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Can TPO ever fluctuate??
Hello- Please help. I'm so confused. I'm 48 years old, have exercised all my life, ate healthy. Can the thyroid's TPO test show high because the thryroid was compromised due to dental problems? What I'm trying to ask is can the thryoid bounce back from a high TPO result? For 6 months I went to a dentist, dental surgeon, endodontist, and finally a periodontist to find out what exactly was wrong with my constant pain in my tooth. After numerous root canals and antibiotic, about 10 in those 6 months the periodontist told me what was wrong. Keep in mind I floss and brush regularly....
After this ordeal which was stressful and with all the antibiotics I was on now I'm showing signs of hypothyroidism. Can my thyroid bounce back after a month or two and become better by itself???
I really don't want to take synthroid for the rest of my life if I don't have too.
I'm 128lbs (same as high school), 5'5" walk/run 20 miles a week and very active. I have no signs of hypo other then tired with 4 children. My hair and skin is healthy also.
I'm really scared and don't know who to turn too. My doctor said I have to take the medicine or I'll be sick. She won't listen to me and won't think of Armour. I was to get my adrenal glands checked and my progesterone checked but she isn't calling. If feel so lost. I know two people on synthroid and they can't even walk 1 mile, can't lose weight and have hair loss....
After this ordeal which was stressful and with all the antibiotics I was on now I'm showing signs of hypothyroidism. Can my thyroid bounce back after a month or two and become better by itself???
I really don't want to take synthroid for the rest of my life if I don't have too.
I'm 128lbs (same as high school), 5'5" walk/run 20 miles a week and very active. I have no signs of hypo other then tired with 4 children. My hair and skin is healthy also.
I'm really scared and don't know who to turn too. My doctor said I have to take the medicine or I'll be sick. She won't listen to me and won't think of Armour. I was to get my adrenal glands checked and my progesterone checked but she isn't calling. If feel so lost. I know two people on synthroid and they can't even walk 1 mile, can't lose weight and have hair loss....
Elevated TPOab indicates that you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease. Once you have TPOab, you have it for life. Yes, it fluctuates, even wildly at times intraday, but it never goes away. Why the immune system decides to attack the thyroid is unknown. Your thyroid will not become better by itself, and you will have to be on replacement hormones for the rest of your life.
What other thyroid tests have they done? If you have other results, please post with reference ranges. Your doctor must provide these to you upon request. Don't forget to get reference ranges since these are specific to each lab and have to come from your own lab report.
The two people you know on Synthroid sound to me like their meds are not being properly adjusted. If meds are fine-tuned properly, the patient should be symptom-free. I'd advise them to get on this forum, learn more about their condition, and get doctors who understand thyroid disease.
Many of us are on Synthroid (or Levoxyl, generic levothyroxine, etc.). I feel fine...there's no reason to fear being on it. It's not a drug, but replacement of hormones that your body must have. Your doctor is right...you will eventually be sick without meds. Granted, it would be nice not to have to take meds, but that is not an option.
The discussion about Armour and other dessicated products vs. synthetics is long and complicated. It's best to research both sides of this argument thoroughly. I will tell you that if anyone says that one or the other is the ONLY way to go, forget them. Different things work for different people. If you check the archives, you'll find many discussions on this subject.
Your friends need help to feel well. Pleae encourage them to learn more about their condition.
Post your labs if you have them.
What other thyroid tests have they done? If you have other results, please post with reference ranges. Your doctor must provide these to you upon request. Don't forget to get reference ranges since these are specific to each lab and have to come from your own lab report.
The two people you know on Synthroid sound to me like their meds are not being properly adjusted. If meds are fine-tuned properly, the patient should be symptom-free. I'd advise them to get on this forum, learn more about their condition, and get doctors who understand thyroid disease.
Many of us are on Synthroid (or Levoxyl, generic levothyroxine, etc.). I feel fine...there's no reason to fear being on it. It's not a drug, but replacement of hormones that your body must have. Your doctor is right...you will eventually be sick without meds. Granted, it would be nice not to have to take meds, but that is not an option.
