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Does testing positive for antibodies mean Hashimoto's

I have a thyroid nodule 2.5 cm when found, has grown slightly. Benign biopsy. Blood work came back as: thyroid perioxidase over 900, thyroglobulin ab 6. Tsh 11.53. T3 126 (normal). T4 0.6 (low). This is first time levels haven't been "normal". The antibodies concern me. Have dry skin, hair, etc. Not cold, opposite usually. Can't get endo to call me back.Pcp said she wanted to start thyroid meds. Any thoughts?
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There is info confirming that the level of antibodies is diminished some with the supplements mentioned by Emily; however, that will not eliminate the Hasi's nor the damage already done to your thyroid gland.  Your hypothyroid symptoms require thyroid med adequate to raise your Free T4 to the middle of the range, at min. and your Free T3 in the upper part of its range, as needed to relieve symptoms.  Also, don't overlook the importance of the Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin.  

So, yes you should get your doctor to start you on thyroid med and increase as needed to relieve symptoms, as described.  Also make sure they always test for both Free T4 and Free  T3 each time you go for tests.
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You can bring your TPO antibodies down by including Selenium, zinc and magnesium supplements to some extent. Talk to your doctor regarding the dosage. And of course,  a good clean diet can help you as well.
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No need for concern about the antibodies test result.  We have had many members with higher levels.  Your result, along with the high TSH and you symptoms clearly indicate Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  With Hashi's the autoimmune system erroneously identifies the thyroid gland as foreign to the body and produces antibodies to attack and eventually destroy the gland.  As this proceeds, the output of thyroid hormone is diminished and the Free T4 and free T3 levels drop and the TSH rises.  In order to relieve symptoms thyroid med is prescribed.  

A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as needed to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not test results, and especially not TSH results as you continue to increase your med dosage.  In fact, when taking adequate doses of thyroid med, the TSH often becomes suppressed below range.  That does not indicate hyperthyroidism, unless you have hyper symptoms due to excessive levels of Free T4 and Free T3.  

Thyroid patients are frequently deficient in other areas as well.  So, I suggest testing for Vitamin D, B12, and ferritin and then supplementing as need to optimize.  D should be about 50, B12 in the upper end of its range, and ferritin should be about 70 min.  I also suggest testing for cortisol, since it also can affect metabolism of thyroid hormone.  
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Thank you for that good information.Interestingly, my D and B12 were low, as well. That now makes sense.  Thank you again!
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