Antibody Results

[gracer1]

Hi all,

I was told I had subclinical hypothyroidism back in January (TSH around 8 and T4 12ish), and began a trial of 50microgram Levo at the beginning of June.

I’ve only recently started to try and research more into this condition since finding out levels can have an impact on conceiving.

I’m super confused about antibody blood tests and how they’re interpreted. My GP tested for thyroid peroxidase antibody levels at the end of May and they were at 15 iu/mL (range 0-34).

Can anybody tell me what this means, very confused. What are your experiences?

Also, those who have started on a low dose, how long did it take to get your TSH levels down?

Thanks!

[greygoose]

My GP tested for thyroid peroxidase antibody levels at the end of May and they were at 15 iu/mL (range 0-34).

That result is classed as 'negative'. Unfortunatley, that doesn't automatically mean that you don't hav Hashi's. Antibodies fluctuate, so the next test could show over-range - or positive - antibodies, meaning you definitiely do have Hashi's.

Also, there are two types of antibodies for Hashi's - TPO and Tg antibodies - but the NHS only tests one of them - the TPOab. And, the cherry on the cake, you can have Hashi's without ever having over-range antibodies. So, it's pretty much a case of you can prove if you do, but you can't prove if you don't.

Also, those who have started on a low dose, how long did it take to get your TSH levels down?

It will probably take about six weeks for it to come down a bit, but you're bound to need an increase in dose at that point. 50 mcg is just a starter dose, and should be increased by 25 mcg every six weeks until your thyroid hormone levels are where you need them to be, and your symptoms have all gone.

TSH isn't a thyroid hormone. it's a chemical messenger between the pituitary and the thyroid, telling it when to make hormone. The less thyroid hormone in your blood, the higher the TSH. As the thyroid hormones levels - FT4 and FT3 - rise, your TSH should drop.

But, it's not just about the TSH, because that doesn't cause symptoms at any level. The most important number is the FT3, because T3 is the active thyroid hormone - T4 is basically a storage hormone that needs to be converted into T3. T3 is needed by every single cell in your body.

So, if your doctor is only testing the TSH, he's doing it wrong. You must not dose by the TSH. Because that is the best way to keep the patient ill and will result in yo-yo dosing. He should at the very minimum be testing the FT4.

Always get a print-out of your results so that you know exactly what was tested and exactly what the results were. Keep your own records, noting what you're taking and how much, and what your symptoms are. If you live in the UK, the law says you are entitled to a copy of your results.

But, I've rambled on for too long there - hope I haven't confused you. If all this raises any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Welcome to the forum.

[shaws Administrator]

Many people start on a low dose of levothyroxine also known as thyroxine. This is an inactive hormone (i.e. T4) and it has to convert to T3. T3 is the Active Thyroid Hormone that runs our whole body, heart and brain need the most.

Levothyroxine (T4) being inactive has to convert to T3 as T3 is needed in all of our T3 receptor cells and brain and heart contain the most.

If your doctor has tested you for thyroid antibodies and you have them, that would mean you have a condition called 'An Autoimmune Thyroid Disease' commonly called Hashimoto's. I think more people have hashi's. In order to reduce the antibodies (if you have this condition) going gluten-free can help reduce them.

This is the method (you may already know) to get the best test result follow:-

Always make your blood draw appointment at the earliest - fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of hormones and the test and take afterwards. This helps to keep your TSH at its highest as many doctors adjust doses according to the TSH result alone. The aim is a TSH of 1 or lower (many doctors think that if TSH is 'in range' that we're on sufficient - wrong).

It is a learning curve but we can improve our health with the help of the members on this forum.

Ask GP to test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate also at your next blood draw. Everything should be optimal. Always get a copy of your results.

[grumpyold]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 24 years ago. The NHS has never tested my antibodies in all that time. 4 years ago I found out through a Medichecks blood test that my thyroglobulin antibodies were in the 500s. Thyroid peroxidase were within "normal" range.

You need to hassle your GP for the thyroglobulin antibody test because it is possible to be negative for peroxidase and positive for thyroglobulin, like me.

Positivity = autoimmune (Hashimoto's) like greygoose and Shaws say.

On this forum you will gain the knowledge to be your own physician. Unfortunately with thyroids, the patients often know more than the medics.

[gracer1]

Thank you all. The information and experiences you have shared are all incredibly useful and push me to investigate this further!

Out of interest, is there a difference in treatment if Hashimoto’s is found to be the cause?

[Indygo in reply to gracer1]

No 🙂