The discussion about Armour and other dessicated products vs. synthetics is long and complicated. It's best to research both sides of this argument thoroughly. I will tell you that if anyone says that one or the other is the ONLY way to go, forget them. Different things work for different people. If you check the archives, you'll find many discussions on this subject.
Your friends need help to feel well. Pleae encourage them to learn more about their condition.
Post your labs if you have them.
Thank you very much for your answer. From what the nurse told me my T4 was 2.2 last June and now it's 5.5. My TPO came back at 600?? How serious is this? Would you recommended other tests?
After an abundance of reading I'm wondering if I should get my adrenal glands checked?
I appreciate your help.
I'm wondering if this is a secondary problem that something else is causing my TPO to be off.
After an abundance of reading I'm wondering if I should get my adrenal glands checked?
I appreciate your help.
I'm wondering if this is a secondary problem that something else is causing my TPO to be off.
Also I did have a scan of my thyroid and no nodules and size was fine. Thanks for your expertise.
Is that your T4 that's 5.5 or your TSH? It looks more like a TSH number. If it's T4, I also need the reference range since ranges are specific to each lab and have to come from your own lab report...the nurse can give you the range also. I always find it best to pick up a printed report for my records...this eliminates errors when numbers are read to you, and the reference ranges are included on the report.
The actual TPO numbers don't matter a whole lot. You're basically either positive or negative. Often the numbers are very high. The last time mine was done, TPOab was over 900, TGab over 3000. But, positive is positive...
I'd call the doctor again and find out exactly which tests were run. Then I can recommend what further testing you should have.
I doubt this is a secondary problem...antibodies are very specific...designed to attack only one thing (your thyroid, in this case), and once you have them, you have them for life (unless the thyroid is removed for some other reason or it's completely "killed" off, in which case antibodies can go into remission).
The actual TPO numbers don't matter a whole lot. You're basically either positive or negative. Often the numbers are very high. The last time mine was done, TPOab was over 900, TGab over 3000. But, positive is positive...
I'd call the doctor again and find out exactly which tests were run. Then I can recommend what further testing you should have.
I doubt this is a secondary problem...antibodies are very specific...designed to attack only one thing (your thyroid, in this case), and once you have them, you have them for life (unless the thyroid is removed for some other reason or it's completely "killed" off, in which case antibodies can go into remission).
Thank you I appreciate your feedback. Yes T4 Tsh was 5.5. Perioxidase TPO was 600. Actually I requested the lab send me a copy also when I had the blood work done last week so I'm waiting for it in the mail. Should arrive today or tomorrow. I'll post when I have more info. I appreciate your guidance tremendously. :)
Just to clarify - T4 and TSH are two different tests.
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is a pituitary hormone that is a "messenger" from your pituitary (master endocrine gland) to your thyroid to tell it to produce more T3 and T4, the actual thyroid hormones. For TSH, we use the AACE recommended reference range of 0.3-3.0, no matter what your lab reference range says. TSH of 5.5 can indicate hypo.
T3 and T4 tests can be total T3 and total T4 (totals are considered obsolete and have been replaced by frees) or free T3 and free T4 (these are the ones you want). The totals tell the total amount of each hormone in the blood. However, much of that is chemically bound by protein and thus useless to your cells. FT3 and FT4 tell what is actually available for your body to use. For FT3 and FT4, you have to get the reference range from your own lab report as these change from lab to lab.
It will be interesting to see which other tests they've run...keep us posted.
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is a pituitary hormone that is a "messenger" from your pituitary (master endocrine gland) to your thyroid to tell it to produce more T3 and T4, the actual thyroid hormones. For TSH, we use the AACE recommended reference range of 0.3-3.0, no matter what your lab reference range says. TSH of 5.5 can indicate hypo.
T3 and T4 tests can be total T3 and total T4 (totals are considered obsolete and have been replaced by frees) or free T3 and free T4 (these are the ones you want). The totals tell the total amount of each hormone in the blood. However, much of that is chemically bound by protein and thus useless to your cells. FT3 and FT4 tell what is actually available for your body to use. For FT3 and FT4, you have to get the reference range from your own lab report as these change from lab to lab.
