HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Hi There, I Was Hoping To Get Some Thyroid Results

default
Posted on Sat, 18 May 2019
Question: Hi There, I was hoping to get some thyroid results interpreted thank you
default
Follow up: Dr. AJEET SINGH (0 minute later)
Hi There, I was hoping to get some thyroid results interpreted thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. AJEET SINGH (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is autoimmune Hypothyroidism.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to Ask A Doctor service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

As per your report, you have subclinical hypothyroidism with an autoimmune origin.
A TPO test detects antibodies against Thyroperoxidase (TPO) in the blood. The presence of TPO antibodies in your blood suggests that the cause of your thyroid disease is an autoimmune disorder, such as Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease. In autoimmune disorders,your immune system makes antibodies that mistakenly attack normal tissue ( recognize them as foreign). Antibodies that attack the thyroid gland cause inflammation and impaired function of the thyroid. Some people with TPO antibodies may not have active thyroid disease, as in your case where the level of your hormones is with in normal range. However, the presence of TPO antibodies increase the risk of future active thyroid disorders. If you have normal thyroid function with TPO antibodies, your doctor may recommend periodic checkups to watch for future thyroid problems which can flare up any time.

Hypothyroidism causes symptoms like chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, hair loss and many others and absolutely different opinions from different clinicians. It is good that we have found a cause.
You have been tested for TPO antibodies, they are in the 49 IU/mL range. (To put that in perspective, the optimal range is less than 35 IU/mL,many take the range much lesser than that).Thyroid antibodies are going to be the first indication of a thyroid problem in many cases. They can be elevated for 5, 10, sometimes even 15 years before a change in TSH is even detected. Presence of thyroid antibodies means that there is destruction going on against your thyroid.

Elevated thyroid antibodies, even in the presence of a “normal TSH”, means that it’s only a matter of time before your thyroid becomes destroyed to the point it can no longer produce sufficient amount of hormones.
Thyroid antibodies have been connected to many symptoms even in the absence of hypothyroidism. When people are in stage 2 and they have thyroid antibodies, they may start to exhibit a whole bunch of different non-specific symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, stress, miscarriages, weight gain, and just feeling unwell. I have personally seen a number of patient who were diagnosed with depression and even bipolar disease as a result of being in stage 2 and already having elevated thyroid antibodies for years.
Remember, if these antibodies go unchecked, we are going to potentially start seeing a progression into stage 3, where we see sub clinical hypothyroidism, stage 4 where we start seeing changes in TSH, and stage 5 which may include the progression of other autoimmune conditions.

A small number of antibodies may be present in normal individuals (the “general population”) without thyroid disease. Roughly 5-27 percent of the general population will test for extremely low levels of antibodies (“normal” is generally considered to be less than 35 IU/mL) But, when you find elevated thyroid antibodies outside of this range, that is an indicator that the immune system is targeting the thyroid gland for destruction.Mr Kvpresents...You might wonder why TSH is still the standard screening test for thyroid disease given that thyroid antibodies can be elevated for decades before any change in TSH may even be seen. Unfortunately, many traditional doctors ONLY test for antibodies after they see an elevation in TSH. It’s backwards from what it needs to be. Further, this test is not overly expensive.
But don't worry. There is nothing unsalvageable.

The TPO antibody titres can be reduced by reducing triggers. This controls the symptomatology of patients. It can be acheived by dietary modifications like avoiding dairy and soy and iodine excess, having gluten free and paleo diet, taking probiotics, avoiding H pylori infection of gut, taking anti oxidents like selenium, myo inositol and glutathione and added vitamin D. Camel milk as IVIG is said to help. Immuno-modulation, immuno-suppression with steroids, low dose laser therapy and DHEA supplementation are very helpful. Ultimately plasmapharesis and stem cell therapy are rewarding. If patient does not respond, then thyroidectomy is the only option.

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. AJEET SINGH (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
It is autoimmune Hypothyroidism.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to Ask A Doctor service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

As per your report, you have subclinical hypothyroidism with an autoimmune origin.
A TPO test detects antibodies against Thyroperoxidase (TPO) in the blood. The presence of TPO antibodies in your blood suggests that the cause of your thyroid disease is an autoimmune disorder, such as Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease. In autoimmune disorders,your immune system makes antibodies that mistakenly attack normal tissue ( recognize them as foreign). Antibodies that attack the thyroid gland cause inflammation and impaired function of the thyroid. Some people with TPO antibodies may not have active thyroid disease, as in your case where the level of your hormones is with in normal range. However, the presence of TPO antibodies increase the risk of future active thyroid disorders. If you have normal thyroid function with TPO antibodies, your doctor may recommend periodic checkups to watch for future thyroid problems which can flare up any time.

Hypothyroidism causes symptoms like chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, hair loss and many others and absolutely different opinions from different clinicians. It is good that we have found a cause.
You have been tested for TPO antibodies, they are in the 49 IU/mL range. (To put that in perspective, the optimal range is less than 35 IU/mL,many take the range much lesser than that).Thyroid antibodies are going to be the first indication of a thyroid problem in many cases. They can be elevated for 5, 10, sometimes even 15 years before a change in TSH is even detected. Presence of thyroid antibodies means that there is destruction going on against your thyroid.

