Thyroid Antibodies?
NiciS72
Posts: 1,043 Member
Anyone ever had thyroid antibodies show up while on meds for Hypothyroidism with normal TSH, T4, T3 and the rest of the thyroid levels? Wondering what your Dr. said.
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I didn't, but the theory was explain to me (some what) by my doctor. He said that if the antibodies show up in a thyroid test then there may be links to other issues like coeliac disease. However, I'm not a doctor and someone may have a better idea than me.0
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I was told the antibodies just mean that your thyroid problems are caused by Hashimoto's which is an autoimmune disorder where your immune systems attacks your thyroid. This particular autoimmune disorder does not ever attack anything else. I am however interested to see someone post about the celiacs. I have been having severe digestive issues for the past several months(have a doc appointment this weekend) and just looked up celiacs and it kind of fits. I am now interested what the link or how common the link between the two are....hmm...0
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My Dr.'s all agree that my Hypothyroidism was caused by my undiagnosed Celiac Disease. I was diagnosed 4/08 with the thyroid and 10/09 with Celiac. Now that I am GF things are better, but lately I've felt yucky and tired all the time. Had blood tests done and EVERYTHING is find but the antibodies. I see the Endocronologist on Saturday and will give him one more chance (he was only testing for TSH & T4, my other Dr. added in all the other tests). Will let you know what he says!0
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Hi all ! If you have the 2 anti- bodies : -thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin- You likely have Hashimoto's Disease or Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Im not sure about Celiacs ..Thats what I was diagnosed with as having in July 2011.I noticed after having my daughter I wasnt losing any weight actually gaining a few lbs. Tired, and STILL had severe water retention in my legs ,ankles and feet. I swore I was hypo, and even my Doc thought that the labs would confirm it but it didnt...I had an OVERactive thyroid....Some people do gain weight with hyperthyroidism..I had scans of my neck because I have a slight swelling in my throat, which turned out to not be a goiter....had all the tests...I did have the 2 antibodies, so my Doc said I have Hashimoto's, an autoimmune disease which attacks your thyroid, first you have an overactive thyroid then, in time your body attacks it enough for your thyroid to stop working (hypo).Anyone ever had thyroid antibodies show up while on meds for Hypothyroidism with normal TSH, T4, T3 and the rest of the thyroid levels? Wondering what your Dr. said.
As of November 2011 (maybe earlier) my labs confirmed my thyroid is not functioning anymore, like my doc said and I have hypothyroidism...So thats why I wasnt losing any weight ! Im glad Im finally on medicine that will get me back to normal... in time. Thats what I was told about the antibodies0 -
Anyone ever had thyroid antibodies show up while on meds for Hypothyroidism with normal TSH, T4, T3 and the rest of the thyroid levels? Wondering what your Dr. said.
Yes, all the time (since I found a Dr who diagnosed Hashi's with an antibody test). When I was diagnosed, my antibody count was 2897 (my Dr said anything over 50 means you have the disease - guess I do!). The lowest my antibody count has been is 900, and that's when my T3, T4 and TSH are within range.
I've read there are things that can trigger the antibodies to attack, one of those things being gulten. I don't have Celiac (I've been tested for it, along with a ramble of other AI diseases). But I read that gulten mimics the thyroid cells causing the antibodies to rage and attack. When I watch my gulten I do feel better - my endo said I'll always have antibodies and she refused to test them; my primary tests whatever I ask for, and it's not any more work once the blood is drawn. I track it, and I certainly feel better when my antibody count is down as opposed to high. Which would make sense to me because if there are less antibodies, that means there are less of them attacking my thyroid so it would function better than when my antibodies are raging. As a result, my primary checks for them.
I also read that selenium helps to keep the antibodies in check, so I take that as a supplement and have noticed a difference.0 -
I just found out that my antibodes are high and I have Hasimoto Disease. I'm going to a Naturopath tomorrow -- I feel I need to get on Armor Thyroid and get off of Synthroid. Endos and GPs usually won't prescribe Armor, but it was the hypothyroid medicine of choice before the drug companies came out with synthetic T4 (ie: Synthroid).
You may think you are ok with Synthroid, but the antibodes are attacking your thyroid and eventually, it will need to be removed. You can end up with goiters and other disgusting neck growths.
I'm really sick of endos telling us to take our T4 and be quiet. What about T3? Why would they think that a diseased thyroid that is receiving synthetic T4 is somehow healthy enough to convert that T4 to T3 and that the T3 will be normal? That's ridiculous -- and they think we are too stupid to do anything about it.
Sorry, for the rant, but I've had it with the medical practice in thyroid treatment. I'm going to make my own way. I have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism, yet the doctor says my T4 is good, come back in 6 months. No -- I want my symptoms to be relieved -- not just a half-a$$ed lab report.
Also, if you have Hashi (antibodies), selenium is good to take, but I've heard, only if you take it with iodine. Check out http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/ -- it will give you lots of information.
<<sigh>> I feel better!0 -
I was just diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease today actually. All my levels were normal but my friend was recently diagnosed with Hashi and when she told me the symptoms I realized I may be a candidate. My doctor told me since my T3 and T4 were normal that I didn't need the antibody test. I said well then it won't matter if I get it let's just rule it out and if you're right then it'll be normal also. I'm glad I pushed to get it. Because I have it. Which explains so many unanswered questions for me.
I honestly felt like a complete failure today when my scale had not moved while eating 1400 calories and working out four days in a row... it was beyond me. I was in tears so I'm glad now I have an answer.