It will be interesting to see which other tests they've run...keep us posted.
Hi. I just picked up a copy of my recent lab reports:
3/1/10
Vitamin D 25.2 (Low she asked me to take 1000 extra vitamin D a day)
TSH 5.44 (range should be 0.450-4.55 from what this results states)
3/18/10
TSH 4.680
T4 (Free Direct) 1.05 (range .82-1.77)
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) ab 600
Thank you for your time helping me to understand hypo.
3/1/10
Vitamin D 25.2 (Low she asked me to take 1000 extra vitamin D a day)
TSH 5.44 (range should be 0.450-4.55 from what this results states)
3/18/10
TSH 4.680
T4 (Free Direct) 1.05 (range .82-1.77)
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) ab 600
Thank you for your time helping me to understand hypo.
The currently accepted range for TSH, according to AACE, is 0.3-3.0. Most labs are using obsolete ranges still. So, both your TSH readings were high. Your FT4 is in range, but very low in the range. Midrange is the rule of thumb for FT4...midrange doean't work for everyone, but it is a guideline until we establish our own comfort zone. Your FT4 is in the bottom quarter.
The next time you have labwork, insist on FT3 as well. It's the most biologically active thyroid hormone, and establishing a personal history is very important. It can make diagnosis of any problems that arise later so much easier. At the moment I don't think you really need any further testing. You’ve had your U/S; you have a diagnosis of Hashi’s; you know that your FT4 is approaching borderline; you’re asymptomatic at the moment.
Of course, since you have Hashi's, the antibodies are going to continue to destroy thyroid function, and you will eventually become symptomatic. Now, you and your doctor have to decide when to start treatment, which is a controversial subject. Some argue that it’s best to start before symptoms appear because it takes pressure off the thyroid and can forestall some of the physical problems of the thyroid that result. Others argue that it’s useless to treat early, since the cause of Hashi’s is untreatable, and the only goal of treatment is symptom relief. I encourage you to read as much as you can on both sides of the argument. Let me know if you have questions, and I’ll be happy to play devil’s advocate for either side!
Do you have an appointment set to discuss your latest results with your doctor?
The next time you have labwork, insist on FT3 as well. It's the most biologically active thyroid hormone, and establishing a personal history is very important. It can make diagnosis of any problems that arise later so much easier. At the moment I don't think you really need any further testing. You’ve had your U/S; you have a diagnosis of Hashi’s; you know that your FT4 is approaching borderline; you’re asymptomatic at the moment.
Of course, since you have Hashi's, the antibodies are going to continue to destroy thyroid function, and you will eventually become symptomatic. Now, you and your doctor have to decide when to start treatment, which is a controversial subject. Some argue that it’s best to start before symptoms appear because it takes pressure off the thyroid and can forestall some of the physical problems of the thyroid that result. Others argue that it’s useless to treat early, since the cause of Hashi’s is untreatable, and the only goal of treatment is symptom relief. I encourage you to read as much as you can on both sides of the argument. Let me know if you have questions, and I’ll be happy to play devil’s advocate for either side!
Do you have an appointment set to discuss your latest results with your doctor?
So it's inevitable that I will definitely have problems down the road? Are there any stories where the thyroid went back to normal anywhere?? Without meds. I guess I'm in denial. My doctor is adamant about taking synthroid now. Oh my FT4 was 1.13 on 3/1. So it went up as my TSH came down a few weeks later.
No doctors appt yet she wants to order the synthroid then do more lab work in July with a follow up then.
I'm just torn between Natural (NatureThroid or Armour) and Synthetic at this point. Or just wait till July without taking any meds. I wonder if my Vitamin D goes up will my thyroid heal. Just a thought.
Thank you gollarra I appreciate your replies. I'll let you know what happens.
No doctors appt yet she wants to order the synthroid then do more lab work in July with a follow up then.