Elevated thyroid antibodies, even in the presence of a “normal TSH”, means that it’s only a matter of time before your thyroid becomes destroyed to the point it can no longer produce sufficient amount of hormones.
Thyroid antibodies have been connected to many symptoms even in the absence of hypothyroidism. When people are in stage 2 and they have thyroid antibodies, they may start to exhibit a whole bunch of different non-specific symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, stress, miscarriages, weight gain, and just feeling unwell. I have personally seen a number of patient who were diagnosed with depression and even bipolar disease as a result of being in stage 2 and already having elevated thyroid antibodies for years.
Remember, if these antibodies go unchecked, we are going to potentially start seeing a progression into stage 3, where we see sub clinical hypothyroidism, stage 4 where we start seeing changes in TSH, and stage 5 which may include the progression of other autoimmune conditions.

A small number of antibodies may be present in normal individuals (the “general population”) without thyroid disease. Roughly 5-27 percent of the general population will test for extremely low levels of antibodies (“normal” is generally considered to be less than 35 IU/mL) But, when you find elevated thyroid antibodies outside of this range, that is an indicator that the immune system is targeting the thyroid gland for destruction.Mr Kvpresents...You might wonder why TSH is still the standard screening test for thyroid disease given that thyroid antibodies can be elevated for decades before any change in TSH may even be seen. Unfortunately, many traditional doctors ONLY test for antibodies after they see an elevation in TSH. It’s backwards from what it needs to be. Further, this test is not overly expensive.
But don't worry. There is nothing unsalvageable.

The TPO antibody titres can be reduced by reducing triggers. This controls the symptomatology of patients. It can be acheived by dietary modifications like avoiding dairy and soy and iodine excess, having gluten free and paleo diet, taking probiotics, avoiding H pylori infection of gut, taking anti oxidents like selenium, myo inositol and glutathione and added vitamin D. Camel milk as IVIG is said to help. Immuno-modulation, immuno-suppression with steroids, low dose laser therapy and DHEA supplementation are very helpful. Ultimately plasmapharesis and stem cell therapy are rewarding. If patient does not respond, then thyroidectomy is the only option.

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. AJEET SINGH (1 hour later)
Thank you so much Dr XXXXXXX for your response.

It all makes perfect sense although I was confused by your final paragraph? I have read that for hypothyroidism you should add iodine and dairy?
Would you suggest I take thyroxine or keep monitoring my thyroid antibodies and is there anything I can do naturally diet wise to make it function normally? Thank you so much.
default
Follow up: Dr. AJEET SINGH (0 minute later)
Thank you so much Dr XXXXXXX for your response.

It all makes perfect sense although I was confused by your final paragraph? I have read that for hypothyroidism you should add iodine and dairy?
Would you suggest I take thyroxine or keep monitoring my thyroid antibodies and is there anything I can do naturally diet wise to make it function normally? Thank you so much.
doctor
Answered by Dr. AJEET SINGH (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Autoimmune thyroditis

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Many of the medical surveys have focused on the second most common food trigger – dairy products(first being gluten) and it has been seen that significant number of respondents with Hashimoto’s felt better when they went off of dairy and there was a 20 percent reduction in antibodies.The proof is in seeing this lifestyle intervention making people feel so much better.Plus, it is an easy intervention to try.
Your hypothyroidism is different from the other ones which are conventional and commonly seen.It is not the iodine deficiency which is causing hypo functioning of your gland but the autoimmunity which is causing the destruction.Iodine excess is a trigger and it can be rather counterproductive.
In my view,if you are asymptomatic,you should not start medication (i.e thyroid extract).
Life style modifications and vigil on TPO antibodies will suffice.
Go for periodic check of your thyroid antibodies and let your clinician intervene when the need arises.
Happy living.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. AJEET SINGH (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Autoimmune thyroditis

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Many of the medical surveys have focused on the second most common food trigger – dairy products(first being gluten) and it has been seen that significant number of respondents with Hashimoto’s felt better when they went off of dairy and there was a 20 percent reduction in antibodies.The proof is in seeing this lifestyle intervention making people feel so much better.Plus, it is an easy intervention to try.
Your hypothyroidism is different from the other ones which are conventional and commonly seen.It is not the iodine deficiency which is causing hypo functioning of your gland but the autoimmunity which is causing the destruction.Iodine excess is a trigger and it can be rather counterproductive.
In my view,if you are asymptomatic,you should not start medication (i.e thyroid extract).
Life style modifications and vigil on TPO antibodies will suffice.
Go for periodic check of your thyroid antibodies and let your clinician intervene when the need arises.
Happy living.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. AJEET SINGH (17 minutes later)
Thank you so much....this is all making sense. One final question....I eat mostly a low carbohydrate diet and am already gluten free. I am in the healthy weight range (lower end) and have not menstruated since January. My cholesterol has also risen recently. Should I be adding in more carbohydrates in the form of sweet potato/rice and gluten free bread? Would these help my thyroid function? Also does black coffee or alcohol affect? Thank you so so much.
default
Follow up: Dr. AJEET SINGH (0 minute later)
Thank you so much....this is all making sense. One final question....I eat mostly a low carbohydrate diet and am already gluten free. I am in the healthy weight range (lower end) and have not menstruated since January. My cholesterol has also risen recently. Should I be adding in more carbohydrates in the form of sweet potato/rice and gluten free bread? Would these help my thyroid function? Also does black coffee or alcohol affect? Thank you so so much.
doctor
Answered by Dr. AJEET SINGH (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
THYRODITIS

