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High levels of TPO Antibodies - Do I definitely have Hashimoto's?
Hi all,
I recently received my blood test results after ongoing issues (mentioned here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/is-it-possible-auto-immune-symptoms-but-normal-blood-test-results/)
My blood tests have come back normal except for Vit D (I live in Europe so not a surprise) and TPO Antibody levels of 58 (normal range according to my doctor is 16-34). My doctor told me these results over the phone but has not told me what they mean. I am scheduled to meet with a rheumatologist but this will only happen in May at the earliest.
Do these blood results mean I definitely have Hashimoto's? Is there anyway I could get these results and not have Hashimoto's? My TSH and T4 is normal, which from my research suggests I may have Hashimoto's but not hypothyroidism - am I understanding this correctly? At what point would a doctor actually diagnose someone with Hashimoto's? Is there some other test I need in order to be sure?
Thank you!!
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I’m sorry you’re suffering. I have hypothyroidism and hashimoto’s disease. My TSH when tested was off the charts and my TPO antibodies were almost 600! I definitely have both! I have been treated with Synthroid 112 mcg and I was on Cytomel to treat my hashimoto’s, but it has come down, so I’m off of that now. I didn’t see a T3-Free test done on your blood work up. That is the test for hashimoto’s. The value for T3 should be 0 and mine was almost 600! You are deficient in Vitamin D, so add 5,000 IU daily. Your TPO antibodies are high if that’s what your doctor told you it was. In my opinion, you should be seeing an Endocrinologist, not a Rheumatologist, unless you have RA (rheumatoid arthritis). So to sum this up, you should see an endocrinologist, unless your general practitioner will run the blood test on T3-Free. If this number is over 0, you have hashimoto’s. I have learned how to control mine by diet. I have eliminated several foods that trigger it; dairy, soy, gluten. My weight has come down significantly and I do feel better. I wish you well!
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3 ReactionsI have Hashimotos. My thyroid antibodies are very high. My doctor ordered a thyroid ultrasound. The tech was able to tell me immediately that I have Hashimotos based on the images. I'd suggest requesting an ultrasound.
Take care.
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1 ReactionNo the low end value of TPO is not definitive for Hashimoto’s.
Thyroid antibodies are a common indicator of autoimmunity.
An ultrasound is easy to have done.
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2 ReactionsHopefully I can get some help here as well. Paid for the function health and received test result of TPO at 202. I am shocked. My TSH is 1.8 and Free T4 is 1.0. Does this mean I have Hashimoto? Is TPO of 202 going to go higher or can it go down.? Always only got checked for TSH every 3 to 5 years as I "look" healthy. Same thing with my high cholesterol which I had since my 20s and now 64 years old. Finally asked to have Lp(a) checked and I am way too elevated at 240 nmol.
What tests should be done to see if I do have Hashimoto? I have taken many specialized blood test for my immune system and inflammation markers but never TPO
How high is your TPO? What is considered very high and does it go higher as you get older?
Free T3 and T4, TSH abnormal numbers indicate a current or future Thyroid condition but not which one. Ultrasounds can show physical abnormalities to the Thyroid (nodules) but not Hashimoto's itself. The only widely accepted definitive test to confirm Hashimoto's Disease is a Thyperoxidase (TPO) level. Autoimmune Thyroid disorders cause high Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies. The two main Autoimmune Thyroid disorders are Grave’s disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
Anti-TPO antibodies are present in:
80-95% of cases of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
65-80% of cases of Grave’s disease
10-20% of cases of thyroid cancer.
10-15% of people with no thyroid disorder can have raised TPO antibodies. High TPO antibodies may increase the risk of developing a thyroid disorder in the future
If your Endocrinologist hasn't drawn blood to test for Thyperoxidase level he needs to.
I was absurdly ill for 8 years before they finally diagnosed my Hashimoto's. I tried the three most common Thyroid meds but we couldn't steady my levels. I finally opted to remove my Thyroid at Mayo Jacksonville and they found stage one Papillary Cancer cells so I was very happy I removed it. I started Tirosint after surgery , the med that is the closest to a natural Thyroid. It immediately steadied my levels and I haven't had to adjust the dosage since I started it 8 years ago. Most Hashimoto's patients take a Vitamin D dose once a week.
You can search for Thyperoxidase in the Mayo search bar though it doesn't really explain it well. When I was first tested I think the normal range was 0.0 to either 5.9 (or 8.9 maybe?). Mine was over 300 and when my Endocrinologist told me the result number I actually stood up and did a dance of JOY right in front of him because I wasn't crazy or a hypochondriac. It was hilarious. It was a very long 8 year road of doctor after doctor to get to that moment. There are Endocrinologists who specialize in Graves Disease and Hashimoto's Disease. If you call your local Endo offices the front staff can tell you if anyone in that practice does.
My Endro will not give me meds for my Graves’ disease because my T 3 and T4 are within normal limits even though my Graves’ disease symptoms are off the charts. What do I tell her? I need advice.
Thank you.
My TSH LEVELS ARE NOT WITHIN NORMAL RANGE.