I'm just torn between Natural (NatureThroid or Armour) and Synthetic at this point. Or just wait till July without taking any meds. I wonder if my Vitamin D goes up will my thyroid heal. Just a thought.
Thank you gollarra I appreciate your replies. I'll let you know what happens.
I just received mail from the Dr. She has a prescription for synthroid .05mg 1 po q am on empty stomach.
She wants me to go for a progesterone lab work now.
April the 3rd week Tsh +Free T4 labwork.
She wants me to go for a progesterone lab work now.
April the 3rd week Tsh +Free T4 labwork.
Well, I'm sure almost everything happens SOMETIME, like spontaneous remission of antibodies, but I've never heard of it, and I really wouldn't hold my breath.
Yes, it is inevitable. However, sometimes antibodies are present for years or even decades before thyroid function is compromised enough to cause symptoms. On the other hand, it can go like gangbusters.
FT4 will go up and down in the early stages of Hashi's. The thyroid doesn't just quit working on a nice, even straight-line slope. Instead, it works in fits and starts...some days too little, some too much.
Vitamin D might help you feel better, but it's not going to cure your Hashi's.
Most of us start out on synthetics. They're arguably the easiest to control IF they work for you. The "natural" thyroid products have had a very tough past year. Armour was reformulated, causing it not to work for people who had done extremely well on it for years. That prompted people to flock to other dessicated brands, which caused a shortage (nationwide) in them. It was a mess, and some people are still trying to recover from it.
Your doctor seems to be doing the right things. 50 mcg is a reasonable start if you are under fifty and have no other health issues (especially heart arrythmia). Also, she's retesting in about four weeks, which is good timing when your dose is new or being adjusted. Ask her to order FT3 also to establish your history. Many doctors don't like to order FT3 (it's a constant issue on the forum), but should do so upon patient request.
I'd still encourage you to research both sides of the "when to start meds" issue.
Yes, it is inevitable. However, sometimes antibodies are present for years or even decades before thyroid function is compromised enough to cause symptoms. On the other hand, it can go like gangbusters.
FT4 will go up and down in the early stages of Hashi's. The thyroid doesn't just quit working on a nice, even straight-line slope. Instead, it works in fits and starts...some days too little, some too much.
Vitamin D might help you feel better, but it's not going to cure your Hashi's.
Most of us start out on synthetics. They're arguably the easiest to control IF they work for you. The "natural" thyroid products have had a very tough past year. Armour was reformulated, causing it not to work for people who had done extremely well on it for years. That prompted people to flock to other dessicated brands, which caused a shortage (nationwide) in them. It was a mess, and some people are still trying to recover from it.
Your doctor seems to be doing the right things. 50 mcg is a reasonable start if you are under fifty and have no other health issues (especially heart arrythmia). Also, she's retesting in about four weeks, which is good timing when your dose is new or being adjusted. Ask her to order FT3 also to establish your history. Many doctors don't like to order FT3 (it's a constant issue on the forum), but should do so upon patient request.
I'd still encourage you to research both sides of the "when to start meds" issue.
Thank you. I've read my post to my friend who is losing her hair and feels miserable on synthroid even though her levels are fine and she is going for blood work thanks to all your information.
I called the Dr. and spoke to the nurse to ask if I can take the Free T3 blood work with the progesterone test this week. And also if she had any objections for me trying the NatureThroid first even though she is against it. I will see what response I get.
If its ok I will post the FT3 level to see what your thoughts are and let you know what I decided.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your information and support. It's been a great help.
Oh I do have a Left Branch Bundle Block that I was born with. Forgot to mention this because all the doctors seem to think nothing of it. Does this interfere with synthroid and the heart category? I actually sky dived a few times in the last ten years and was told I can keep doing so if I wanted too even with the LBBB. But I'm not sure if the synthroid will pose any dangers.
I called the Dr. and spoke to the nurse to ask if I can take the Free T3 blood work with the progesterone test this week. And also if she had any objections for me trying the NatureThroid first even though she is against it. I will see what response I get.
