Got my TSH and AntiTPO tested again, need advice

[AishaPThyroid]

So I got myself tested again, my TSH is 2.93

AntiTPO antibodies are 48.04, the reference range is 0-34, my results for the same test 6 months back was 44 and my TSH was 2.72. This month my period was 8 days late and I've been having terrible dry skin on my face as well, bowel movements aren't good either, I pass blood nearly once a week.

does this mean I have hashi's or graves?  No one seems to give me a clear answer.

[Barb135]

Well, you did get medication; cudos to your mother for standing up to the jerky doctor...lol  

Your symptoms are clearly hypo, so it's good that you got the med; however, I think if it were me, I'd think about cutting the dose in 1/2 until your body gets used to it.  Starting at too high a dose can cause symptoms to become worse.  Generally, it's best to start a low dose 12.5-25 mcg, then increase slowly, as your body gets used to the med.

You might also see about getting a Thyroglobulin Antibody (TGab) test done.  Both TPOab and TGab can indicate Hashimoto's, so you really need to have them both.  Even though your TPOab was relatively low (even though over range), TGab might be much higher, which would confirm Hashi's.

You really need the Free T3/Free T4 in order to determine you actual thyroid status.  Make that the first request for your new doctor, or if you don't find a new doctor right away, take your mother with you and demand adequate testing from your current doctor; after all, even though he got mad at being questioned, he did cough up the script for the med.

[AishaPThyroid]

So I went to the doctor again today, he said my reports are absolutely normal and I am absolutely fine and dont need anything and told me to go, after which my mom said 'umm but her AntiTPO is clearly on the higher side which is mentioned in the report, plus her period was 10 days late, she has terrible dry skin on her face (I use cetaphil soap which eczema patients use as its very mild, but yet i develop dry flaky skin with rashes on my face and they burn) + hairfall, super lazy, weight gain and constipation , so whats all this about?' so then he got damn mad and prescribed Thyronorm 50mg for me :P

So yeah, I'm not sure abt this, and yes I need to find a new doctor -_-

[goolarra]

As Barb mentuoned, you really do need to ask your doctor to test FT3 and FT4 along with TSH.  TSH is nothing but a screening test and once you have symptoms and/or are on meds, it is just about useless alone.

Ask your doctor about trying magnesium oxide for the constipation.  Since you have symptoms, you shouldn't wait six months before exploring this with further testing.  Don't let your doctor keep you sick...find another.

[AishaPThyroid]

The doctor told me to get TSH and AntiTPO tested only, No I haven't had any ultrasound to see if I have any swelling or nodules, yes Im usually constipated no matter what i have -_-

The doctor did not give me any drugs or anything, he told me that I should get these tests done again after 6 months and I should meet him 'if my throat swells up in these 6 months'

Also, thank you for replying to my query so nicely :D

[Barb135]

What other thyroid tests have you had?  You should also be getting Free T3 and Free T4, along with the TSH.

Your antibody count is very low and there are other autoimmune diseases that can present low levels of TPOab, though most likely, you would have Hashi's.  

Have you had a thyroid ultra sound to determine whether or not you  have nodules and/or inflammation/swelling in your thyroid?

'bowel movements aren't good either, I pass blood nearly once a week." Are you having constipation or diarrhea?  The blood could come from hemorrhoids.

Are you on any type of thyroid replacement hormones, anti-thyroid drugs, etc?  If so, which one(s)?  What dosage and for how long?