Do I have hashimotos?

[Ali_NI]

Hi, I have suffered from hypothyroidism for 7 years, possibly longer undiagnosed and now drs are saying I might have hashimotos. I am on 125mcg of Eltroxin daily. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are at 600... does anyone know what this means and what level they should be at? My dr has never dealt with anyone with hashimotos before and has referred me back to my endocrine consultant to decide whether to do a biopsy on my thyroid gland. I have been reading other peoples stories on here and not very many of you talk about having biopsies to diagnose hashimotos.  Most of you state that diagnosis is made concerning the level of TPO antibodies. I am from Northern ireland and am aware that medical opinion and advice can differ between the UK and the USA. can anyone answer my questions? thanks,Ali xx

[Ali_NI]

Thanks for the info. Like I said my gp does not know anything about hashimotos & he said as much! Hopefully my endocrine consultant will shed a bit of light on the situation. Going to see him Tuesday week. Thanks again x

[goolarra]

Hashi's is usually diagnosed based on elevated TPOab.  Many of us with Hashi's have nodules, and they are not usually biopsied unless they appear unusually large ( > 1.0 cm) or suspicious looking on ultrasound.  Since nodules are so common with Hashi's, they are often just monitored for changes.

A typical reference range for TPOab is 0-20 or 0-40.  So, as you can see, yours is quite clearly elevated.  Don't panic about how high the number is.  Antibody levels often come back in the hundreds or even thousands.  Just to give you some perspective, my TPOab on diagnosis was 900+, and my TGab (the other marker for Hashi's) was 3,000+.

I'd certainly want a second opinion before I had a biopsy.  I think your current doctor may be a bit out of his league here.

[Ali_NI]

aw thanks so much. all the very best x

[chicken50]

Hi Again,  What you have gone through has been tough I'm sure. Hang in there!  I understand. Don't be afraid to ask the doctor why he wants the test - you have a right to know. Take care :).

[Ali_NI]

No, he didn't... I had a scan of my thyroid gland about a year ago and it came back normal. Thats kinda why the whole biopsy thing baffles me!! Thanks for replying :) x

[chicken50]

Hi, I was diagnosed with Hashimotos 13 years ago when my doctor did an antibody test.  She ordered an ultrasound of my thyroid to check for nodules & stated I would need a biopsy if a nodule was found.  Did your doctor notice a nodule while feeling your neck? That would be the only reason I would think a biopsy would be performed. I wish you the best. :)