My knowledge of hypothyroidism is really minimum and struggling now 3 years to get things right.
Im doing my tests now frequently because of 2 miscarriages so went private.
My results:
Ths 2.060 [0,27-4.20]
Free T4 18.09 [12-22]
Thyroid peroxidose antibody 108,0 [0-24]
Consultant said the antibody is likely caused the miscarriage month ago when i did that test. He said only way to manage that to be on right dose levo. Im on 100mg.
Im in shock because he said the antibodies will attack my thyroid untill it exists?!
He said ths is at good range now to conceive. Heard that before so im cautious.
Can anybody please help me understand my situation.
Hi mimisami, I am so sorry to hear about your miscarriage. Sending you lots of hugs.
Having high antibodies does suggest you have Hashimotos which means your hypothyroidism is caused by an autoimmune issue.
On the TSH level the NHS says it should be below 2.5 if you’re trying to conceive. My endocrinologist (was nhs now private) says ideally it should be under 1 - so that’s something to bear in mind. You should also increase your levo by 25mcg as soon as you get pregnant. Most people need tsh to be under 1 to be well so it looks like you might need a further dose increase.
Have you tested your vitamins? They are often very low in people with Hashimotos so it’s important to sort them as soon as possible. If you have any results for the following, post them here with the ranges and people will give you some thoughts on what to do. Ideally you need to test vitamin d, folate, b12, ferritin. Quite often gps will say these are normal but for those with Hashimotos they should be in the top part of the ranges and will help you feel well.
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 .
Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).
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 as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins
Medichecks often have special offers, if order on Thursdays
Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels
Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working
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
The predominance of Hashimoto thyroiditis represents an interesting finding, since it has been indirectly confirmed by an Italian study, showing that autoimmune thyroid disease is a risk factor for the evolution towards NCGS in a group of patients with minimal duodenal inflammation. On these bases, an autoimmune stigma in NCGS is strongly supported
In summary, whereas it is not yet clear whether a gluten free diet can prevent autoimmune diseases, it is worth mentioning that HT patients with or without CD benefit from a diet low in gluten as far as the progression and the potential disease complications are concerned
Despite the fact that 5-10% of patients have Celiac disease, in my experience and in the experience of many other physicians, at least 80% + of patients with Hashimoto's who go gluten-free notice a reduction in their symptoms almost immediately.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.