tyroid lab work confusion

[tntcowgirl]

My thyroid lab work is confusing...  my tsh is 3.297 but my anti tpo antibodies is 671 (norm range 0-34) and antithyroglobulin ab <20 (norm range 0-40).   Because my tsh is within the normal range... my doctor wants it ignore the others...???  why measure it if we're just going to ignore them?  My symptoms:  weak & tired, aching joints, fog brain, neck pressure feeling, etc.   Could these thyroid antibodies out of whack be causing my symptoms?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

A TSH >3 with antibodies -- this is early hypothyroidism due to hashimotos and you have symptoms -- a trial of treatment is usually indicated in these cases.

[junebug59]

A related discussion, What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer? was started.

[donna t]

From what i am learning your tsh should not be higher then a 2 - go for a 2nd opinion -

[frenchfrie]

Hi, I understand the confusion, my labs for antibodies has continued to be high for 13 years now, and they keep checking but then tell me I am fine although, the muscle pain, run down feeling etc., are still there. It really is confusing, and discouraging. I am sorry you are going through this, but it does not get much better, I have been looking for years for answers that no one seems to have. I just posted my own questions about this same thing.

[cosmicsoul]

Hi there!
First off - A TSH 3.97 is NOT normal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Antibodies can only be reduced by thyroid hormone supplementation (particularly Anrmour Thyroid) and it takes a long time. The "normal" 5.5 range for TSH is not normal - most people with Hashimotos will tell you this along with some doctors too who support this and listen to the patients instead of only reading labresults...
The Hashimitos (high antibodies against the thyroid - TPO) thyroiditis disease will have symptoms same as hyothyroidism.. I recommend both of you to research non-traditional doctors in your area who are willing to treat you instead of your lab results., They are hard to find - but not impossible. Good luck to you both!
ps: I have Hashimotos Thyroidits, I am 34, TPO: 700 last time checked, and with a TSH of 0.009 - on 135 mg Armour Thyroid a day. And I feel great - but that was not always the case! I went through 6 doctors until I found one... and now I keep two to ensure that I get what I want.