peroxidase results very high

[Grenard]

I have been on levothyroxine 100mg for about 20 years. Had a medichecks advanced thyroid test, all looks fine except for the peroxidase antibodies test result -81.8kIU/L. Could someone explain what this actually means, I couldn’t understand the medichecks reply to that question!!

[Regenallotment]

the way I’ve understood it is the antibodies are the clean up crew after the thyroid has been attacked. There are a number of camps regarding levels. Camp A believe it’s possible and desirable to reduce antibodies. Camp B that they are doing their job and best left alone. Mine have always been over 240 and recently they even higher (my Medichecks last week came back over range so over medicated or possibly Hashi flare up). The way I see it, they are a good indicator of autoimmune, so helpful in diagnosis. After that they don’t seem to change much for me at least. 🌱

[Grenard in reply to Regenallotment]

thankyou for your speedy reply. I wondered if it meant I had Hashimotos (I don’t understand difference between the two)!!

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Grenard]

Yes, your raised antibodies confirm autoimmune thyroid disease, aka Hashimoto's. This is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. With Hashi's the immune system attacks and gradually destroys the thyroid resulting in hypothyroidism. There is no difference in treatment, Hashi's isn't treateded, it's the resulting hypothyroidism that is.

Some information about Hashi's:

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. Before supplementing it's suggested that you test.

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.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

What are your other results and ranges for TSH, Ft4, Ft3…..vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

[Grenard in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks SlowDragon, here are my results:-

Ferritin 360 ug/L.. CRP HS 1.42 mg/L . B12. 150pmol/L. Vit. D.. 139nmol/L.

TSH 1.32 mIU/L.. Free T3 3.7pmol/L. Free thyroxine 16.6pmol/L.

Thyroglobulin antibodies 52.8k kIu/L.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Grenard]

was thyroid test early morning and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

Do you normally take levothyroxine waking up or being

Most importantly……..How do you feel?

FT4: 16.6 pmol/l (Range 12 - 22)

Ft4 only 46.00% through range

FT3: 3.7 pmol/l (Range 3.1 - 6.8)

Ft3 only 16.22% through range

Most people when adequately treated will have Ft3 at least 50% through range, frequently needing Ft4 (levothyroxine) a little higher at 70-80% through range

So you possibly could do with SMALL increase in levothyroxine

Perhaps to 112mcg daily

vitamin D good

B12 good

No folate?

Ferritin normal to be higher in range over 60 years old

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

[Grenard in reply to SlowDragon]

folate test somehow ruined. Blood test early morning - 24 hrs after last levo dose. Yes, I get same brand of thyroxine each month. I feel ok but have night/ day time hot sweats (75 yes old so not menopausal)for about the last year. I take tablet early morning. Supplements- magnesium, Vit D, Zinc +vit C.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Grenard]

Folate test is often the one to fail unfortunately

Perhaps try taking a daily vitamin B complex as well …it might improve sweats

supplementing a good quality daily vitamin B complex, one with folate in (not folic acid)

This can help keep all B vitamins in balance

Difference between folate and folic acid

healthline.com/nutrition/fo...

Many Hashimoto’s patients have MTHFR gene variation and can have trouble processing folic acid.

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

B vitamins best taken after breakfast

Thorne Basic B recommended vitamin B complex that contains folate, but they are large capsules. (You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule)

Thorne currently difficult to find at reasonable price, should be around £20-£25. iherb.com often have in stock. Or try ebay

Other options

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu....

IMPORTANT......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

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg)

Post discussing how biotin can affect test results

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Grenard in reply to SlowDragon]

thanks so much for all the advice, I will definitely buy a Vit B complex