Hi,
Have just been started on 50mg dose of Levothyroxine based on these TSH results (pics attached) and TPO antibodies of 510 and T4 of 14, (range to 22)
GP won’t commit to a diagnosis of anything but Subclinical hypothyroidism but I would like to understand if it’s autoimmune or not to ensure I am helping myself in other ways too and understanding the impact. Dr Google seems to be the only way to help yourself lately!
Any advice greatly received!
Thank you in advance!
Welcome to the group.
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Positive TPO antibodies along with a goitre mean you do have Hashimoto's. With no goitre it would be Ords, both types of autoimmune thyroid disease causing hypothyroidism.
The NHS doesn't really take into account if your hypothyroidism is autoimmune or not, just that its primary hypothyroidism. Thats just the way that they are trained and leaves patient groups like this to note the difference and things that may help you if you do have Hashi's.
Many people with Hashi's do better with a strictly gluten free diet. A smaller percentage of those people do better removing dairy from their diet as well.
It's ideal if you can always get the same brand of levo at every prescription. You can do this by getting GP to write the brand you prefer in the first line of the prescription. Many people find that different brands are not interchangeable.
Always take Levo on an empty stomach an hour away from food or caffeine containing drinks & other meds. Many people find taking it at bedtime works well for them.
When hypo we get low stomach acid which means we cannot absorb vitamins well from our food, regardless of a great diet. For thyroid hormone to work well we need OPTIMAL levels of vitamins. Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost.thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...
There is also a new company offering walk in (includes free blood draw) & mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...
Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.
Welcome to forum.
Drs often just refer to hypothyroid sometimes they will say “autoimmune thyroiditis” but the autoimmune aspects isn’t treated.
It’s good you have been started on a correct level of starting levo, it’s likely you will need to increase gradually. This is usually done with retesting levels after 6-8 weeks & increasing daily dose by 25mcg a day. Is this scheduled? Because occasionally GPs “forget” to follow up and people get left on a starter dose for months.
Most feel best when TSH is under 2 and most importantly FT4 & FT3 are at good levels. That’s different for everyone but for many it’s FT4 in top 3rd of range & FT3 at least half way.
Levo works well when key nutrients are optimal as T4 need to convert to the active thyroid hormone FT3.
NHS do not always test FT3 & folate, ferritin, B12 & Vitamin D, so many arrange there own complete tests privately.
This is done by using a fingerprick kit at home via post & results available online. This is often the quickest way to gain a complete picture. Medicheck thyroid advanced might be good option.
List of companies / including discount codes.
thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...
Ideally test just before 09.00. Fast overnight, delay dose until after. Remember to leave off biotin 3-5 days before.
TPO usually have a <X range over a specified level is confirmation of thyroid autoimmune. Your is high & well over most ranges. So yes you do have autoimmune thyroiditis referred to as Hashimoto’s.
Many find strictly gluten free diet helps with hashis.
Thank you so much for replying. I do have the next bloods booked in and the GP has said I can gradually increase my thyroxine dose up to 100 if I feel it’s needed.
Here’s the most recent other bloods for some you mention, those haven’t been repeated recently.
TPO antibodies of 510
Obviously need the range
Usually it’s over 34 = positive for autoimmune thyroid disease
50mcg is standard STARTER dose levothyroxine
Which brand is it
Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine
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
20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis
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 and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before 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
Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing
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/testing/thyro...
Link about Hashimoto’s
thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...
Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test
See detailed reply by SeasideSusie
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
GP should test for coeliac too
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.
Thank you so much, the range for the TPO was up to 5 I was told. So waaaay over! I have trouble with blood tests so doing my own might be tricky but I’ll definitely look into it, thank you.
Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee
What is subclinical hypothyroidism?
hypothyroidism - Subclinical 
Subclinical hypothyroidism 
Subclinical hypothyroidism 