If its ok I will post the FT3 level to see what your thoughts are and let you know what I decided.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your information and support. It's been a great help.
Oh I do have a Left Branch Bundle Block that I was born with. Forgot to mention this because all the doctors seem to think nothing of it. Does this interfere with synthroid and the heart category? I actually sky dived a few times in the last ten years and was told I can keep doing so if I wanted too even with the LBBB. But I'm not sure if the synthroid will pose any dangers.
I'd definitely discuss the LBBB with your doctor before starting meds...and make sure she hears your concerns. When I started levo, I asked my PCP specifically about taking the levo with my Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (a congenital "miswiring" of the heart). She assured me that there was absolutely no problem, and she was dead wrong.
It's especially important to discuss this with her before you start taking any meds with T3 in them (NatureThroid is a combination T3/T4 med). T3 and heart issues often do not mix.
I don't know much about LBBB, but would want to discuss it with both the doctor prescribing levo and your cardiologist, if you have one.
It's especially important to discuss this with her before you start taking any meds with T3 in them (NatureThroid is a combination T3/T4 med). T3 and heart issues often do not mix.
I don't know much about LBBB, but would want to discuss it with both the doctor prescribing levo and your cardiologist, if you have one.
A big Thank You.
Great point. I will call the cardiologist tomorrow to let her know my concerns. Will let you know. Now, as I often worry about the what ifs, I'm wondering if I have to take the sythroid and need T3 what is a person like me to do then?
Goolarra what did you do then? You are on synthroid correct?
I'll post tomorrow.
Great point. I will call the cardiologist tomorrow to let her know my concerns. Will let you know. Now, as I often worry about the what ifs, I'm wondering if I have to take the sythroid and need T3 what is a person like me to do then?
Goolarra what did you do then? You are on synthroid correct?
I'll post tomorrow.
The levo wrought havoc with my WPW syndrome. My PCP had started me on WAY too high a dose of levo, and I had to keep cutting back and cutting back and finally had to start taking a beta blocker to counter the levo effects.
I don't know what I would do if I ever needed to add T3 meds or just take straight T3 for some reason...some bridges are best left until they absolutely HAVE to be crossed...
However, now, the levo and the beta blockers seem to be balanced. I've never had to think about taking T3 (knocking on wood here). One step at a time...
I don't know what I would do if I ever needed to add T3 meds or just take straight T3 for some reason...some bridges are best left until they absolutely HAVE to be crossed...
However, now, the levo and the beta blockers seem to be balanced. I've never had to think about taking T3 (knocking on wood here). One step at a time...
Ok I'm just getting overwhelmed by the T3 talk.
Will take a long deep breathe and take it one step at a time....great that you are balanced now. I was curious of how you reached your outcome.
Will take a long deep breathe and take it one step at a time....great that you are balanced now. I was curious of how you reached your outcome.
Last night again I started doing extensive reading. I may be in denial but I"m still not sold I have a definite problem. Right before my blood tests about 2 weeks I was recovering from the worse upper respiratory infection I ever had. I was on mega doses of antibiotic. This after just getting off the tenth antibiotics for my tooth that had an infection that no doctors supposedly could find.
This could be a long shot but quite possible I may have subacute thyroiditis. I remember waking up twice in the last month and touching my earlobe there was extreme pain. I went back to sleep thinking I slept on it wrong and it was gone by morning. I had a hoarse voice up until about 5 days ago. I'm showing symptoms of subacute thyroiditis.
This could be a little ray of hope for anyone in my position. I'm not willing to go on synthroid or any Natural Drug until I know for sure I have this disease.
Although I have a prescription for synthroid I'm going to wait until the third week in April and take the blood tests again and see what happens. If my levels go up then I know what I need to do. But if they go down again then I will monitor it the next month again.
I will post back in April. If by one small miracle my thyroid goes back to normal as it does in subacute thyroiditis I will let you know.
Thanks again for everything and I'll do the followup in April.
