Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies

[amers0909]

Last week my ob/gyn ordered the basic TSH test because my cycle is changing and due to a 30 lb weight gain in just 2 1/2 months.  I have had thyroid testing completed in the past and have been told I'm fine.  I read an article about the TSH norm being changed so I wondered if my previous levels fell into the "abnormal" range, which they didn't.  In 2004 my TSH was 1.55 and in 2007 it was 1.32.  I understand that this is apparently normal.  

However, the 2004 & 2007 tests also included the Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies test.  In 2004 the number was 2, in 2007 the number was 10.  I've been looking all over the net for what the "norm" is for this test but can't seem to find any answers.  I'm wondering if anybody on this forum knows about this test?  Secondly, a jump from 2 to 10 would indicate to me that there is something going on but then again, I don't know the range and 8 points could be insignificant.  

Can anybody educate me on this b/c I'm new to the Thyroid community?!?  Thanks so much!

[chamjaco3]

So far my tests are all coming back "within normal range" however my throat is very obviously swollen exactly where my thyroid is located as well as where my lymphnodes in neck are. I have a multitude of long lasting symptoms: extreme fatigue, dry skin, sore/ hoarse voice, metalic taste, sudden weight gain, sensitivty/ cramps from cold, acne (turned 31 today), easily bruised, etc etc. I will have an ultrasound tommorow to see what this hardened knot is that seems to make a noise like grinding cartiledge tommorow then be scheduled to see an endocrinologist soon. Please let me know if anyone finds anything out about why we are showing "within normal range" but having so many issues!

[amers0909]

Alrighty.... So I just got my test results and shocker..... Doctor says every thing is where it should be.  Here are my results......

TSH, 3rd Generation w/Reflex to FT4  -    1.97
T4 (Thyroxine), Total   -   7.7     (reference range 4.5 - 12.5 mcg/dL)
T3, Total       -      102       (reference range 76 - 181 ng/dL)  
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies     -     <10  (reference range <35 IU/mL)

My doctor also had tested the entire Lipids panel, a comprehensive metabolic panel with EGFR and I think CBC (which I really don't know what that means but there are a whole bunch of test names under it.  Almost every thing is normal except for one thing, the HDL Cholesterol which I was told was the "good" cholesterol.  

Still looking for advice if anybody has any to give!!!  Thanks again!  Amy

[amers0909]

My GP in '04 & '07 is who ordered the tests but the only tests done were TSH and the TP Antibodies.  I'm sure I took the Radioactive Iodine scan and apparently everything was normal.  My Ob/Gyn last week ordered the most recent tests but after reading online articles and the responses from many different questions on this forum, I've decided to call my GP and ask for a referral to an Endocrinologist.  

Thanks SO much for your responses Tamra & Lori!  I'll be posting my results when I get them!  :o)

[Lori575]

I would imagine (or hope) your Dr. tested your T3 and T4 levels as well.  Do you know if he/she did, and what the numbers are?  I don't think TSH is a good test for thyroid disorders anyhow.  And yes, the "norm" changes, which is absolutely crazy to me.  Everyone is different, therefore noone has the same "normal" range.  It should be for reference only, but some doctors take it literally and if you fall right at the far end, it's good enough for them.  It's what works best for you and you need to find an Endocrine that is willing to work with you to get you there.

The Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies is one of the tests that basically checks for thyroid antibodies in your system, which can indicate autoimmune thyroid disease, cancer, etc....usually autoimmune disease.  If levels are rising, it can indicate an increase in autoimmune activity (I'm not sure if the range is 0-35 or 0-5)...i.e., my level was 1790, meaning my autoimmune activity is quite high.

When I was first diagnosed with Graves (I have both Graves and Hashimotos now), I had my thyroid levels checked multiple times.  The first time, they came back abnormal, second time - normal, etc. until finally I had an RAI uptake scan and more extensive bloodwork to confirm the Graves diagnosis.  Who is doing your bloodwork?  Is it an Endocrine doctor or your OB-Gyn?  Ask to see an Endocrine doctor for this type of testing.

[TamraW]

TSH doesn't tell the whole story. FT3 and FT4 are active thyroid hormones. My TSH was 2.74, which was 'normal' according to labs. Your previous TSH results look good, but with Hashimoto's Disease, our TSH fluctuates, as we swing from hyper to hypo.

The TPOab test is good for determining Hashi. I believe the range is over 35. I would think a 2 and an 8 is not that significant. Mine is a 221.

If you are experiencing rapid weight gain, I know there can be other hormonal reasons, however a lot  could have changed for your thyroid since 2007.

I would request a TSH, FT3, FT4 TGab (the other Hashi test) and TPOab.

A small amount of patients with Hashi will not have elevated TGab or TPOab antibodies. In that case, a thyroid ultrasound and testing the frees must be used to determine Hashi. If any of you thyroid labs come back abnormal, I would request a thyroid ultrasound.

Post your results here when you get them.

:) Tamra