I have been diagonosed with Hashimoto's since 2008. I recently got a comprehensive set of tests from Medichecks and was surprised to see antibodies falling. I'd love some help understanding what that might mean - if anything.
July 2017 (on 125mcg Levothyroxine/day):
Thyroglobulin: 66.9 kIU/L (normal <115)
Thyroid peroxidase: 121.1 kIU/L (normal <34)
February 2021 (on ~107mcg Levothyroxine/day):
Thyroglobulin: 21.8 kIU/L (normal <115)
Thyroid peroxidase: 49.4 kIU/L (normal <34)
So you can see they are falling, quite significantly too. I have two questions:
Firstly: is this a good thing? Or does it make no difference?
Secondly: why might they be falling?
My guesses:
1. Because of the slightly lower dose of Levothyroxine.
2. Because my thyroid is gradually dying off so the antibodies don't need to attack it so much anymore?!
3. Because I'm somehow managing the disease better now than I was in 2017? Perhaps through diet or better sleep or something.
4. Or it means nothing at all!
Thanks for your help!
David
Written by
ds_charles
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi , in my opinion , the answer is a mix of 2,3 and 4, (and 1 is irrelevant)
my TPOab's were massively lower when retested in 2016 than they were at diagnosis in 2004, i've done nothing in particular diet lifestyle wise to 'try' and improve them.
(And my levo dose was the same) ...They were still 195 in 2016 though
But i don't assume that they wouldn't go back up again, and have no way of knowing what else they were up to for the years in between these tests.
But logically .. my understanding is that TPOab are 'clean this up' labels attached to protein from thyroid that's ended up in the blood. So less TPOantibodies simply means the thyroid has not been attacked by immune disease recently.
I haven't felt great for a few months now. Today, for example: woke up with headache, which is still with me 7 hours later. Plus dry skin, scratchy throat and tiredness.
My recent blood tests showed that I had low neutrophils, a sign that I've been fighting something off, apparently.
Test was done in the AM, before eating/drinking. But not before I took levothyroxine - doh! My brain was on autopilot
I've been taking multivitamins, plus extra vitamin C+Zinc and vitamin D. Supplementing with B12 as well, as I'm vegan. I was told to stop taking the B12 in the week before the test.
I'm 38 years old.
Not strictly gluten free, but low gluten, I'd say. I have non-GF oats, but other than that I can't think of any regular sources of gluten in my diet. I might have the occasional piece of non-GF bread or something that sneaks in.
A few previous tests have shown my ferritin levels are usually around 55-75ug/L.
Current B12 is lower than previous tests - although hard to compare as I think previous tests were testing B12 serum rather than active B12.
Igennus Super B is good quality and cheap vitamin B complex. Contains folate. Full dose is two tablets per day. Many/most people may only need one tablet per day. Certainly only start on one per day (or even half tablet per day for first couple of weeks)
Or Thorne Basic B is another option that contain folate, but is large capsule
If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
With B12 result below 500, or Active B1# below 70 it’s recommended to be taking a B12 supplement as well as a B Complex (to balance all the B vitamins) initially for first 2-4 months, then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
The present review of the literature regarding B12 status among vegetarians shows that the rates of B12 depletion and deficiency are high. It is, therefore, recommended that health professionals alert vegetarians about the risk of developing subnormal B12 status. Vegetarians should also take preventive measures to ensure adequate intake of this vitamin, including the regular intake of B12 supplements to prevent deficiency. Considering the low absorption rate of B12 from supplements, a dose of at least 250 μg should be ingested for the best results.3
I just wanted to follow up on your generous message to say: a) thank you! and b) I have taken your advice and been supplementing with B12 and B complex vitamins. My B12 is now Serum vitamin B12 level 744 ng/L [197.0 - 771.0]
So that looks like it worked! I guess that means I don't have pernicious anaemia or anything like that.
However, my symptoms of fatigue and general sickiness are unchanged. It seems to be worse the day after I have exercised. I used to run half marathons for fun and cycled long distances - but I've been exhausted today after a 6.5km slow run and a walk in the woods yesterday. I slept ~9.5 hours last night, had to nap this afternoon and I'm heading to bed once I've pressed send!
I wondered if that would have anything to do with conversion of Ft4 to Ft3? And, if so, how I might improve that? I have heard about getting a different pill to take, but that it seems hard to convince doctors.
Email Thyroid UK for list of recommend thyroid specialist endocrinologists who will prescribe T3
NHS and Private
tukadmin@thyroiduk.org
The aim of levothyroxine is to increase dose upwards in 25mcg steps until TSH is under 2
When adequately treated, TSH will often be well under one.
Most important results are ALWAYS Ft3 followed by Ft4. When adequately treated Ft4 is usually in top third of range and Ft3 at least 60% through range (regardless of how low TSH is)
Extremely important to have optimal vitamin levels too as this helps reduce symptoms and improve how levothyroxine works
I guess, number 2 of your alternatives. If there isn't any thyroid to attack, the antibody stimulus has gone, so it would be logical for antibodies to drop to a low (watchful) level (ie baseline) just in case they might have another opportunity.
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.
If these results shed any further light, I'd be grateful for your interpretation:
New here. Got a Thyroid blood test done privately and just received the results. Can anyone interpret / explain?
Confused - why are my antibodies still so high?
Some advice would be greatly appreciated
Should I increase Levo?
