Thyroid Antibodies

[Ticman]

HelloNot sure what these blood test result means

TSH 5.1

FREE T4 11.8

T3 5.4

TPO 105

Been told by GP will retest in 3 months due to positive TPO result.

Had a neck ultrasound and thyroid was swollen hence the blood tests.

Does a positive TPO result confirm an

auto immune disease?

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Welcome to thyroid forum.

Please can you add lab reference. (Ranges shown in brackets) ranges vary between labs.

It’s likely if you have similar results in 3 months you will started on replacement.

Positive TPO confirms autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s)

[Ticman in reply to PurpleNails]

Thanks for reply ranges areTPO 35

T4 10 - 20

T3 3.5-6.5

Not sure about TSH think it was 5.5 from memory

So ive definetly got Hashimotos? GP never told me that.

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to Ticman]

Thyroid function still within range, which is why GP waiting. TSH probably above range or very near it, (2 above range TSH, 3 months apart - if below 10) is criteria for treatment.

FT4 Very low but FT3 fairing better. Body often preserves FT3 as this the active thyroid hormone & what the cells needs the most.

Doctors in UK don’t use term Hashimoto’s although it’s well known & referred to in NHS information. They may refer to autoimmune thyroiditis but generally they simply say under active thyroid or hypothyroid. They ignore the autoimmune aspect as it can’t be treated. They are looking at levels at this is what can be managed.

Aside from swollen neck do you have other symptoms affecting your everyday function? You could argue you have low levels, antibodies is evidence autoimmune damage is occurring. As well as scan. Could they often treatment sooner than later.

Many GPs would insist on waiting, ones with understanding of thyroid issue might agree.

In mean time test key nutrients - you can do this privately if necessary. Folate, ferritin, B12 & vitamins D.

Optimal nutrients will like help symptoms. Nutrients need to be maintained as poor nutrients can mean when you start replacement it doesn’t work at well as the replacement levothyoxine or L-T4 will need to convert to T3.

Thyroid tests should be booked as early in day in possible. Fast overnight. Avoid any supplements contain biotin 3 days prior, it can interfere with test.

[Ticman in reply to PurpleNails]

Thanks for all the information. I will take it on board. Got my annual review for my heart problems due end of January and im sure they test vitamins etc so will have all the information to hand.Thank you again.

[Ticman in reply to Ticman]

Sorry to answer your question about symptoms. The only one i have is fatigue but that is more than enough to deal with.