I might be able to give you some info, but first some questions:
By "ATA", do you mean anti-thyroglobulin antibodies?
Do you have any symptoms of thyroid problems?
Can you post your thyroid test results (TSH, T4 and T3)? If so, please include the lab ranges from the report.
Is your thyroid gland enlarged?
Has your doctor diagnosed you with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis or Graves Disease?
Linda
__________________ dx pcos 1984, type II diabetes 2001, also hypertension
Met 2000mg since 2001, started Glucophage XR 4/22/04, then switched to Met ER 6/04; also: multi, Vit. C, Vit. E, B12/folic acid combo, fish oil & borage oil combo, garlic capsules, cinnamon, Vitex, calcium with magnesium/zinc, biotin, CoQ10, selenium,iron
Other meds: Verapamil and Altace(for blood pressure)
Started laser hair removal 7/29/03, completed 3/04 (it works!)
UAE for fibroid 3/24/03 and 3/16/04
How will my dr diagnose me with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis or Graves Disease?
I would like to get tested for this and what kind of dr can do this testing?
I really appreciate your help!
__________________ TWINS!!!! C-section On April 9, 2007 Angelo Joseph, 5lbs 12oz Antonia Angelina, 7lbs 2oz
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Strange that you were given the antibodies test and not the thyroid tests. You can test positive for antibodies and have Hashi's or Graves. You need further tests, which you said you will be getting. I suggest you insist on a Free T4 and Free T3, not just the TSH and total T4 (T3 Uptake is an antiquated test, and doesn't really test for T3, it's an indirect test for Free T4 and was used before a newer more direct test for Free T4 was available).
When you test positive for thyroid antibodies, it means your thyroid gland is being attacked by the antibodies, and this is an autoimmune disorder. There is disagreement by doctors on whether or not to begin treatment before actual thyroid dysfunction occurs.
And yes, having the antibodies can effect fertility. Some info:
What if I can't get pregnant, but my thyroid tests "normal?" Or what if I test positive for "antibodies?"
Some women who have fertility problems actually have underlying autoimmune thyroid problems, but they and their doctors are not aware. If you or someone you know is having difficulty getting pregnant, or is suffering recurrent miscarriage, thyroid antibodies should be tested.
Many doctors do not appear to know about this link between antibodies and infertility, yet it is published in conventional research journals. The respected journal Obstetrics & Gynecology reported that the presence of antithyroid antibodies increases the risk of miscarriage. And according to U.S. research reported in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, that risk of miscarriage can be twice as high for women who have antithyroid antibodies.
Researchers have also demonstrated that antithyroid antibodies can cause greater difficulty conceiving after in vitro fertilization, regardless of whether or not there are clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism. The researchers had greater success in achieving successful pregnancies when they gave low doses of heparin (an anti blood clotting agent) and aspirin and/or intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) to women who had antithyroid antibodies.
It's not easy finding a doc who is knowledgable about thyroid problems. Endos are often diabetes specialists, not thyroid specialists. Here is a link to a list of "Top Thyroid Docs" (patient-recommended) for New York:
__________________ dx pcos 1984, type II diabetes 2001, also hypertension
Met 2000mg since 2001, started Glucophage XR 4/22/04, then switched to Met ER 6/04; also: multi, Vit. C, Vit. E, B12/folic acid combo, fish oil & borage oil combo, garlic capsules, cinnamon, Vitex, calcium with magnesium/zinc, biotin, CoQ10, selenium,iron
Other meds: Verapamil and Altace(for blood pressure)
Started laser hair removal 7/29/03, completed 3/04 (it works!)
UAE for fibroid 3/24/03 and 3/16/04
ATA postive...I NEED help! 
