Test results - help

[LeighSwayne]

Hi,

I’ve recently had a test result for Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies. My results were 88kU/L. The doctor has commented (in a letter) this puts me at a higher risk of hypothyroidism. I can’t find any reference ranges for the units kU/L. Does anyone know what this is in iU/ml? Is this significantly high?

Thank you!

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Welcome to the forum LeighSwayne

So we can offer better advice, can you tell if you have any ongoing symptoms,

The Medichecks Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies range is 0-34 but I’m unsure what the lab range of your antibody test is. If the same, you are positive for Thyroid antibodies (aka Hashimotos). However, just because you have positive a does not necessarily mean you will develop hypothyroidism, just you are more likely.

Can you share TSH, FT4 and FT3 if you have these? Also include ranges, as these can vary between laboratories

Ask GP (in first instance) to test key thyroid vitamins (ferritin, folate, B12 and vit D) as having these optimal supports thyroid health.

If your GP is unable to complete all the above tests (eg if TSH is within range, some surgeries may not be able to access FT4 and FT3 tests), you could look to do this privately, as many forum members do, for a better picture of your thyroid health:

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Do you have symptoms

Please add any other results

Presumably your TPO antibodies are over range from GP’s comment.

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

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

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

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high TPO and/or high TG 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.

Significant minority of Hashimoto’s patients only have high TG antibodies (thyroglobulin)

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

Post all about what time of day to test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG 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

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...