Antibodies positive on thyroid??: Hi I'm ew here... - Thyroid UK

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Antibodies positive on thyroid??

Geordieclaire12573 profile image

Hi I'm ew here...I've felt off for awhile..I'm post menopause as well...not on hrt...I had some tests done at Christmas and again amonth ago..TSH was 0.9 at Christmas. Doc didn't test anything else. Then month ago hospital was TSH 1.7 free t4 16. I have symptoms of anxiety, irritability, nervousness, fast heart rate, tremors, moody, angry, can't stand heat as sweat...docs say normal thyroid so I went and did a advanced test on medichecks., Thyroid levels Are TSH 1.32. free T3 4.51. free thyroxin 13.5. But I've shown positive for antibodies. Thyroglobulin is 154. Thyroid peroxidase is 36. I've also low serum folate ...any ideas what's going on??

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Geordieclaire12573
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greygoose profile image
greygoose

Sorry, but we need the ranges for those results. Ranges vary from lab to lab, so we always need those that came with your results. :)

geordieclaire120573 profile image
geordieclaire120573 in reply to greygoose

TSH. 1.32. ( Range 0.27-4.2.) Free T3 4.51 range ( 3.2 - 6.8 ). Free thyroxine. 13.500. Range ( 12 - 22). Thyroglobulin antibodies. 154.00 ( Range 115). Thyroid peroxidase. 36.00 ( range 34). Low serum folate 3.61 range ( 3.89).

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to geordieclaire120573

OK, so it looks like you have Hashi's. Do you know about Hashi's and what it does?

Your TSH is ok at the moment - but with Hashi's that can change at any time.

Your FT4 is low, but your FT3 is around mid-range.

In a person with no thyroid problems (euthyroid) the TSH would be around one, FT4 around mid-range, and FT3 slightly lower.

Your pattern of results suggests that your thyroid is failing because it is making more T3 than T4, which is what often happens with a failing gland. And it's probably failing due to the Hashi's.

What is strange is that one would expect the TSH to be a bit higher with that low FT4, so could be that your pituitary is not up to scratch, either. But, time will tell on that one.

The problem is that doctors only tend to look at the TSH. They know nothing about T3, and as long as the T4 is in range, they think there can't be a problem. However, if you TSH ever goes over-range and/or your FT4 drops below range, coupled with high antibodies, then they might take more notice. But as it is, they're going to say there's nothing wrong with you. They no nothing about symptoms and care even less, I'm afraid.

geordieclaire120573 profile image
geordieclaire120573 in reply to greygoose

Thanks so much for all that info. Gp basically said yearly testing. And antibodies raised doesn't mean thyroid because mine r normal. My TSH was 0.9 6 wks ago

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to geordieclaire120573

But your antibodies are not 'normal'. They are both over-range. Which means you have Hashi's. Whether or not that means you will eventually go hypo is anybodies guess. But, if your low FT4 goes any lower then you will be hypo, whatever he thinks.

I get the impression he doesn't know much about thyroid! Not many doctors do.

geordieclaire120573 profile image
geordieclaire120573 in reply to greygoose

Absolutely spot on they make u think your going mad. I had to go do my own tests with medichecks.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to geordieclaire120573

Yes, it's called 'gaslighting'. Doctors are well-known for it.

Marz profile image
Marz

As your folate is low it is more than possible B12 - Ferritin and VitD will be low. Have they been tested ? If all are low then this too can cause the symptoms you mention.

Are you taking any supplements or medications?

geordieclaire120573 profile image
geordieclaire120573 in reply to Marz

Hi I take vitamin d for osteoporosis but it's obviously not enough as I'm on the low range ..my b12was high so got to lower supplement...folate is low

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to geordieclaire120573

If you were supplementing B12 when you were tested then your results will be skewed - so best continue on a maintenance dose. What was your B12 result before supplementing ? Are you taking a good B Complex to keep all the B's in balance ? Which B12 are you taking and how much ?

Do you know your VitD result ? How much are you taking ? Are you also taking the important co-factors ? Have you been prescribed meds for the osteoporosis ?

Important to test Ferritin - iron stored as a protein in the liver.

geordieclaire120573 profile image
geordieclaire120573 in reply to Marz

I was taking a b12 supplement. 1000 mg. Gonna just take a multi vitamin I'm not on any medication other then vitamin d tablet for osteoporosis. Waited 3 yrs for a face to face since diagnosed. Seen on Monday. Had bloods etc done. Iron level was fine. I hadn't been taking any supplement as I had covid three wks ago

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to geordieclaire120573

No, best not to take a multi-vit. You'd just be wasting your money for many reasons:

* If your multi contains iron, it will block the absorption of all the vitamins - you won't absorb a single one! Iron should be taken at least two hours away from any other supplement except vit C, which is necessary to aid absorption of iron, and protect the stomach.

