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Synthroid recommended; confused about TPO?

Hello everyone

I am a 22yo female considering medication for hypothyroidism after antidepressants for related symptoms were ineffective + blood tests were recommended by therapist

TSH originally tested at 4.00 at Uni health center (w/ 4.2 as upper cut-off value); more comprehensive test later resulted in these values:

TSH: 2.58
T3: 92
T4: 6.6
TPO: 16

Unfortunately results were given over the phone and I forgot to ask about lab ranges, but doc described panel as 'sluggish' and prescribed synthroid

Mostly my questions are: what are the typical cut-off values for TPO? I can find similar example values for T3, etc. but not TPO; not sure why? Also, has anyone had good results taking levothyroxine with similarly 'borderline' lab values?

Parent recently had bad experience with (not thyroid-related) prescription that was ineffective w/ very high potential for negative side effects, and is a little freaked out about me starting on something; looking for reassurance + other people's stories

Thanks so much,
hypobole
Best Answer
649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
Reference ranges vary from lab to lab and have to come from your own report... can you call the doctor back and get the ranges for those labs?  

Also, can you find out if those are Free T3 and Free T4 or if they are Total T3 and Total T4? They aren't the same tests.  If not specified, they will be Total T3 and Total T4, which aren't as helpful as the Free T3 and Free T4.

I'm assuming that your therapist is checking to see if you have Hashimoto's; apparently, he doesn't know that there are 2 antibody tests that can confirm/rule that out... he only ordered one of those... TPOab is one of them - please confirm that's the test he ordered and not an actual TPO test, since TPO (thyroid peroxidase) is an enzyme used to produce thyroid hormones...TPOab is antibodies that attack TPO so the thyroid can't produce hormones.  

The other antibody test is Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb). Thyroglobulin is a protein also used within the thyroid gland and the TgAb attack that, diminishing thyroid function.  You should ask for that test as well.

On a positive note, the "side effects" from thyroid hormones are, typically, those of under treatment or over treatment, so you shouldn't have any trouble, as long as you have a doctor well schooled in thyroid disorders.  I'm happy to see that your therapist was astute enough to order thyroid testing, since depression, anxiety and other mental issue are some top hypo symptoms...
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Avatar universal
Thank you very much for your reply! I will call the doctor's office tomorrow morning and get the lab range as well as the Free vs. Total clarification
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