Thyroid autoantibodies?

[Susie82b]

Hello, I was diagnosed with UAT in June and started on levothyroxine. When I had more tests in August this was included is there anything I should/can do to reduce this? Or will the levothyroxine bring it down over time? Many thanks.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Susie82b

Your raised antibodies mean that you are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease, known to patients as Hashimoto's. This is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Hashi's is where the immune system attacks and gradually destroys the thyroid.

Antibodies have a job to do. When the immune system attacks the dying cells release hormone into the blood which can cauuse FT4 and FT3 levels to rise, and TSH level to become very low or suppressed. This is when the antibodies come along and basically mop up the mess. Fluctuations in symptoms and test results are common with Hashi's.

Most doctors dismiss antibodies as being of no importance and know little or nothing about Hashi's and how it affects the patient, test results and symptoms. It would be best to read, learn, understand and help yourself where Hashi's is concerned.

Some members have found that adopting a strict gluten free diet can help, although there is no guarantee.

Gluten contains gliadin (a protein) which is thought to trigger autoimmune attacks so eliminating gluten can help reduce these attacks.

You don't need to be gluten sensitive or have Coeliac disease for a gluten free diet to help.

Gluten/thyroid connection: chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

hypothyroidmom.com/hashimot...

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

Supplementing with selenium l-selenomethionine 200mcg daily is said to help reduce the antibodies, as can keeping TSH suppressed. The levothyroxine you are taking replaces the thyroid hormone you can't produce yourself, it treats the hypothyroidism, it doesn't reduce your antibodies.

Hashi's and gut absorption problems tend to go hand in hand and can very often result in low nutrient levels or deficiencies. It's essential to test Vit D, B12, Folate and Ferritin and address any problems. You are welcome to post these results, including reference ranges (plus units of measurement for Vit D and B12), for comment and suggestions for supplementing where necessary.

From what we can see in your image, your TSH is 2.72 and this is high for a treated hypo patient, the aim generally is for TSH to be 1 or below with FT4 and FT3 in the upper part of their reference ranges, if that is where you feel well. So your TSH result is suggesting that you might be undermedicated, were FT4 and FT3 tested as well?

[Susie82b in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you for your reply. I did manage to get an increase in medication 2 weeks ago as I was still feeling pretty rubbish (even though the doctors marked me as within range no action needed).I'm due more blood tests in a month including for coeliac disease so understand I can't cut gluten until after that. Will read through your links after work. Thank you.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Have you had coeliac blood test done via GP

If not, request testing BEFORE considering trialing strictly gluten free diet

Request GP test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 too

Frequently low with Hashimoto’s

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

How long on this dose

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng20/c...

1.1 Recognition of coeliac disease 

1.1.1 Offer serological testing for coeliac disease to:people with any of the following: 

persistent unexplained abdominal or gastrointestinal symptoms 

faltering growth

prolonged fatigue 

unexpected weight loss

severe or persistent mouth ulcers

unexplained iron, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency

type 1 diabetes, at diagnosis

autoimmune thyroid disease, at diagnosis

Irritable bowel syndrome (in adults)

first‑degree relatives of people with coeliac disease.