* If your multi also contains calcium, the iron and calcium will bind together and you won't be able to absorb either of them.

* Multi's often contain things you shouldn't take or don't need : calcium, iodine, etc. These things should be tested before supplementing.

* Copper and zinc need to be kept balanced, but hypos are often high in one and low in the other - often low in zinc. So, both should be tested before supplementing. Taking either of them when you already high in it, will reduce the other and make you feel worse.

* Multi's often contain the cheapest, least absorbable form of the supplement : magnesium oxide, instead of magnesium citrate or one of the other good forms; cyanocobalamin instead of methylcobalamin; folic acid instead of methylfolate; etc. etc. etc. This is especially true of supermarket multis.

* Multi's do not contain enough of anything to help a true deficiency, even if you could absorb them.

* When taking several supplements, you should start them individually at two weekly intervals, not all at once as you would with a multi. Because, if you start them all at once, and something doesn't agree with you, you won't know which one it is and you'll be back to square one.

* Most supplements should be taken at least two hours away from thyroid hormone, but some - iron, vit D, magnesium and calcium (should you really need to take it) should be taken at least four hours away from thyroid hormone.

*Vit C should be taken 2 hours away from B12 because it affects how the body uses B12.

*Never take magnesium/zinc/calcium at the same time as they affect the absorption of each other.

*Take zinc and copper separately as zinc affects the absorption of copper, if you need to take both.

*Vits A/D/E/K are all fat soluble vitamins, and if taken together can compete for the source of fat. They are best taken away from each other.

* The magnesium you take - and just about everybody needs to take it - should be chosen according to what you want it to do:

Magnesium citrate: mild laxative, best for constipation.

Magnesium taurate: best for cardiovascular health.

Magnesium malate: best for fatigue – helps make ATP energy.

Magnesium glycinate: most bioavailable and absorbable form, non-laxative.

Magnesium chloride: for detoxing the cells and tissues, aids kidney function and can boost a sluggish metabolism.

Magnesium carbonate: good for people suffering with indigestion and acid reflux as it contains antacid properties.

Worst forms of magnesium: oxide, sulphate, glutamate and aspartate.

With a multivitamin, you are just throwing your money down the drain, at best, and doing actual harm at worst. Far better to get tested for vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin, and build up your supplementation program based on the results. A vitamin or a mineral is only going to help you if you need it, anyway. More of something you don’t need is not better, it's either pointless or even dangerous, as with iodine, calcium, iron or vit D. :)

geordieclaire120573 profile image
geordieclaire120573 in reply to greygoose

So do I basically wait to feelworse b4 GP's do anything...they said oh it's not your thyroid causing symptoms

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to geordieclaire120573

I'm afraid that's about the size of it, yes. They are so ignorant about thyroid and really, really hate diagnosing anyone as hypo. They'll go to extreme measures to avoid that diagnosis.

geordieclaire120573 profile image
geordieclaire120573 in reply to greygoose

I've felt like this for about 6 months. Anxiety, irritability nervousness fast heart rate tremors moody intollerence to heat. Then I go where temperature is low cold hands feet hair going thin...my god list is endless. The tremors r awful.. anxiety is bad. Pushes BP up

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to geordieclaire120573

I understand, But doctors don't know anything about thyroid symptoms, and they're, frankly, just not interested.

geordieclaire120573 profile image
geordieclaire120573 in reply to greygoose

Yeh I'm definitely getting that impression. Thanks so much for advice

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to geordieclaire120573

You're welcome. I'm sorry I can't tell you anything more positive.

Dottie11 profile image
Dottie11 in reply to greygoose

Thank you. I am struggling to understand how to tackle vitamins. So helpful. I am low calcium. Low vit d. hemolytic blood can go low. sodium too.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Dottie11

I would suggest that you don't supplement calcium, because calcium supplements are very hard to absorb, and can build up in the soft tissues, causing all sorts of of problems.

Take vit D - with magnesium and vit K2-MK7 - and that will increase your absorption of calcium from food, thereby raising your calcium and vit D levels with one fell swoop. The vit K2-MK7 will make sure the extra calcium gets into the bones and teeth, and doesn't build up in the soft tissues. :)

Dottie11 profile image
Dottie11 in reply to greygoose

I have cysts this year. Could this be a link ?

