Do elevated antibodies mean I have Hashimoto's?

[Tkev]

I got my blood test results from Medichecks last week, and my thyroid antibodies were elevated.

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies - 54.5 kIU/L (0 -34 ref)

Thyroglobulin antibodies - 148 kIU/L (0 - 115 ref)

TSH - 2.63 mIU/L (0.27 - 4.2 ref)

Free T3 - 5.2 pmol/L (3.1 - 6.8 ref)

Free Thyroxine (T4) - 15.7 pmol/L (12 - 22 ref)

Do the elevated antibodies mean I have Hashimoto's?

This is the first time I've been tested for thyroid antibodies. My TSH is usually between 2 and 3.

I have had elevated prolactin in the past, but it is in range now.

I'm not on any medications.

My mother had hyperthyroidism.

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

Welcome aboard

Yes, you're results show that you have Hashimoto's and or Graves, now you know this it might be worth looking into a gluten and or dairy free diet to try and lessen the attack on your thyroid

How are you feeling?

Did your test include vits and mins? Optimising these helps your thyroid

[Tkev in reply to TiggerMe]

Thank you for the information.

I feel like I have low energy. I have been struggling with sleep at the moment, I tend wake in the middle of the night. I'll post my vitamin & ferritin levels below.

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Regarding antibody tests:

 Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism) needs to be confirmed via positive TRab or TSI:

TRab

TSH receptor antibodies

TSI

Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulin

TPO & TG antibodies may be Graves or Hashimotos.

 TPOab

Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies

TGab

Thyroglobulin antibodies

As a next step, look to test key thyroid vitamins (ferritin, folate, B12 and vit D) & share with us. Having these optimal supports thyroid health.

I found a GF diet lowered my antibodies (but they are still over range!)

[Tkev in reply to Buddy195]

Thank you for the information.

My ferritin was 100 ug/L (30-158 ref)

Folate - serum, 5.7 nmol/L (>7 ref)

Vitamin B12 - active, 125 pmol/L (>37.5 ref)

Vitamin D, 106 nmol/L (50-200 ref), I was taking 75 mcg Vitamin D3 before the test.

I've started taking folic acid 400 mcg and eating 30 g of liver pate to improve my folate level.

I have started a gluten-free diet and I already feel better. I'm thinking about re-testing in a month to see if my results improve. Is one month enough time?

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Tkev]

I would complete a GF trial of 2-3 months and assess how you feel afterwards.

SlowDragon has useful links on improving key vitamins. I managed to improve my B vitamins with a good B complex (Eg Thorne Basic B or Ingenus Super B)

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Tkev]

Retest in 2-3 months

Low folate

supplementing a good quality daily vitamin B complex, one with folate in (not folic acid)

This can help keep all B vitamins in balance and will help improve B12 levels too

Difference between folate and folic acid

healthline.com/nutrition/fo...

Many Hashimoto’s patients have MTHFR gene variation and can have trouble processing folic acid supplements

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

B vitamins best taken after breakfast

Igennus B complex popular option. Nice small tablets. Most people only find they need one per day. But a few people find it’s not high enough dose and may need 2 per day and/or may need separate methyl folate couple times a week

Post discussing different B complex

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Thorne Basic B recommended vitamin B complex that contains folate, but they are large capsules. (You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule) Thorne can be difficult to find at reasonable price, should be around £20-£25. iherb.com often have in stock. Or try ebay

IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 5-7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg)

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Tkev]

Foods rich in folate

healthline.com/nutrition/fo...