antibodies

[Alaska1]

I recently had some lab tests done and just need some help in deciphering them.  
My labs for ovarian function are as follows
FSH 4.9           3.4-33.4
TSH 2.69         .350-5.50
T3  35%           24-39
T4  5.9           4.5-12
LH  6.5           0-76
Prolactin  7.6    2.8-29.2
Estrodial  76     19-528
Estrogens  125    122-437

Also, had ANA titers done and it was 73
Antithyroglobulin antibodies at 58   norm 0-40

How high should ANA titers be before they become dangerous and work against the body?  The lab says to 100 but others say 80 is not good?  Also, does the body just keep producing antibodies and how fast?  In another month, could the antibodies be up to 120?
Do these tests suggest hypothyroidism?
Could it be thyroid carcinoma with the antibodies at that level-58?
Should I get tests for liver antibodies as I read that hypothyroidism (those with autoimmune disease with the thyroid will also have a high incidence of autoimmune hepatitis?  If so, what antibodies to the liver do I test for?
Also, I took Cipro and Flagyll for 10 days about 2 months ago and got very sick on them.  If they caused my body to produce antibodies against my liver and thyroid, would the titers be higher by now or would it take many more months to elevate titers to very serious levels? Should I get a liver biopsy? Thanks you for your expertise!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) Typically the ANA titers are measured in ratios like 1:80, 1:160, 1:320 etc.  They are most commonly associated with rheumatological disease like lupus.  However, there is a small proportion of patients who have positive ANAs in the abscence of disease.  Repeating the ANA tests can be considered.

2) A normal TSH would make hypothyroidism unlikely.

3) Imaging studies should be performed if thyroid cancer is suspected.  An ultrasound would be a reasonable start.

4) If autoimmune hepatitis is suspected, the following antibodies should be tested for: anti-smooth muscle, and/or antiactin antibodies.  A liver biopsy can be considered.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[childrenrtreasures]

Elevated thyroid antibodies indicate autoimmune thyroid disease regardless of the TSH levels. Which by the way yours are considered worthy of investigation according to the new AACE criteria: anything over 2.5 in the presence of symptoms needs to be "watched" and over 3.0 should be consideration for treatment.

I began thyroid treatment based on symptoms, strong family history and a climbing TSH (although it never went over 3.85). I was tested for thyroid antibodies 2 months later and diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (TPOab were 8 and Tgab were 398 both with ranges of <2).

What type of symptoms are you having? Do you have a goiter (enlarged thyroid)?

Kelly

[Blueeyez]

You seem to know alot about thyroid problems.  I was wondering if you could tell me whether I'm worrying too much.  I don't really know anything about levels and he hasn't taken an antibodies test.  I don't know if we should are not.  His doctor thinks everything is normal?.? But the TSH levels keeping rising.  I'll write a little about what is going on maybe some of this may sound similar to you......

I have an 11 year old son and I just took him to see a specialist. During the office visit after looking over test result for the last year he said that it looked like my son was borderline hypothyroidism but a few days later his office called with the new test result from that office visit. The nurse said that everyting is fine. My son symptoms are as follows: extremely tired & sleepy, dry skin, constipation, short stature, coarse hair, hoarseness, cold intolerance, memory and concentration trouble, severe forgotfulness, delayed tooth development,paper thin nails, headaches, and moody. My son was always so full of energy and never stopped. My son's tsh level have been going up over the last year and my son's fatigue has just gotten worse. I really don't know if i'm worrying too much but thyroid problems run in the family. I want to see my son healthy and happy again. He used to be so full of energy. I don't know what to do and no one wants to explain why the ths levels are going up. Please any suggestion would help. Should I think about having him test for antibodies?

Ths (1year ago) 2.3   (2 months) 3.2    (last week) 3.58
ft4   1.57(1 year ago)       1.25 (last week)
cortisol 18.2
igf-1 182