I've been to see my doctor this morning and he advised me that my recent thyroid blood test came back positive for thyroid antibodies, and while I'm not hypo yet, he said it's a matter of time but there's no telling how long it will take! My bloodwork has been crazy and the doctor himself said he's confused by it! One test it will be borderline hypo and on another it could be borderline hyper and another it will come back normal.
My question is, can being positive for antibodies cause the symptoms of hypo? I don't have all of the hypo symptoms, but my main one is that I am constantly tired and feel run down and always feel on the verge of developing a cold. Any info or advice is very gratefully received
__________________ Me (29) DH (33) Married 30th December 2006
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Your positive thyroid antibody test means you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis which is an auto-immune disorder. You are pretty close to becoming hypo by the sounds of your post. Hashi's causes the TSH levels to swing from low to high until finally they remain high thus indicating hypo.
There is evidence that shows Selenium can lower those antibodies (which will help slow the destruction of your thyroid gland). It's available at Wal-Mart for about $5 in the vitamin section. Also, you can take a Vitamin B-Complex for the fatigue. Your doctor won't likely treat you until your TSH is over 3.04.
Continue to have your TSH level checked about every 6 mos so you catch it as close to borderline (3.04) as you can. In my situation, I lost lots of hair and went to the dermatologist where he suspected thyroid problems. My TSH level was 6.46. Always ask for a copy of your lab results for your own records. The lab could be using the old range and not the new one .3 - 3.04 which means some people are not being treated until their TSH level is over 5.5! Best wishes!
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Lynn 34, DH-Chris 42, DS-Cody 15, DSD-Brielle 10
Hypothyroid 5/06,
PCOS 9/07, Septated Uterus
88mcg Synthroid Clomid 50mg - CD 5-9 O'ed on CD20--woot! POAS 5/14/09 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
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lovemychris - Thanks so much for your reply! The information is really helpful. I think I will definitely try the Selenium and Vit B Complex. My doctor wants me to have annual bloodtests. From memory when I was hovering at borderline before, the levels to determine hypo in the UK is higher than in the US so it will probably be longer until I get diagnosed! I only have copies of my results from 2006, doctor's generally don't tend to give copies here but I think I will request copies.
They have been all over the place recently according to the Dr, I really do need to get hold of the copies!
Thanks again for your help
__________________ Me (29) DH (33) Married 30th December 2006
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I have Hashimotos also. Hopefully you will be like me. I also had wild swings in my thyroid levels. It took a few months but my levels got under control and my TSH numbers quit bouncing all around.
Hey all. I recently was sent to get my thyroid anti-bodies check. Dr. has not called me with results. She said that if they came back positive she will put me on a thyroid hormone. Does any body know the name of the medicine. I would like to do some research about it.... Thanks!!
Hey all. I recently was sent to get my thyroid anti-bodies check. Dr. has not called me with results. She said that if they came back positive she will put me on a thyroid hormone. Does any body know the name of the medicine. I would like to do some research about it.... Thanks!!
You'll likely be Rx'ed Synthroid (a tiny, sweet little pill). Definitely do not get generic if you can help it (Synthroid costs more $$ than generics, but it is sooo worth it). I'm not sure what state you're in, but in TX it runs between $17-25 depending upon the strength. If you go to Synthroid.com, you can download a $3 Off coupon every month.
The reason you don't want generics is because pharmacies will switch suppliers from month-to-month (or every so often). If you stick with Synthroid, your dosage will be consistent.
In case your doctor does not tell you this, always take your meds on an empty stomach and with water only. Synthroid will bind with iron and will not be absorbed properly so you can't eat until an hour after you've taken your pill and you shouldn't take any meds/vitamins within 4 hours of taking Synthroid.
Your doctor will likely Rx you 25mcg and the only real side effect you *may* have is a rapid heartrate which you'll need to let your doctor know about if it happens (it's not very common). Other than that, depending upon your symptoms caused by hypothyroidism, you should start feeling better in about 2 weeks. Your doctor may want to check your levels in 6-8 weeks. Let me know if you have additional questions.
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Lynn 34, DH-Chris 42, DS-Cody 15, DSD-Brielle 10
Hypothyroid 5/06,
PCOS 9/07, Septated Uterus
88mcg Synthroid Clomid 50mg - CD 5-9 O'ed on CD20--woot! POAS 5/14/09 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
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Generic Levoxyl works best for me. I think you may have to play around with the meds some. I was on synthroid but it never seemed to do the trick for me.
If you go on thyroid meds be prepared to play around with the brand of med and dosage for a bit. Once you find what works for you it is amazing how much better you feel!
Hey guys.... thanks for all the help and info... I got my results back and my thyroid is gooooooooood. Now, Im just confused because that's was what the Dr. thought might be affecting me in having babies. Oh well! I'm just going to stop thinking about it and continue with my 2000mg of metformin a day, which I'm happy with, since my periods are going back to normal and I have lost 14 lbs. hmmmm maybe is that, I probably need to lose a little more weight. Ok guys, again thanks for all the support.. much to you all.
I am going through the same issue right now..I was just in for blood last week and my THS was normal as of now..I am just waiting to go back in September. As of now my thyroid is still slowly being destroyed and will result in Hypo
Rachel
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Dx: Jan. 2009
Meds: Taken off Met!!Doc. wants to see my levels off to make sure I even need it(WooHOO).Put on Spironolactone.Taken off NuvaRing until ready to TTC.
ME(20) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DBF(24)
Other Dx: Hashimoto's Disease and possible IBS/IC/ENDO.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. :Not TTC yet To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. , will be when the time is right.
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