Elevated TPO and normal TSH

[bert2012]

I recently had some bloodwork done by my GP and the TSH was 2.66 , T4 was 12.5 (12 was the top number of the labs range), followed up by TPO which was 266 (0-35 norm) and thyroid ultrasound with 2mm nodule.  Symptoms prompting testing were significant hair loss, extreme fatigue and sluggishness, weight gain and difficulty losing weight and several other symptoms.  Was referred to an Endo and left there on the verge of tears.  I do take birth control pills on a daily basis and he told me my thyroid was just fine and my pills had affected my test results, did not have an answer as to why the TPO was elevated but I left there with the following instructions: lose weight and stop taking birth control pills, go home and comb my hair and put in a bag and 2 months later comb it again and compare the loss.  This in an effort to see if stopping the bc pills would affect the hair loss.  Also in 2-3 mo's he would repeat blood work.  I am only 38, but he implicated the bc pills have made my body think it is in menopause and that is the reason for my symptoms.  Really?  I know I need to lose weight (I am about 50lbs over what I should be)...but I didnt need to go pay $300 to know that.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The high TPO antibody indicates an immune system attack on the thyroid.  The 2mm nodule is likely not significant and may be an area of inflammation due to this attack.  The TSH of 2.6 is normal but with symptoms, we would sometimes offer a trial of levothyroxine for this situation given the positive TPO antibody.  The BCP only explains the high total T4.  Weight loss will not automatically occur w/ thyroid medication, especially given that your thyroid levels are fairly normal to start with. Biotin (over the counter, 5000mcg) may help w/ the hair loss but any thing that is done for hair will take 2-3 months to not a difference.

[bert2012]

I may have posted this in the wrong forum, I apologize, I have reposted in thyroid disorders.