This could be a long shot but quite possible I may have subacute thyroiditis. I remember waking up twice in the last month and touching my earlobe there was extreme pain. I went back to sleep thinking I slept on it wrong and it was gone by morning. I had a hoarse voice up until about 5 days ago. I'm showing symptoms of subacute thyroiditis.
This could be a little ray of hope for anyone in my position. I'm not willing to go on synthroid or any Natural Drug until I know for sure I have this disease.
Although I have a prescription for synthroid I'm going to wait until the third week in April and take the blood tests again and see what happens. If my levels go up then I know what I need to do. But if they go down again then I will monitor it the next month again.
I will post back in April. If by one small miracle my thyroid goes back to normal as it does in subacute thyroiditis I will let you know.
Thanks again for everything and I'll do the followup in April.
Two things regarding subacute or "silent" thyroiditis: It's by and large post-partum, and TPOab is not elevated.
However, you don't have symptoms at the moment, and waiting until April is not going to impact your health to any great degree, unless you do become symptomatic during that time. I see no problem in a "wait and see" attitude for a month. Bear in mind that antibodies can vary wildly, even intraday, so "going down" is not significant. They regularly go back and forth from one lab to the next.
Anyway, I wish you luck and please do keep us posted. It will be interesting to see your bloodwork in April.
However, you don't have symptoms at the moment, and waiting until April is not going to impact your health to any great degree, unless you do become symptomatic during that time. I see no problem in a "wait and see" attitude for a month. Bear in mind that antibodies can vary wildly, even intraday, so "going down" is not significant. They regularly go back and forth from one lab to the next.
Anyway, I wish you luck and please do keep us posted. It will be interesting to see your bloodwork in April.
Ok thank you. My TPOab was elevated...I guess not a good sign.
Talk to you in April..
Talk to you in April..
Hello. I just wanted to let you know last week I had my lab work done and I'm awaiting the results. I did get a second opinion from another doctor (general). Mainly to just listen to my thoughts and for the natural medicine and my concern for the LBBB. He was adamant that I didn't need to go on medicine at this point and if I did take the dose my doctor prescribed I would go hyper. He had several patients that were in my situation and 'waited' and they didn't need to go on medication. I was surprised at this consultation.
I will post my lab report as soon as I get it. Thanks again.
I will post my lab report as soon as I get it. Thanks again.
Hi I did receive some of the results back..Not sure why the TSH was not included but I will post as I acquire them. I also had my progesterone level checked.
Cortisol 8.6 ref range 2.3-19.4
Vit D 25 Hydroxy 37.4 ref range 32-100 (they said 32 to be optimal)
Reverse T3 201 ref range 90-350
THyroid Peroxidase (TPO) ab ref range 600
The TPO is still high...my Vit D went up to normal range it was slightly lower.
Thank you for you time in reading my lab work.
Cortisol 8.6 ref range 2.3-19.4
Vit D 25 Hydroxy 37.4 ref range 32-100 (they said 32 to be optimal)
Reverse T3 201 ref range 90-350
THyroid Peroxidase (TPO) ab ref range 600
The TPO is still high...my Vit D went up to normal range it was slightly lower.
Thank you for you time in reading my lab work.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Your vitamin D is still too low, even though it's in the reference range - 32 is the bottom of the range, not opitmal. It's generally considered that you should be around 80 to be optimal.
Did you not have TSH and FT4/FT3 done? Those are the tests that will tell you whether or not you need to take the synthroid.
Do you really mean that the reference range for TPOab is 600, or was that your result? Your antibodies are still high, indicating that you have autoimmune thyroid disease. In my opinion, you most likely need the med. If you start taking a low dose now, you might be able to prevent some of the nightmares that some of us go through.
Did you not have TSH and FT4/FT3 done? Those are the tests that will tell you whether or not you need to take the synthroid.
Do you really mean that the reference range for TPOab is 600, or was that your result? Your antibodies are still high, indicating that you have autoimmune thyroid disease. In my opinion, you most likely need the med. If you start taking a low dose now, you might be able to prevent some of the nightmares that some of us go through.
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