High thyroid peroxidase antibodies info.

[Rox1388]

Hi all,

I recently got my thyroid and autoimmunity checked out on medi checks before I do another round of IVF and as you can see from the photo one of the results came back really high. All the others seem to be within normal range and I was wondering if anyone knows if my doctor is likely to prescribe something for this particular issue (all very new to me). I couldn’t get an appointment for another 2 weeks so I’m just after any information in the meantime. Thanks

[HashiFedUp]

that’s not too bad actually. My thyroid antibiotics where over 1,000 on last check lol. I would say try and get your t4 and t3 about 75% through the normal range and you may feel better if your TSH is lower than one. Although everyone’s different and if you feel well on current dose then maybe leave it for now. Good luck with ivf. Keep positive - the power of the mind is strong.

[Lora7again]

Mine are Thyroglobulin 4000 and my Peroxidase used to be 600 (came down slightly at my last test) and were like that for years. It just means your own antibodies are attacking your thyroid.

[Arlie123]

Hi again Rox

I'm not at all an expert but from those results it looks like your thyroid is struggling a bit. Your TSH is slightly raised compared to a normal person, your free thyroxine is a little low. The NICE guidelines (the ones GPs use) says that anyone that is trying to conceive should have a TSH level below 2.5. My endocrinologist, who was NHS but is now private only, says it should be below 1 - this is also mentioned in the fertility book 'it starts with the egg' (the book is worth a read). However not all GPs will treat if TSH is around 2.5 (mine would not). The clinic that's treating you for IVF - have they discussed this with you?

Your slightly raised antibodies may suggest Hashimoto's which causes TSH and thyroid hormones to go up and down a lot so whatever you decide it's worth monitoring your levels. A few other things that are worth bearing in mind:

- The time of day you take your blood test can affect the results and should usually be done first thing and fasted.

- With thyroid issues, vitamin levels are often low, so you should get your vitamin d, folate, ferritin and b12 checked. Making sure you're at the optimal levels of those should help your thyroid.

Once you've sorted your nutrient levels, I guess your options are keep monitoring or try and find a doctor that will start you one a trial of Levothyroxine (replacement thyroid hormone). The antibodies aren't in themselves treated - the antibodies just show a reaction that is happening in your body.

hopefully some of the experts will come along and give you some more info

greygoose SeasideSusie SlowDragon

[Rox1388 in reply to Arlie123]

Thanks for all your insight, it’s really appreciated

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Your slightly high TPO antibodies confirms that you have autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto’s

FT4 is on low side

Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies

Ask GP to test vitamin levels

Hashimoto's frequently affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone

Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten. Dairy is second most common.

According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps, sometimes significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies

While still eating high gluten diet ask GP for coeliac blood test first or buy test online for under £20, just to rule it out first

Assuming test is negative you can immediately go on strictly gluten free diet

(If test is positive you will need to remain on high gluten diet until endoscopy, maximum 6 weeks wait officially)

Trying gluten free diet for 3-6 months. If no noticeable improvement then reintroduce gluten and see if symptoms get worse

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

amymyersmd.com/2018/04/3-re...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

restartmed.com/hashimotos-g...

Come back with new post once you get vitamin results