High antibodies tests

[Bella5]

I was diagnosed with Graves disease 9 years ago. This was treated with medication and brought under control.  Since then I have had one relapse 4 years ago.

All of my TSH/FT3/FT4 tests for the last 2 years have been normal but with extremely high antibodies test results. The last one showed Thyroglobulin antibody 1680 (normal result <60), Microsomali antibody 150 (normal result <100), Thyroid peroxidase 126 (signif if >30).  But I feel like something is wrong, as I seem to have a range of thyroid like sympoms: constantly tired, moody, hair falling out, brittle nails, jaw pain, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, forgetfulness.

My GP & specialist have advised that there is no problem with my thyroid as the TSH/FT3/FT4 tests are fine (except for one slightly raised FT4 result this year).  But I feel like I am going crazy, as these symptoms continue. Do you have any thoughts or advice?

Thanks,
Bella

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The antibodies will usually remain high in Graves disease.  With normal Thyroid function labs, there is no specific thyroid treatment recommended.  Would have a general exam to make sure nothing else is going on.

Selenium 200mcg/day may help lower antibodies.

[cheshire]

I'm sorry Bella, I don't know what ranges your lab is using for FT3 and Ft4? can you post them (beside your result).

I advise that you seek out a new doctor right away, not an endo but an OD or an "alternative" MD, one who thinks symptoms are as important as lab tests. Google" top thyroid docs " and look for one your area. try to find a Holistic Medical doctor who can prescribe, and one that sounds like they RX Armour.

[Bella5]

I understand that there are some practitioners who believe that the presence of thyroid antibodies is enough to warrant treatment, but unfortunately I haven't come across any...  

My current tests are in the normal range: TSH 2.5, FT3 3, FT4 .9. However when my FT4 was slightly high in Feb this year (1.7), the medical advice I was given was still not to do anything about it. (???)

Like Eve21, I'm confused about what it means to have high thyroid antibodies. The doctors keep telling me that I don't need to do anything about it, however this is frustrating when I seem to be experiencing extreme thyroid-like symptoms. Unfortunately, I'm in a non-English speaking country so it's very difficult to communicate about medical issues.

[cheshire]

When you have HIGH ANTIBODIES, the TSH, FT4, and FT3 are no longer useful markers for treatment. Antibodies throw blood tests off considerably so you will have to rely on symptoms. You are not crazy at all -- it's the medical system relying only on tests like the TSH that's crazy!

Although I'm curious what these "normal" TSH, FT4 and FT3 results are?

[EVE21]

THE DOCTOR IS TELLING ME THAT I HAVE HIGH ANTIBODIES IN MY THYROID WHAT DOES THIS MEAN??