Not sure what this means - High Anti-TG only

[ivy19328]

Hello,

I had my thyroid checked privately two years ago - all came back normal with the exception of Anti-TG which was 279. I didn't do anything about it as I was told just to keep monitoring it.

I just went for another test this week (again privately) and whilst everything else is optimal my Anti-TG is still high at 232. Again, the commentary accompanying my tests says:

"Your thyroid function tests show that your thyroid function is normal; however, the presence

of autoantibodies indicates that you may be at increased risk of developing thyroid problems in the future. Continued monitoring of your thyroid function would be beneficial."

My question is whether I should be seeking any follow up with my GP? I have recently learned I have high cholesterol which I understand can be a symptom of hashimotos. By way of background I am 40 year old female with no major health concerns. Have been experiencing fatigue, forgetfulness, blurred vision but had put that all down to hormones.

Very grateful for any advice.

[helvella Administrator]

I suggest you post all the test results (including reference intervals/ranges).

The word "normal" simply isn't believed or trusted by most members!

This is a link to a very good article in the British Medical Journal discussing what the 'normal range' really is. Very readable.

The normal range: it is not normal and it is not a range

This blog has the abstract of this paper plus link to the original full paper. Also includes some extra links to a video and some other related information.

Last updated 11/01/2025

Link to blog:

helvella.blogspot.com/p/the...

Some people seem never to have raised TPOab despite in every other way being fairly typical autoimmune thyroid disease patients.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Welcome to forum

What else was tested & what were the results? In range is not always optimal.

Always add result & lab range, ranges vary between labs.

Antibodies is evidence autoimmune activity is occurring, (immune system damaging thyroid) but the doesn’t always lower function to the levels doctors are willing to treat.

This is why the information is to keep monitoring, so if function becomes low you can begin replacement.

[ivy19328]

Full results are

Screenshot

[SlowDragon Ambassador]

you need to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 as well

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)

how old are you approx?

[ivy19328 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you - will look into getting vitamins tested. Will assume I'll need to go private for that as well.

I am 40 years old.

[SlowDragon Ambassador in reply to ivy19328]

Monitor My Health (NHS private test service) offer thyroid and vitamin testing, plus cholesterol and HBA1C for £65

(Doesn’t include thyroid antibodies)

monitormyhealth.org.uk/full...

10% off code here

thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...