Detailed Answer:
Dietary Guidelines say that 45 to 65 percent of our calories should come from carbohydrates, while 20 to 35 percent should come from total fat and 10 to 35 percent of your calories from protein.So if you eat a 2000-calorie diet, you should aim for about 225 to 325 grams of carbs per day.But if you need to lose weight,you will get much faster results eating around 50 to 150 grams of carbs.Watermelons,strawberries,avocados,peaches,spinach,Cucumbers and tomatoes scores lowest in carbohydrate content.
I don't think that adding more carbs will have any impact on your thyroid status-neither positive nor negative.
If your cholesterol has risen,make a few modifications in your life style.
Avoid fatty,oily ,heavy meals and fast food(has trans fat).Take a brisk walk of 30 minutes,at least 5 days in a week,quit smoking,have plentiful raw veggies and fruits.De-stress yourself,do meditation.Cut down on alcohol.Get your fasting lipid profile checked every 6 months.
If at all,your lipid level does not improve doctor will start a tablet(of "statins" group)which needs to be taken at bedtime.
Black coffee has been shown to stimulate thermogenesis which heats up the body and boosts metabolism so advocated for weight loss.Black coffee also reduces the inflammation level in the body.Black coffee is the powerhouse of antioxidants and contains Vitamin B2, B3, B5, Manganese, potassium and magnesium.Drinking black coffee daily helps to reduce the risk of diabetes which in later age can lead to organ damage and heart diseases.
But I want to add that too much of everything is bad.It can also cause acid peptic disease,stomach ulcers and hypertension.
Issues with your thyroid usually disturbs your menstrual cycle. The thyroid produces hormones that help regulate the body’s processes and if thrown off balance, it can cause you to have missed periods.
In addition to thyroid diseases,pregnancy and breastfeeding there are many reasons of delayed menstruation.They include sudden changes in weight (gain or loss),stress and anxiety,lack of sleep,sleep schedule changes,some medications and Peri menopause.If anything applies to you,kindly rectify.Take inputs from your gynecologist and endocrinologist s.o.s.
Stay healthy.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. AJEET SINGH (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
THYRODITIS

Detailed Answer:
Dietary Guidelines say that 45 to 65 percent of our calories should come from carbohydrates, while 20 to 35 percent should come from total fat and 10 to 35 percent of your calories from protein.So if you eat a 2000-calorie diet, you should aim for about 225 to 325 grams of carbs per day.But if you need to lose weight,you will get much faster results eating around 50 to 150 grams of carbs.Watermelons,strawberries,avocados,peaches,spinach,Cucumbers and tomatoes scores lowest in carbohydrate content.
I don't think that adding more carbs will have any impact on your thyroid status-neither positive nor negative.
If your cholesterol has risen,make a few modifications in your life style.
Avoid fatty,oily ,heavy meals and fast food(has trans fat).Take a brisk walk of 30 minutes,at least 5 days in a week,quit smoking,have plentiful raw veggies and fruits.De-stress yourself,do meditation.Cut down on alcohol.Get your fasting lipid profile checked every 6 months.
If at all,your lipid level does not improve doctor will start a tablet(of "statins" group)which needs to be taken at bedtime.
Black coffee has been shown to stimulate thermogenesis which heats up the body and boosts metabolism so advocated for weight loss.Black coffee also reduces the inflammation level in the body.Black coffee is the powerhouse of antioxidants and contains Vitamin B2, B3, B5, Manganese, potassium and magnesium.Drinking black coffee daily helps to reduce the risk of diabetes which in later age can lead to organ damage and heart diseases.
But I want to add that too much of everything is bad.It can also cause acid peptic disease,stomach ulcers and hypertension.
Issues with your thyroid usually disturbs your menstrual cycle. The thyroid produces hormones that help regulate the body’s processes and if thrown off balance, it can cause you to have missed periods.
In addition to thyroid diseases,pregnancy and breastfeeding there are many reasons of delayed menstruation.They include sudden changes in weight (gain or loss),stress and anxiety,lack of sleep,sleep schedule changes,some medications and Peri menopause.If anything applies to you,kindly rectify.Take inputs from your gynecologist and endocrinologist s.o.s.
Stay healthy.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. AJEET SINGH

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 2151 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Hi There, I Was Hoping To Get Some Thyroid Results

Hi There, I was hoping to get some thyroid results interpreted thank you