TPO off the chart at 2132 - What to do???

[1Tina]

I just went to My PCP and had a test done because of all the bad symtoms I was going through. My results are as follows:

T-4 1.10, .62-1.76
TSH 1.593, .350-5.500
TPO 2132, 0-32 (off the chart)

I am very concerned as is my PCPand is trying to get me a STAT! appt to see an Endo. Could someone tell me what is going on? My PCP does not know. I was on 100 mcg of Levoxyl and my PCP is increasing it to 112 mcg. Why would she do that if my T-4 and TSH are in the normal range? Please help.

[lazydog]

I was dx April 2005 with antiTPO at 3455.  After 18 months meds they only down to ~2900 and I slowly feeling better.  I too was very worried about the high abs but no one else seems to be.

[ancientmariner]

I believe that as long as there are antibodies, damage is still being done. The antibodies will go away if your thyroid is totally suppressed (by suppressing TSH and taking replacement thyroid hormone orally) as they have nothing to attack! JMO

am

[lumley801]

I had the same thing: TSH and T4 in "normal" range, but high antibodies (although not as high as yours).  The endo increased me from 25mcg to 88 mcg.  It's to suppress TSH and, basically, give your thyroid a break.
I'm sure the forum doc can give you more insight, but I believe the idea is to minimize the damage to the thyroid.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The TPO is simply reflecting that the cause of your hypothyroidism is Hashimotos (chronic auto-immune thyroiditis).  This is the most common cause of a low thyroid.  There is absolutely no reason for a stat/urgent appt unless you have other symptoms of thyroid swelling/pain.  

The dose increase is not necessarily indicated if you are feeling well.

The very high TPO level does not change the thinking regarding the TSH & levoxyl dosing.