How can I lower my TPOAb when everything else seems in range?

[Speyes]

Hi all,

I'm sort of new to this because of major curiosity. I just had my thyroid re-checked just recently and noticed that my TPOAb number is 312 when back in May 2008 it was 150. At the time, I was still taking methamizole, however in June, I was told to get off it. Now, my T4free is 1.21 (in range) and my TSH is .55(in range). Any thoughts how I can lower my TPOAb other than medications? I heard about selenium supplements but wonder if there is any validity to them

Thanks,

[AR-10]

The FNA biopsy/hurthle cell examination is also how some people can have Hashimoto's with NO antibodies present.

I know this is confusing, but it is possible to have Hashimoto's and test negative for any antibodies.

That's why I said the only conclusive test for Hashimoto's is an FNA that finds hurthle cells with characteristics specific to Hashimoto's.

If you go to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), the guidline they use to diagnose Hashimoto's is; a high TPOab with either a goiter or low T4/T3 hormones.

But it is more complicated than that.

[AR-10]

TPOab or TGab, along with low hormone levels and a high TSH.

The standard definition for Hashimoto's is a positive test for TPOab, along with low T3/T4 hormone levels OR a goiter.

In reality you can be diagnosed with Hashimoto's with no TPOab. If you have TGab and a goiter or low hormone levels, that can also result in a diagnosis of Hashimoto's.

The only No-sh*t-this-is-for-real test for Hashimoto's is an FNA biopsy that finds hurthle cells that display a certain visible characteristic only found in Hashimoto's patients.

Less that 1% of thyroid patients get that test, for obvious reasons. Big needle...pain...blood test is close enough all of a sudden. Cheaper, and almost as reliable.

As far as Selenium, it is worth a try. Do not expect it to help. It may, or it may not. But it's always worth a try.

Five studies were conducted using 200mcg daily of selenium. Some people showed improvement, and some people did not. The fly in the ointment is that some people in the study taking a placebo exhibited the same results as those taking selenium.

So the general feeling is, it might help, and it won't hurt unless you take a toxic dose, which is possible. The upper safe limit of selenium intake is considered 400mcg per day, and we all get some in food as well as multivitamins.

That is why 200mcg is considered a safe dose. More than that, and you may accidentally ingest too much selenium from other sources as well.

As with most vitamins and minerals, it is possible to take toxic amounts if you do not follow guidlines.

But if you test positive for TSI antibodies, you have Grave's disease regardless of how a TPOab test or a TGab test looks.

[stella5349]

What would be the indicator of Hashi's then on a blood test?

[AR-10]

You can have TPOab and have Grave's Disease.

You can test positive for as many as five thyroid antibodies and have Grave's.

If you test positive for TSI, you have Grave's Disease, period.

TPOab is not a Hashimoto's antibody. It is a thyroid antibody.

[stella5349]

There is controversary on the selenium - but as a Hashi patient - I started selenium and I think symptom wise ( neck tightness - and heat ) it has helped me.

I do not have my TPO's checked often - in fact my first ever check was done last month. ( in the 900's ) I knew I had it - but prior doctors didn't reach out enough to test for it.

I think my my experience - it has helped me - but I do not have documented proof it has lowered my Hashi antibodies at all. as long as I don't have that tightness and heat going in my neck I am happy.

Hmmmmmmm  - looking at your post - you say you were on methamizole- which is usually treatment for Graves disease ( hyperthyroidism) and a hypo Hashi test was done?

Are you sure you are not Graves/Hashi together? Makes sense on why they pulled you off the Methamizole with your labs in June. Your not hyper ( based on labs) and you do not require that drug any longer. I'd be curious on what a TSI lab reading would be too.

Taking a stab at a possibility - your thyroid - If you had Graves ( hyperT) first could be dying off now and you could be swinging to the opposite side now of Hashi ( TPOab) hypothyroidism.

I'd keep checking your labs regularly ( every 8 weeks at max) You may find you will need thyroid meds down the road.