Hi, I also just found out that my thyroid gland was small about 3.3 cm each lobe, 2/3 the size of a normal female thyroid. TPA antibodies were high. I have had Hashimotos for a long time. I am on Levothyroxine of 150 mcg as of 6 years ago. (I had to put my own dose up when I lived abroad and could get my own medication as doctors always dismissed me with a TSH of 5 and horrible depression, constipation, motor coordination problems, attention deficit.) Now I feel like I have dementia and my motor skills are also going down, but I am only 36. It's interfering with my ability to work and to function. Is my thyroid kaput?
Your TSH should be below one if you have elevated antibodies. Keeping your own thyroid inactive helps to reduce the autoimmune reaction.
my thyroid panel...tsh 2.820/ T3U 32/ Free thyroixine 3.3/ T4 10.3
Hi. I am so new to all this, and I don't know how to answer your question but I was wondering if you could help me with a question? How long did it take for your levels to start showing a change? And how much did they start you off on? I am 31 and my periods are off I am tired etc etc... just started taking lev two weeks ago and I already feel better but my labs are showing other wise why is this?
TPO ab is a test that evaluates the level thyroid antibodies of that type. Thyroid antibodies do not directly cause hypo symptoms like you mention. The antibodies do attack the thyroid glands and continue over a period of time until the thyroid glands are destroyed. During this period of destruction, your normal thyroid hormone production is gradually going down, requiring gradual increases in thyroid meds to offset the loss of normal thyroid production.
Just because your test results are within the so-called "normal" ranges does not mean that they are adequate for YOU. The ranges are far too broad for that to be the case. If you will post your thyroid test results and their reference ranges shown on the lab report, members will be glad to assess the adequacy of your testing and treatment.