abnormal thyroid results

[Viclou85]

hi all,

I had a baby 9 weeks ago, last week my mum noticed that my neck looked swollen, as we have a strong family history of thyroid problems I made an appointment to see the GP. I have been getting symptoms of anxiety, higher than usual heart rate and also weight loss (although just put it down to having a new baby and sleep deprivation).

Anyway, the GP did tests and it turns out I have hyperthyroidism with a ?goitre and also raised thyroid antibodies . He’s referring me to see an endocrinologist and for an ultrasound scan.

I’m wondering if could it be graves or postpartum thyroiditis? Has anyone had anything similar?

results

TSH 0.008 mU/L

Free T4 29 pmol/L

TPOab - 324U/mL

TgAB - 237 kU/L

thanks Victoria

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Viclou85

Congratulations on the birth of your baby!

TPOab - 324U/mL

TgAB - 237 kU/L

These antibody results suggest thyroiditis rather than Graves, but to rule out Graves you'd need TRAb/TSI antibodies testing.

It could be transient thyroiditis due to pregnancy/birth and may settle, time will tell but it could be Hashimoto's which will lead to hypothyroidism eventually.

[Viclou85 in reply to SeasideSusie]

thank you for your reply.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Congratulations on new baby.

Your TSH is low & FT4 just above range (by most ranges) 

With Graves the FT4 (& FT3) levels tend to get extremely high, the antibodies tested aren’t the right markers if Graves is suspected.

 High antibodies & levels look more like autoimmune thyroiditis.   The immune system attacks & damages thyroid.  The damaged cells release the hormones causing a rise in levels - the elevation is temporary as the damage progresses you can ultimately become hypothyroid.

If you have ranges add them as they vary between labs. 

You also need FT3 tested.  The move active thyroid hormone.  

Also important to test folate, ferritin, vitamin D & B12.

Referral for ultrasound & endocrinologist appointment can take time.  You need a repeat test to see how levels are.  Likely before appointment come through.  

When there these results taken?     

You are monitoring for low levels as well as increases FT4.  (TSH is not reliable) Assume no treatment suggested yet?

Any gut issues? Gluten issues common with autoimmune thyroid issues.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Request GP test vitamin D, folate, B12 and iron panel test for anaemia including ferritin levels

Plus coeliac blood test too

Test thyroid levels early morning, ideally around 9am