I am wondering whether having high antibodies can affect one's overall being.
After a very bad experience of labyrinthitis in 2022 which led me to an ultrasound investigation when a multi nodular goitre was discovered by an endocrinologist. I was advised then that it was benign and my thyroid function test results were all normal so he reassured that the nodules are very common and the symptoms which I had ie. heart fluttering, constipation and anxiety, were probably due to menopause.
However, fast forward to June 2024, I was beginning to feel that there is slight difficulty in swallowing my food and the blood tests results from the GP showed
TPO of 674.5
TSH is 2.21. (0.35 - 4.94 miu/L)
Free T4 of 13.9 (9.00 - 19.10 pmol/L)
Free T3 of 3.9 (2.4 - 6.00 pmol/L)
I am seeing an endocrinologist early August, due to holidays and appointments being booked up.
I hope I can hang on until then as there have been times during the day when I don't feel quite right with myself. I don't have Gerd but I am burping after food and drink . I am also anxious without any reason ?!. All these symptoms (if you can call it that) are new to me. I just tell myself they are only in my head - or neck - in my case, 😁 as I am not normally like this.
I was wondering if anyone with high TPO share the same symptoms as mine.
I would also like to stress that everyone here is doing some fantastic work in comforting people by letting them know that they are not alone and that is so important to someone who feels totally helpless. 🥰
Thank you so much.
Written by
Jspringer
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It's not the antibodies causing your symptoms, it's that low FT3:
FT3: 3.9 pmol/l (Range 2.4 - 6) 41.67%
And your FT4 isn't a lot better:
FT4: 13.9 pmol/l (Range 9 - 19) 49.00%
And a TSH over 2 says that your thyroid is struggling.
But, what time of day was the blood draw for that test? Because TSH varies throughout the day, and is highest before 9 am.
But, it rather looks like you're on the verge of hypothyroidism. And the antibodies are saying that the cause of it is Autoimmune Thyroiditis - aka Hashi's - which is also causing the multi-nodular goitre.
With Hashi's, your immune system is slowly destroying your thyroid. So, sooner or later, you will become full-blown hypo. But, the antibodies themselves are nothing to worry about. And nor are the nodules.
If you're having trouble swallowing, then your thyroid is probably a bit inflammed. It happens with Hashi's. If it gets worse, see your doctor and insist on another ultrasound. But the swelling will probably just go away by itself. Levels and symptoms vary all the time with Hashi's.
I don't have Gerd but I am burping after food and drink . I am also anxious without any reason ?!.
I expect you have low stomach acid caused by the low FT3. Try taking vit C with your meals. That might help a bit.
Anxiety is a major hypo symptoms, so there is a reason for it!
When you next have a blood test, make sure the blood draw is before 9 am and before breakfast. And ask for nutrients to be tested - yours are probably low, causing symptoms: vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin. It's very important to have optimal nutrient levels.
So, all you can do for the time being is watch and wait. Keep testing and be kind to yourself. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask - there's a lot to be learnt!
Thank you so much. I didn't expect such a quick reply. I feel better knowing there are reasons why I'm feeling this way. All those numbers are just giving me more confusion but you have helped - a lot!
I will manage the symptoms for the time being until my visit to the endocrinologist.
Your symptoms and positive antibodies indicate Hashimotos. This condition can affect your physical and mental wellbeing, so all the symptoms you mention can be linked to thyroid health:
Many thyroid symptoms do overlap with menopause/ peri menopause, but the fact that your TSH is over 2 shows your thyroid is struggling. However, it is very unlikely that you will receive thyroid medication until your TSH readings are over range.
The timing of blood tests is important, as TSH is higher first thing, so ensure you get the first available blood draw in future tests.
Also ask for key thyroid vitamins to be checked; folate, ferritin, B12ans vit D. Having these optimal supports thyroid health. Please remember that when GPs say within range/ normal, this might not be the same as ‘optimal’ where you feel most well.
We are a friendly and supportive group and are here to help. Keep posting and asking questions! 🦋
I have found peppermint oil capsules brilliant for digestive issues, particularly burping or trapped wind. I put a few in little container in my handbag and they’re a lifesaver! amzn.eu/d/03mQ3lsD
You might find you have to go gluten free but these tiny little capsules might make a big difference. Always drink with lots of water. Some people find they have to have some food with them. I can have them on an empty stomach.
Yes, thyroid antibodies can create chronic inflammation and make you feel very unwell.
TGAb is less aggressive but to an extent TPOAb directly attacks thyroid tissue, and incites further inflammatory cytokines (proteins released by cells that interact with other cells), making the Hashi attacks self driving.
Members often feel better when thyroid antibodies reduce. Common methods are adopting a gluten free diet free of processed foods, optimising Vit D, supplementing fish oils and curcumin.
A great read for better understanding of autoimmunity is The Root Cause by Isabella Wentz.
The only processed food I eat are bread, yogurt and milk. I take Vit D 3 1000iu and magnesium L-threonate twice a day and zinc 25 mg once a day.
The only thing I haven't done is going gluten so I'm thinking going down that route. So I guess it'll take quite sometime for those antibodies to reduce. 😕
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