How is Hashimotos diagnosed?

[debs]

any help as to which tests are required to check for hashimotos would be great

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Mostly a positive test for Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies (TPOab), sometimes a positive Thyroglobulin antibodies (TGab) test. However these are really strong indicators rather than definitive proof.

Most Hashimoto's sufferers have something wrong with their TSH and/or FT4 and/or FT3 levels.

Some doctors insist that if you do not have a goitre, it is autoimmune thyroid disease and cannot be called Hashimoto's. Other doctors are perfectly happy to call it Hashimoto's with or without a goitre as the underlying destructive process is the same. But it is a good idea to check for a goitre.

Worth a look round the main Thyroid UK site:

thyroiduk.org.uk

Rod

[debs in reply to helvella]

Many thanks Rod, I was originally diagnosed with an underactive thyroid when I found a lump in my neck.

Was prescribed Levothyroxine and the lump disappeared, but I still have bad symptoms and am struggling.

I'm currently taking 150mcg of Levothyroxine.

[kim534]

Hello, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism no blood test showed that i had Hashimotos. Because of my symptoms they kind of thought that i did. It wasn't until i got a complete thyroidectomy that they said that i definately did after a biopsy of my thyroid.My symptoms were extreme muscle fatige, I was always weak and tired. I hope that this helps.