positive for antibodies

[dora_1256]

Hi all, after noticing some lumps in my neck area and a FNA that came back as inflammatory, the consultant sent me for a blood test for thyroid peroxidase antibodies which has come back positive. She said this means it’s auto immune thyroiditis. She is sending me for more bloods, not sure what. I did have my TSH done by the GP and these came back as normal at 1.66. Is there anything that I need to ask for? I have had symptoms for years, heavy periods, brain fog, cold intolerance to name a few. Any help would be really appreciated. Thanks

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Welcome to forum.

The NHS test TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to judge thyroid function, but this biomarker is a pituitary hormone which signals the thyroid. It’s assumed if the signal is correct so must be the thyroid hormones, but TSH can be unreliable.

Ideally FT4 & FT3, (the thyroid hormones) are tested too. Especially now you have a positive signs an autoimmune issue is affecting your thyroid. Many end up arranging private tests to monitor.

Always get a copy (online or printed) of exact results & lab range (ranges vary, so always needed).

Important to test folate, B12 & vitamin d & with heavy periods your ferritin could be low.

Your symptoms are extremely common hypothyroid.

[dora_1256 in reply to PurpleNails]

Thanks so much for answering. My ferritin levels were 5 last summer and in October sat at 13. I will see what the blood forms say and are looking for tomorrow.

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to dora_1256]

They seem low, what was lab range?

[dora_1256 in reply to PurpleNails]

These are my test results from this year for Ferritin

Test results for low ferritin

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to dora_1256]

Did doctor suggest anything? Ferritin are iron stores, your levels are extremely poor & could explain feeling cold. Often hair loss is reported with low levels.

Iron shouldn’t be supplemented unless iron panel has been done. GP may agree to do.

[dora_1256 in reply to PurpleNails]

yes my iron has been checked and currently sits in the normal range, it was abnormal and have had iron tabs for the past year

[dealsgap]

How is your gut? Have you been tested or do you have a "leaky gut" and/or disbiosys?

[101seeker in reply to dealsgap]

If leaky gut and/or disbiosys were a symptom in this situation, would you feel that is indicative of the need to supplement with with something other than probiotics?

[dealsgap in reply to 101seeker]

Leaky gut in correlation to your lumps in neck/high antibodies. How's your gut? Are you having "any" bowl issues?

[tattybogle in reply to dealsgap]

101seeker is different person

[dealsgap in reply to 101seeker]

Leaky gut/disbiosys in this case would be the "cause" of the high antibodies not a "symptom". Especially, the leaky gut.

[101seeker]

Fantastic insight, thank you.

[dora_1256]

hi thanks for your reply. I don’t have gut issues as such but I do get a burning stomach sensation now and then which is bizarre and no one seems to know why! I’ve just been given omeprazole. I will raise this again when I speak to the consultant.

[helvella Administrator in reply to dora_1256]

Omeprazole might well reduce your iron absorption. Be careful.

helvella - Iron Document

This is a summary of what I have read up and found out about iron supplements over the past few years. I am not in any way medically trained. You are strongly encouraged to check every detail before making any decisions for yourself.

Last updated 10/01/2025

Link to blog:

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

[dora_1256 in reply to helvella]

Thank you I should have been clearer. I only had a 1 month prescription of these and it wasn’t the same time I was taking iron.