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Dottie11

A link to what, exactly? I think most people have cysts, don't they?

Dottie11 profile image
Dottie11 in reply to greygoose

Calcium link. I did not know most people have cysts. Having it removed soon so it will be gone and I will feel more comfortable.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Dottie11

I'm not an expert on cysts, although I have had them myself - apparently, I have one on my brain! But, I think the majority are filled with fluid. But, you can have calcified cysts in the kidneys. Is your cyst in the your kidneys? Have you already been supplementing with calcium?

Dottie11 profile image
Dottie11 in reply to greygoose

I have some on my liver. Previously in my breasts. Others scattered around. One in a painful area which has grown hence to remove. Some before Calcium supplement began.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Dottie11

OK, well it doesn't look like they are due to taking calcium, then. But really best not to, if you can help it. How low was your calcium? And how long have you been on calcium supplements? When was your last calcium blood test?

Dottie11 profile image
Dottie11 in reply to greygoose

2.15 when low . Last test six months ago 2.45. Gp gave me calcium and vid d tablets which made my constipation worse. I switched to liquid formula. .

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Dottie11

So, you've been taking calcium for quite some time. You haven't given the range for the calcium, but it doesn't look deficient to me. Thing is, doctors know zilch about nutrients and nutrition. Bad idea to take their advice on anything like that without doing your own research first. And, of course, taking calcium will make your constipation worse, that's a given. It's like swallowing rocks. If I were you, I'd just stick to the Vit D, magnesium and vit K2-MD7. Much healthier.

Dottie11 profile image
Dottie11 in reply to greygoose

Thank you . Will give it a go. May I just ask where will I find Vitk2-MD7 ?

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Dottie11

On Amazon. You can even find vit D sprays that have added vit K2-MK7. :)

Dottie11 profile image
Dottie11 in reply to greygoose

Great I will have a look.

Dottie11 profile image
Dottie11 in reply to greygoose

I have found a brand. I was using their Vit D only spray. I have read on their website K2 helps with blood clotting. Interesting as I do have clotting issues on and off.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Dottie11

I think you'll find that's K1, not K2. Two different vitamins.

Dottie11 profile image
Dottie11 in reply to greygoose

Yes just had a look at k vitamins. So much to learn. Thanks.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Dottie11

You're welcome. :)

Dottie11 profile image
Dottie11 in reply to greygoose

Are you able to PM me which brand of k2-mk7 you use?

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Dottie11

I'm afraid I can't. I haven't taken vit D for a while and can't remember the brand of the K2 I took, and can't find the bottle. Sorry.

Dottie11 profile image
Dottie11 in reply to greygoose

Ok. Thank you for looking.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to geordieclaire120573

So Iron result is fine - was that Ferritin or Serum iron ?

geordieclaire120573 profile image
geordieclaire120573 in reply to Marz

Ferritin 143. Range 13-150. Folate serum. 3.61 range 3.89. B12. 150. Range 37.5-150...vitamin d 50. Range 25-50 insufficient.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to geordieclaire120573

Your Ferritin looks a little high and may indicate inflammation somewhere - possibly the Hashimotos ? The B12 test was the Active Test - showing the amount of B12 in the blood that is available to be transferred to the cells where it is needed. Folate looks low - so a GOOD B Complex could well help. How is your LOW VitD being treated ?

geordieclaire120573 profile image
geordieclaire120573 in reply to Marz

I've osteoporosis so I'm on 800 I think it needs raising as maybe not absorbing it? Inflammation markers was 0.37 ( range 0-5)

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to geordieclaire120573

800 iu's daily is a very low dose - am guessing that was GP prescribed ? VitD is fat soluble and best taken with a meal containing good fats. Or you could take a gel capsule containing olive oil. Did your Doc tell you ? Also important co-factors - magnesium and K2-MK7. Lots of good advice above from greygoose - so now it's time to make a positive plan. I would suggest buying your own VitD and increase slowly until you reach 4000 iu's daily. Keeping a journal of symptoms and changes may help too ....

geordieclaire120573 profile image
geordieclaire120573 in reply to Marz

This is wonderful thankyou I did query GP putting me on such a low dose. As well I take magnesium supplement

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to geordieclaire120573

Magnesium important for bone cells. Which one are you taking ? VitK2-MK7 also needed to direct calcium away from arteries and into bones and teeth ?

Cannot help thinking Docs don't want you well with good VitD levels .... !

