high thyroid peroxidase antibody level

[Greenpaw]

hi there,

I have a strong family history of hypothyroidism, and after having a very low heart rate and feeling a bit faint I had an ECG and then had thyroid function tested. The GP told me i had sub clinical hypothyroidism. Then retested 3 months later and all is normal: Tsh 3.43, T4 13.4. But Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies level are 116 and yearly testing recommended.

I was just sent a copy of the test from the GP but wondering if that level of antibodies is something to worry about. Googling has sent me into a spin.

Any insight gratefully received.

[radd]

Greenpaw,

Welcome to our forum.

Many people live well with high levels of antibodies as how they affect is influenced by other factors such as other health conditions and lifestyle. However, they are synonymous of chronic inflammation, and it takes the body a while to start producing after the first destruction of the thyroid gland. The only way to know the true extent of the gland damage is to ask for an ultra sound scan

The antibodies might wax and wane, hence thyroid hormone labs might vary making you feel hyper one day/week/month and hypo the next. High level attacks can give you flu like symptoms as the bodies defence mechanisms run similar immune cells.

Elevated antibodies signify Hashimotos which is the most common cause of Hypothyroidism. Some people manage to control this autoimmunity by means of g/f diet and removing other triggers/stressors. A great read for further info is The Root Cause by Isabella Wentz.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Suggest you retest again in 6 weeks including vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Also get coeliac blood test done BEFORE trialing gluten free diet

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease

Low vitamin levels can cause symptoms, and affect thyroid

Important to maintain GOOD vitamin D in particular with autoimmune disease

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options and money off codes

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/wp-content/up...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

[Sunflower535]

I have just recently been diagnosed with thyroid problems so am no expert but what I do know is that the antibodies should be less than 34. Mine was more than 600. I attempting to go gluten free, it's not easy but I do feel my symptoms have improved since I started it. For me I think it's better doing this now before things get worse. You will get great help from this site. Sorry I can't say more but just learning myself.