I will continue to research and hopefully I also get some great tips and help from this group.0 -
Just a note of caution on taking iodine - you should really only take it if you're deficient in it. Taking it if you're NOT deficient can actually make things worse. I firmly believe this is what caused my disease to rage out of control and put me in the ER. You read, "Take iodine, take iodine, most hypothyroidism is caused by iodine deficiency, so you should take iodine." So I took the iodine - and I know it's incredibly unlikely that I was deficient in it; I took it because the most popular material out there says to take it. I'm sure I didn't "need" it, and taking it can put you over the edge and cause your thyroid to go more hypo.
Can iodine help? Yes, IF an iodine deficiency is causing the problem. But like with any other supplement, everything in moderation IF NEEDED. Just get tested before you take it, because it absolutely can make your problem worse.0 -
I just found out that my antibodes are high and I have Hasimoto Disease. I'm going to a Naturopath tomorrow -- I feel I need to get on Armor Thyroid and get off of Synthroid. Endos and GPs usually won't prescribe Armor, but it was the hypothyroid medicine of choice before the drug companies came out with synthetic T4 (ie: Synthroid).
You may think you are ok with Synthroid, but the antibodes are attacking your thyroid and eventually, it will need to be removed. You can end up with goiters and other disgusting neck growths.
I'm really sick of endos telling us to take our T4 and be quiet. What about T3? Why would they think that a diseased thyroid that is receiving synthetic T4 is somehow healthy enough to convert that T4 to T3 and that the T3 will be normal? That's ridiculous -- and they think we are too stupid to do anything about it.
Sorry, for the rant, but I've had it with the medical practice in thyroid treatment. I'm going to make my own way. I have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism, yet the doctor says my T4 is good, come back in 6 months. No -- I want my symptoms to be relieved -- not just a half-a$$ed lab report.
Also, if you have Hashi (antibodies), selenium is good to take, but I've heard, only if you take it with iodine. Check out http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/ -- it will give you lots of information.
<<sigh>> I feel better!
Lady here's your sister,
Looking over some of your posts i now realise how badly informed I am about my condition.
Suffering from major Brain Fog at the minute, so not really taking in the info that i am coming across on the web....
I am due blood work in the next 2 weeks, so hoping to be better informed to push for more than just the TSH, T3, T4 work. I am going to use the info on STTM to hopefully request the right tests.
That said chances of getting Amour here are slim to none (Ireland).
I know you have lots of friends but if you have space i would love to be able to pick your brain.
Linda0 -
Thyroid antibodies is an indication that your thyroid problem is autoimmune and as others have suggested is Hasimoto's Disease. It took me a very long time to get a diagnosis. I went from doctor to doctor for years complaining of fatigue, hair loss, weight gain etc and they kept telling me that my levels were within acceptable ranges. I finally went to an endocrinologist and she did the thyroid antibody test which the other doc's failed to do and there it was!
The endocrinologist also check my adrenals did a complete work-up not sure I remember all the tests but it may be worth it to see a specialist. Stop the Thyroid Madness has lots of good information about testing you should ask for.
Getting the right medication for me was another battle. The first medication prescribed was levoxyl and that made me sicker than I was before. Every joint in my body ached and I thought I had developed arthritis. I stopped the levoxyl against the advice of the doctor and withing 2 weeks the pain subsided and within a month it was completely gone.
I did research on the internet (doctor's hate when we do that *lol*) and I found an internist that prescribed Armour for me which works on t3 and t4 thyroid levels and it was the right medication for me. I was monitored every six months and now annually.
Good luck in finding a doctor who will work with you as your advocate and getting your hormone levels in check - feel better soon!
Donna0 -
Went to see the Naturopath today. He sat with me for 1 solid hour taking notes on my symptoms,, my health history, my family health history. Never in all my life have I had a doctor spend so much time asking me questions and sharing information!! By the time he was finished, he had 4 pages of written notes - and a list of ideas he has for helping me to relieve my symptoms.Lady here's your sister,
Looking over some of your posts i now realise how badly informed I am about my condition.
Suffering from major Brain Fog at the minute, so not really taking in the info that i am coming across on the web....
I am due blood work in the next 2 weeks, so hoping to be better informed to push for more than just the TSH, T3, T4 work. I am going to use the info on STTM to hopefully request the right tests.
That said chances of getting Amour here are slim to none (Ireland).
I know you have lots of friends but if you have space i would love to be able to pick your brain.
Linda
First, I am OFF of Synthroid :flowerforyou: and Lipitor
!!! He has provided me with natural alternatives and Armor Thryoid. He also gave me some supplements to help with fatigue and insomnia. They took a bunch of blood to look for other sources of my symptoms.... and I will know more soon.
It is not covered by health insurance, but I don't care. I am tired of seeing doctors who are in and out in 5 minutes - increase/decrease your meds and say "cya in 6 months". I just want to feel better. I am very, very encouraged by this Naturopath - if felt like he was really looking at every and all options to help me.0 -
First, I am OFF of Synthroid :flowerforyou: and Lipitor !!! He has provided me with natural alternatives and Armor Thryoid. He also gave me some supplements to help with fatigue and insomnia. They took a bunch of blood to look for other sources of my symptoms.... and I will know more soon.
It is not covered by health insurance, but I don't care. I am tired of seeing doctors who are in and out in 5 minutes - increase/decrease your meds and say "cya in 6 months". I just want to feel better. I am very, very encouraged by this Naturopath - if felt like he was really looking at every and all options to help me.
Awesome! I'm looking forward to hearing how you're doing after a while on the new program!0
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