antibodies

[Purple45]

what does the results of thyroid antibodies look like. I thought "Se thyroid peroxidase Ab conc" 14 IU/mL (< 18) was the antibodies result. But I am starting to think this is just a statement of the thyroid levels test

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

That's an antibody test - TPO antibodies.

Basic thyroid tests are

TSH - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone - this is pituitary hormone, the pituitary signals the thyroid to make thyroid hormone if it detects there's not enough.

FT4 - Free T4 - this is a thyroid hormone

FT3 - Free T3 - this is a thyroid hormone

[Purple45 in reply to SeasideSusie]

thankyou. Is that within range then. I am really struggling to understand and read the results and levels

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Purple45]

Yes, it's within range.

The limit is 18, hence <18 means below 18 is negative.

However, it's quite near the limit and worth keeping an eye on. This is because antibodies can fluctuate, they may be in range with this test, but they could be over range when tested again. If they go over range then that confirms autoimmune thyroid disease, aka Hashimoto's.

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...

[Purple45 in reply to SeasideSusie]

thankyou this is really helpful xxxxx

[Hidden]

It is an antibody test but there is another one - thyroglobulin antibodies. My TGAB is usually very high but my TPO is usually low/in range. My diagnosis was Hashi. I'm in Australia, not the UK.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Hidden]

In UK they refuse to diagnose Hashimoto's on just high TG antibodies 😒

[JGBH in reply to SlowDragon]

Indeed like they refuse to diagnose anything that will require time in finding out root cause of a problem, referral to a consultant when required and adequate treatment. Money versus the patient’s good or better health!

[AnneEvo in reply to SlowDragon]

🤨

[Hidden in reply to SlowDragon]

Yeah that’s why I said that. I didn’t see my early results - 20 years ago we didn’t do that. So initially it may have been high, and it’s only been checked occasionally since then. Do you know why UK docs do that? My tgab were really high and I was hypothyroid- had oesophageal thrush because I was so hypo. What would they have said if no tpo?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Hidden]

As vast majority of medics completely ignore all antibodies it is unlikely it would have made much difference.....

TSH is the only GOD....if TSH is "normal" patient is dismissed, or told they are depressed, or neurotic ...or a mixture there of

It's apparently fine to dish out antidepressants like smarties.......but to suggest a patient with numerous hypothyroid symptoms and raised antibodies, but "normal" TSH might need Thyroid treatment..... it's seen as outrageous as suggesting prescribing heroin