I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 3 months ago and immediately started on thyroid replacement.
However, we did not run an antibody test until now, after 3 months of treatment. The lowest dose of thyroid has been very effective, TSH went from 6.9 to 2.8 (although I still don't feel 100%).
The recent test showed the antibodies are less than 10.0 IU/ml--indicating I don't have autoimmune antibodies.
My question is whether this means that I don't have the autoimmune type, or does the effectiveness of the thyroid replacement make the test unreliable?
That test seems inconclusive. If you have antibodies at all the test isn't negative and thus you might have the disease. Antibodies fluctuate, you are in a period of recovery which could mean your antibodies are low.
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PCOS+IR, Hypothyroidism
Sleep Apnea (cured by tonsillectomy)
30-Something Mommy of 2
Logan Scott born April 9, 2004!
Conor James born Nov 1, 2006.
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Hmmm, I'm not sure if I had antibodies or not since the test doesn't give you a number if it's less than 10. That could mean some or none.
It will be interesting to see what the endo says. I'm paying out of pocket for him rather than going through the Evil Empire. I just hope he doesn't want me to do the test again at a "real" lab (one not connected with the evil empire) as I really can't afford it right now.
Since the treatments are the same, is knowing if I have the autoimmune type crucial at all?
The treatments are not necessarily the same. It's important to have a FT3 and FT4 run in addition to the TSH, since the TSH isn't very reliable once you start treatment. If you do have Hashi's, you may find that your T3 is low, because part of the problem with Hashi's is conversion of T4 to T3. Treatment for Hashi's often includes T3, such as Cytomel, or Armour, which contains both T4 and T3. If you are on synthroid, you are getting T4 only. If your body can't convert T4 to T3, all the T4 in the world isn't going to improve your symptoms.
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
The endo concluded--on the basis of the antibody test, that I don't have Hashi's. He did up my meds, which I am both surprised and pleased about. Surprised because the TSH seems within a good range at 2.8, but pleased because I'm not feeling 100% yet and I really didn't want to settle for how I am feeling.
He said that we need to look both at the numbers and my peak energy level. With the added dose I should get closer to feeling normal, which I would really appreciate, though I am concerned about getting too much--don't need more anxiety in my life right now. But he told me what to look for and how to adjust it if necessary.
Next step is getting the Evil Empire doc to prescribe the higher dose.
It's also important to know if you have Hashi's because the progression of the illness can differ, and it's important to know what to expect in order to know when it is likely you'll need to re-evaluate your medication dosage.
Just ask for an antibody test at a later date, maybe sometime when you aren't feeling well, the numbers may be higher then.
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PCOS+IR, Hypothyroidism
Sleep Apnea (cured by tonsillectomy)
30-Something Mommy of 2
Logan Scott born April 9, 2004!
Conor James born Nov 1, 2006.
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Question about autoimmune antibodies 
