More Thyroid testing

[AmericanGirl28]

I went into the Dr because of some skin issues, and I asked for a referral to a derm. I also asked if I could be tested for a thyroid issues, per my mothers concern. The results came back and I do have an under active thyroid, but they want more blood testing, including a thyroid antibodies test...can anyone tell me what these new blood test will look for? Thank you.

[Red_Star]

Excerpt from the book "The Everything Guide To Thyroid Disease" by Theodore C. Friedman, MD, PhD and Winnie Yu Scherer...

"Although the majority of people with Hashimoto's will not develop any other disorders, it's important to know what some of these autoimmune conditions are in case you do start to experience symptoms. Keep in mind, too, that you may be more likely to develop Hashimoto's if you have one of these other conditions.

Type 1 Diabetes
Pernicious Anaemia
Addison's Disease
Vitiligo
Celiac Disease
Alopecia Areata
Systematic Lupus Erthematosus (SLE)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sjogren's Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)"

[goolarra]

All of them.  Once you have one autoimmune, you are more likely to get another (could be any of them).

[AmericanGirl28]

What other autoimmune diseases?

[Gibbon1]

Often an initial screen for thyroid is to measure Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).  A high level classically indicates a thyroid that isn't producing enough thyroid hormones (T4 and T3).

So then the next step would be to measure T4 and T3 directly and to test for thyroid antibodies.  As Red Star says, 90% of thyroid problems are autoimmune disease.  Note, not everyone with autoimmune thyroid disease tests positive on antibody tests.  Only 60-70%.

Essentially, if TSH is elevated, one or more of T4 and T3 are low or low normal and the patient claims hypo symptoms, then a trail of hormone replacement to see if that alleviates symptoms is reasonable.

PS: Your doctor should check your AM Cortisol before starting you on meds as a precaution.  If it's low that should be looked at first.

[Red_Star]

"An autoimmune cause accounts for approximately 90% of adult hypothyroidism, mostly due to Hashimoto's disease." Odds are good you have Hashi's. :) If you do, you now have a risk factor for other autoimmune diseases.  I have a many skin conditions due to hypothyroidism.

[goolarra]

It sounds like your doctor is being thorough.  Which thyroid tests have you had so far, and what besides the antibody tests has he ordered?

If you have results, please post them, and we can tell you what we see.  Include reference ranges as they vary lab to lab and have to come from your own lab report.

[courtney48]

Your doctor is using the tests results to rule in or out Hashimoto hypothyroidism, an autoimmune disease.  It won't change how your hypothyroidism is treated, but gives a more accurate diagnosis. Knowing if you have Hashi might help your dermatologist too, as some skin disorders are autoimmune.