Nothing has been scientifically proven to lower antibody counts. The TPOab numbers don't really matter -- once you have Hashimoto's, you will always have it. Fluctuation is normal.
I've seen no evidence that LDN will decrease antibody counts.
I have a script for LDN but it's a big drama to get it from Brisbane so I've not worried about it so far. I'll do it when I feel up to it. My TPO antibodies decreased somewhat after taking selenium. There are plenty of clinical trials showing selenium lowers TPOAb although the results depend on the person.
This is an excerpt from the article Hashimotos – The Autoimmune Thyroid Attack...
"WHAT ABOUT LOW DOSE NALTREXONE and HASHI’S?
Naltrexone is a an opioid antagonist, and when taken in low doses, has been found to elevate your endorphins, which in turn promotes better immune function. Thus, many Hashi’s patients report a lowering of their antibodies while using this medication. It may be challenging to get a prescription from your doctor if he or she hasn’t learned about the effectiveness of LDN, so you can refer him to this LDN science site.
The way it’s used by patients is to dissolve one 50 mg tablet with 50 ml of distilled water in an amber glass bottle. It has to be shaken before use. Using a baby medicine dropper, or even more accurate, a syringe, many patients start at 1.5 ml and mix it with water or juice. It’s taken a bedtime, since the best action occurs during sleep. Patients report vivid dreaming the first several nights, but it goes away. They slowly make their way up to 3 mg. The maximum is 4.5, but many like the results from 3 mg. Once antibodies fall, you may suddenly find yourself on too much medication for your needs. Check into LDN groups on Yahoo and Facebook."
Can you please provide a link to the article you're referring to?
Hey Barb, just google the article name. I don't post links on this forum anymore.
Took some time... good thing you didn't post the link... links from that site are not allowed here. Unfortunately, I have very little faith in what's published on their site.
If I get a chance, I'll look around for some scientific evidence.
thanks Red! I will certainly look into it!
So Barb, you have not tried it?
thanks
Thom
Yes LDN, I assumed you have because you are quite knowledgeable about its lack of effectivity.
No, I haven't tried it... I've done a lot of research and I can't find anything scientifically proving that it works. So far, I haven't found scientific proof that "anything" will lower antibody counts, and it really doesn't matter anyway, because the antibodies aren't what cause the main symptoms. Those are caused by the resulting hypothyroidism.
Antibodies will go into remission when the thyroid has been completely destroyed, which mine has been.
Hi Barb. I know this is an old post but I thought I'd chime in. I've been on LDN for 4 months. My doctor prescribed it fibromyalgia and CFS, not for Hashimoto's. I have all 3 conditions and started it because I have been having a severe CFS relapse this year.
The LDN has done WONDERS for fibro pain, tendonitis pain/inflammation, cognitive function and mood. However, so far it has done nothing for the fatigue, but I also need to have my thyroid meds adjusted.
Stanford University has recently done clinical trials on LDN for FM that have proven successful. Penn State has done them for Chrone's. And Duke just completed one (2015) "Use of Low-Dose Naltrexone As Supportive Care for Glioma (Brain Cancer) Patients" All showing great promise. These can all be found at PubMed.
Many Hashimoto's patients have been able to lower their meds. But LDN is not a cure for anything - just another tool in the box that for some can be a real game changer - and especially those who have MS.