Confused about different thyroid antibodies

[shyanne]

In 2011 my thyroid peroxide antibodies were 63 and thyroglobulin antibodies 264. My latest tsh is 5.9 but still docs are saying wait another few months for another blood test. What should I do?

[EKASUK]

do you know what the normal ranges were? Your TSH does seem elevated but it will depend what they consider 'normal range'. If they believe your TSH is in 'normal range' then they wont be interested in the antibodies as the antibodies themselves wont make you hypo, it is the antibodies that make the TSH rise that then makes you hypo (so I was told by my doctor). My thyroid peroxide antibodies are now 1,300 and I had to ask the nurse for my last antibody test, the doctor hadnt requested it even though my last one came in at 260 (in a normal range of 0.60). The general impression I get is 'why test for them when we cant go anything about them, it is the TSH that is important'. But I as a patient would like to know what is causing my elevated TSH, particuarly as this could suggest an autoimmune problem when antibodies are high.

I would push them even on the fact yout TSH is elevated if not the antibodies, particuarly if you have many symptoms.

Good luck!

[shyanne]

Thank you so much for explaining that to me. I have raynauds so wonder if it's all connected to autoimmune problem.

[PinkNinja]

Your TSH is too high! Given that you have antibodies, you should be treated with a TSH above 5 if your doctor is following guidelines (TSH has to be 10 if you don't have antibodies). It may be that your GP has misunderstood the guidelines and is waiting until your TSH reaches 10. As you have positive antibody tests, he doesn't need to wait. If I were you, if I had symptoms, I would be pushing for treatment.

I hope you get your treatment

Carolyn x

[shyanne]

I do have many symptoms so will go back to gp. Thanks so much for your advice.

[Marz]

We are all so different. My anti-bodies were well over the range but the TSH FT4 and FT3 were low and within the range. My hubby too. Must be catching ! We were both treated based on our results.

Good luck !...and do hope you find some help soon.

[shyanne]

Thank you again and good luck to you and your hubby.