Do I need to consider meds?

[LolalovesCece]

Hi, I’m hoping this pic of my test results uploads ok? I e been trying and failing to lose weight for about 18months and it’s only going up. Had a number of other symptoms including fatigue, irregular periods, depression, hair loss, the list goes on! Seen numerous nutritionists too but continue to feel I’m out of control, getting nowhere and feeling so low. Diet cleaned up and managing a consistent exercise routine. Do you feel with these result that I paid for (as gp tests inconclusiv) that I should be looking for a prescription from gp and if so what??

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

LocallovesCece

Please remove your personal details from your image. There is a very real risk of identity theft by showing your details on an open forum. You can either take a photo of your results and block out your personal details or you can type the results in.

[LolalovesCece in reply to SeasideSusie]

I did not notice! Thanks for the heads up

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

LolalovesCece

The only problem you have with those results is the high TPO antibodies which confirm autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's which is where antibodies attack the thyroid and gradually destroy it eventually resulting in full blown hypothyroidism. The antibody attacks cause fluctuations in symptoms and test results.

You are very unlikely to get any treatment at present from a GP and also unlikely to get a referral to an endocrinologist as your TSH, FT4 and FT3 are all well within range.

Dr Toft, past president of the British Thyroid Association and leading endocrinologist, wrote an article in Pulse magazine where he said that where there are antibodies present -

"If these are positive – indicative of underlying autoimmune thyroid disease – the patient should be considered to have the mildest form of hypothyroidism.

In the absence of symptoms some would simply recommend annual thyroid function tests until serum TSH is over 10mU/l or symptoms such as tiredness and weight gain develop. But a more pragmatic approach is to recognise that the thyroid failure is likely to become worse and try to nip things in the bud rather than risk loss to follow-up."

You can obtain a copy of the article by emailing Dionne at

[e-mail]

and it's in answer to Question 2 that you will find this information.

Most doctors dismiss antibodies as being of no importance and know little or nothing about Hashi's and how it affects the patient, test results and symptoms. You need to read, learn, understand and help yourself where Hashi's is concerned.

You can help reduce the antibodies by adopting a strict gluten free diet which has helped many members here. Gluten contains gliadin (a protein) which is thought to trigger autoimmune attacks so eliminating gluten can help reduce these attacks. You don't need to be gluten sensitive or have Coeliac disease for a gluten free diet to help.

Supplementing with selenium l-selenomethionine 200mcg daily can also help reduce the antibodies.

Some Hashi's information:

Gluten/thyroid connection: chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

hypothyroidmom.com/hashimot...

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

Hashi's and gut absorption problems tend to go hand in hand and can very often result in low nutrient levels or deficiencies. If not already done, I would suggest getting the following tested, post results on the forum for comment:

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin