Normal TSH but elevated antibodies

[Sleepy2020]

I was diagnosed with M.E 5 years ago but have had increasing symptoms, a lot which could relate to underactive thyroid. Each time it’s been tested, my tsh t3 and t4 have been in normal range but my antibodies have been elevated. Doctor says lots of people have thyroid antibodies and that I do not have a thyroid issue. I’ve attached my most recent results in the photo, your advice is very much appreciated.

[greygoose]

Doubtful. He's just fobbing you off, probably. But, if you could post your results with the ranges, we'd know more. Just being 'in-range' - which is what doctors mean by 'normal' - is not always a recommendation.

[Sleepy2020 in reply to greygoose]

Hey thanks for your reply. I went back and added my results as a photo so it should be viewable to you now

[Sleepy2020 in reply to Sleepy2020]

Ps. This is a private blood test company that I paid to have my antibodies tested cause doctor refused because my tsh was ‘normal’

[greygoose in reply to Sleepy2020]

Well, your doctor could be forgiven for thinking those results were euthyroid. The levels don't show hypothyroidism at all. BUT, with Hashi's, levels don't stay still, they can jump around, and just because they look good today, doesn't mean they will next week. All you can do is keep testing, and hope you catch them out of range at some point. Sorry.

[greygoose in reply to greygoose]

As for your original question about antibodies, most people will have some antibodies, but if they're well over-range like yours, that's Hashi's, whether he wants to admit it or not. But, I don't expect he really knows…

[Sleepy2020 in reply to greygoose]

Thankyou. I think I’m going to try and see an endocrinologist privately

[greygoose in reply to Sleepy2020]

You're welcome.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Did you also get vitamin tests?

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

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

Ask GP to test vitamin levels

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

For thyroid including antibodies and vitamins

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's.

Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

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

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

List of hypothyroid symptoms

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

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 intolerance. Second most common is lactose intolerance

According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find strictly gluten free diet reduces symptoms, sometimes significantly. Either due to 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 strictly gluten free diet for 3-6 months

If no noticeable improvement, 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...