. Read Dr. Toft's comments in Treatment Options in the link above.

Thyroid peroxidase 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 causes. Many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in reducing Hashi flares, symptoms and eventually antibodies. 100-200mcg selenium is also good thyroid support for Hashimoto's patients.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

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

[SarahFerguson in reply to Clutter]

Hi clutter, what is a Hashimoto flare up... I have no stomach problems or food intolerances. I’ve got PA and vitiligo and vid d def. I’ve just called surgery for more info of antibody result. All they said was 449 ru / ml I don’t know if that’s result or ref range-can anyone adv ? Thx

[Clutter in reply to SarahFerguson]

SarahFerguson,

A Hashimoto's flare up is when the lymphocytes attack your thyroid gland. It can make your thyroid inflamed and tender and some people feel fluey and feverish. It doesn't upset your stomach as far as I'm aware.

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies 449 are high and confirms autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's).

PA and vitiligo are autoimmune diseases too. It's not uncommon to have more than one autoimmune disease. If you want advice on PA go to healthunlocked.com/pasoc

How much vitamin D are you supplementing to correct vitD deficiency?

[Marz in reply to Clutter]

Have linked a couple of earlier discussions with Sarah - in my reply at the top 😊 - may be helpful ...

[SarahFerguson in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter, thank you. Yes, I already belong to PA health unlocked and the PAS. I take 5000 units of vit d softgels my last bloods showed my levels have increased from 30 to 78 in a few months. I take folate and iron aswell. I’ve got a phone consultation with GP on the 3rd Feb - however looking at notes on the on-line medical notes, the labs have told GP to review Thyroid in a year unless patient presents with any further symptoms....

[Clutter in reply to SarahFerguson]

SarahFerguson,

The lab note is just a reminder to your GP. It doesn't mean that results and dose shouldn't be discussed earlier especially if you are symptomatic.

VitD is replete >75 and is optimal 100-150. I would continue supplementing 5,000iu for another 6 weeks then reduce to 5,000iu alternate days and retest in April. VitD should be taken 4 hours away from Levothyroxine.

[SarahFerguson in reply to Clutter]

Thanks, the note looked as thou I was not going to be treated... I don’t trust Doctors now, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they waited another year to repeat bloods - wait for thyroid to get worse then consider treatment!

As for Vit D I shall do that. I know it needs to be a bit high yet. I’m still learning, thank you for your time and comments.