Antibodies? A question for the scientists, please

[eunicewalker]

For the scientists in this community, is it possible to be tested positive for Thyroglobulin antibody, thyroid peroxidase antibodies and TSH receptor antibody? What are the implications if it is? Thanks!

[shaws Administrator]

If the above antibodies are positive, the person has an Autoimmune Thyroid Disease, commonly called 'Hashimoto's' or hashi's. Regardless of the TSH result, if the person has antibodies they should be prescribed thyroid hormone replacements, the most commonly prescribed is levothyroxine. Many on this forum may not feel better with levo so source their own NDT (natural dessicated thyroid hormones - Armour etc. or add T3 to T4 (levo).

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

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

thyroiduk.org/tuk/treatment...

To reduce antibodies that attack the thyroid gland and wax and wane until hypothyroid - going gluten-free can help.

[eunicewalker in reply to shaws]

Thanks. The question, however, is whether it is possible to be tested positive for all three.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to eunicewalker]

From what I understand (as someone who doesn't have autoimmune thyroid disease), it's possible to have both Graves and Hashi's, so in that case both types of antibodies would be positive.

[eunicewalker in reply to SeasideSusie]

What would be the implications? Is this common? I am trying to find some information about them all being positive, but no luck ...

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to eunicewalker]

We see it from time to time on the forum but it's probably not that common.

No idea about the implications. Maybe make a new post with a title to attract those who have this - something like "Graves and Hashi's antibodies positive".

[eunicewalker in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks!

[Coconutty]

I asked the same question a week or 2 ago but got no responses. I have all 3 antibodies, and I have Graves. I wondered if it meant I had Hashi’s too, or would eventually convert to Hashi’s. I don’t know the answer.

[eunicewalker in reply to Coconutty]

I will post another post, and see if we get an answer!

[Coconutty in reply to eunicewalker]

The answer to your question is yes! Since I have all 3 it is possible. It’s the implications part that’s murky.

[MaisieGray]

From Dr Kent Holtorf:

Is It Possible to Have Both Graves’ and Hashimoto’s?

Because they have opposing impacts on the thyroid it is not possible to experience both Graves’ and Hashimoto’s at the same time. However, due to increased prevalence of certain thyroid antibodies, one may be diagnosed with both conditions. The occurrence of symptoms and their impact on thyroid function depends on the balance of different antibodies promoted by each condition. Graves’ related antibodies stimulate activity while Hashimoto’s related antibodies inhibit it. Although they may not be present at the same time, the effects of these conditions may cause a patient to alternate between symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

It is common for individuals to develop additional autoimmune conditions following the first. Thyroid autoimmune disorders are no different. Research shows that an estimated 15 to 20 percent of those with Graves’ disease develop hypothyroidism caused by subsequent Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Although it is significantly far less common, patients may also develop Graves’ Disease after Hashimoto’s.

[eunicewalker in reply to MaisieGray]

Thank you! 🙁😢