Docs today dismissed as thyroid results normal even though raised antibodies. And got symptoms. My levels have fluctuations...TSH was 0.9 6 wks ago. Antibodies levels are. Thyroglobulin 154. ( 115). Thyroid peroxidase 36 range ( 34).

radd profile image
radd

Geordieclaire12573,

Welcome to our forum.

You've received a good explanation re conventional medicines attitude towards Hashi from greygoose, & Marz has addressed iron/nutrients.

I just wanted to say you can control the progression of Hashi (to some extent) by keeping inflammation low (thyroid antibodies). Members have found adopting a gluten-free diet and supplementing selenium has helped. A good read is 'The Root Cause' by Isabella Wentz who gives a thorough explanation of Hashi and ways of managing the condition. .

If you are terribly symptomatic you may receive a diagnosis/Levo prescription from one of the endos whom members have had positive experiences with. There is a list held by ThyroidUK which can be obtained by emailing tukadmin@thyroiduk.org

ps - you are operating under two separate accounts Geordieclaire12573 & geordieclaire73. This means if members look at your profile/previous posts they may not be able to access your full history 😊.

.

Hashimotos

thyroiduk.org/if-you-are-hy...

geordieclaire120573 profile image
geordieclaire120573 in reply to radd

Thankyou do much for advice. Gp is saying yearly check. Symptoms r awfy so don't think can wait another year for a check

Can you change from hypo to hyper??? Just as both antibodies are raised thyroglobulin 154. Thyroid peroxidase 36...,as my symptoms seem like I'm ticking fast. But currently today I feel I'm on go slow cold hands feet. Hungry alot. So moody. Dry skin. Constipation..where just last wk I had awful anxiety irritability nervousness fast heart rate..it's like switching..so fed up of it..and looks like I'm going to get nowhere with go as they said will go on file and yearly checks!!

tattybogle profile image
tattybogle in reply to geordieclaire120573

Sorry your feeling so lousy and ignored.

Can you change from hypo to hyper ? not in the rapidly changing way you mean, no . You do have symptoms that sometimes feel hyper and sometimes feel hypo. this can happen when our thyroid hormone level is not right for us ... symptoms can sometimes seem like both at once (they don't always fit in the nice boxes of hypo/ hyper)

but your blood levels of thyroid hormone are not going up and down.. they are quite stable.... so you're not really going hyper /hypo/hyper... your symptoms are just making it feel like you are.TSH was 0.9 at Christmas.

Then month ago TSH 1.7 fT4 16 [range ?]

Now medichecks.,.. TSH 1.32 fT4 13.5 [12-22] fT3 4.51[3.1=6.8]

These are pretty stable , the variation in TSH and fT4 levels( so far) is not any bigger than you might expect to see over a normal day / month.

If these were all taken at the same time of day then it COULD show the start of a trend of TSH increasing and fT4 lowering... but unless TSH continues to get higher and fT4 lower it is too soon to be sure if that is really what is happening.

"But I've shown positive for antibodies. Thyroglobulin is 154. Thyroid peroxidase is 36."

Yes they are both 'positive' ... but TPOab is only very marginally positive at the moment ... so this doesn't help much in persuading them you are likely to need Levo .

And unfortunately NHS don't usually accept TG ab as proof of Autoimmune thyroid disease .. not sure why , i think it is because TGab can be associated with other autoimmue diseases not just thyroid ?

But even though they are probably an indication that you have an autoimmune thyroid problem .. they can't treat it with Levo until the evidence that hypothyroidism is actually developing is much clearer.

Antibodies alone do not mean you will actually become hypothyroid.

Your current symptoms also sound predominantly hyper, even though you're clearly not , so even though it's possible that you will need Levo ,the picture is not yet clear .

It feels devastating to be told "come back in a year" when you feel so lousy ... but there is really not a lot else they can do about hypothyroidism until it has shown it's face more clearly .....I suggest you get yourself a repeat TSH/fT4/ FT3 in 3 or 6 months 'Monitor My Health' (NHS) do one for under £30.. it will help you get a clearer picture of what's going on for yourself.

geordieclaire120573 profile image
geordieclaire120573 in reply to tattybogle

Thankyou...yeh Christmas my TSH was 0.9. Doctor's did a basic test then in Feb hospital did it again..TSH was 1.7 freet4 was 16. Then medichecks recent test ..I've felt not right for over 6 months. Medichecks said thyroglobulin antibodies positive found in 1 in 10 but can be associated in uncommon autoimmune thyroid issues...so confusing when u have symptoms

Is it worth doing another test as they were not taken in the morning?

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