Help with test results

[Hcone]

I’ve recently received some test results that show my TPO Antibodies are very elevated. My other thyroid results are within normal range and I feel fine. Because of the elevated TPO my doctor thinks I have Hashimoto’s Disease. They are his notes on the photo.

The complication is 20 years ago I had a terrible virus that caused temporary inflammation of my thyroid and hyperthyroidism, this settled on it’s own after 5 months. No further problems. Then 5 years ago I had postpartum thyroiditis, again this settled on its own within 6 months.

My question is wouldn’t both of the above 2 events cause the TPO antibodies? Thus I don’t have Hashimoto’s at all.... the antibodies are just lingering from the previous 2 attacks?

Any help/advice greatly received.

Many thanks

[greygoose]

I would be inclined to say that you had Hashi's all along, because antibodies fluctuate, but they don't completely go away. I really don't think they would hang around because you'd had a virus 20 years ago. You probably had Hashi's 20 years ago. It starts with a period of hyperthyroid-like results and symptoms.

[Hcone in reply to greygoose]

Thanks Greygoose

I was thinking that when you have childhood vaccinations and antibodies form they stay forever right? Like the polio vaccine is life long. So similar when the thyroid antibodies form they never go away. That was just my (probably not correct) theory 😀

[greygoose in reply to Hcone]

Not the same sort of antibodies. Not the same diseases. Not the same action at all. TPO antibodies - which are only attracted to/activated by TPO - do go away with time. As the thyroid gets smaller, and the attacks less frequent, the antibodies die down a bit and eventually go away. Your antibodies are still high because your thyroid is still fighting its corner, and your immune system is out to get it.

To get a better understand of antibodies in Hashi's, have a look at this article:

hashimotoshealing.com/under...

[Hcone in reply to greygoose]

Amazing article. Very clear. Thanks so much for your help. 👍🏻

[greygoose in reply to Hcone]

You're welcome.

[Hidden in reply to greygoose]

Thank you for the link to the article, I now understand Hashi's much better.

[greygoose in reply to Hidden]

You're welcome.