TPO antibodies question

[Limarie]

Hello,
I recently went to my Rheumy complaining of general achiness, horrible fatigue and hair loss. I also had a rash from being out in the Florida sun a few days prior ro my appt (I am from MO) so my Rheumy decided to run a TSH (which was in the normal ranges @ 1.59) and TPO antibodies (this test result will hopefully be in tomorrow). My question is: If I have a normal TSH level can I still have TPO antibodies? The above symptoms are the only symptoms (that I know of) that I am experiencing.

Any replys are greatly appreciated!

[TamraW]

Well, different doctors prescribe different drugs. You, as a patient, need to know that you have options.

Some doctors will only prescribe T4 synthetics like Synthroid or Levo.

I take Synthroid, prescribed by a previous endo. It has worked for me, but some people have reactions and need natural stuff like Nature Thryoid or Armour (which are both in a shortage right now). Those people needing their natural meds are going to compounding pharmacies. Most natural drugs are made from pig thyroid and they have T3 and T4 hormones in them.

In a few weeks, my new endo might add the synthetic T3 drug, Cytomel. to my Synthroid, depending on my lab ranges. If my FreeT3 test is low or even mid-range, and I am still tired, he will prescribe a low dosage Cytomel. He is open-minded enough to know that some people also require a T3 drug in addtiion to their T4 drugs. Many endos will only prescribe T4 drugs because they believe their patients' bodies will naturally convert the T4 to the much needed T3 hormone. For some people, their bodies do effectively convert T3. Others don't.

I hope I haven't confused you.

:) Tamra

[Limarie]

Thanks so much for all the info! I should get my reults hopefully today!
TamaraW, are you on any meds for your Hashi's? If so could you tell me what they are?

Again I really appreciate you gals taking the time to reply to my post!
Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Lisa

[Smilerdeb]

I totally agree with goolarra's posting.

[TamraW]

I have Hashi. My TSH were 'normal' at 2.69 and 2.74.

Parathryoid disease can also have similar symptoms. That's what we thought I had at first.

You will need the following blood tests for parathryoid:
PTH (parathyriod hormone)
Serum and ionized calcium

Visit www.parathyroid.com for info about this disease.

The Hashi antibody blood tests are the:
TGab
Anti-TPO
And the basic thyroid blood tests are the:
FT3
FT4
TSH

If thyroid is suspected then a thyroid ultrasound is recommended.

:) Tamra

[goolarra]

Yes, you can have "normal" TSH and still have TPO antibodies.  It takes the antibodies time (from decades to a few months) to destroy enough of your thyroid function to make you hypo.  In addition to TSH and TPOab, you should have free T3 and free T4 tested.  T3 and T4 are the actual thyroid hormones (unlike TSH, which is a pituitary hormone) and indicate thyroid status much better than TSH.

[Limarie]

I failed to mention that I have gained about 25 pounds in the past few months.