Thyroid antibodies

[chalula123]

I have found out that I have elevated levels of thyroid antibodies.  I have had most all the symptoms of hypothyroidism (weight gain, depression, insomnia, anxiety, hair loss, dream of taking a nap when I just woke up, low body temp, forgetfull) but my regular thyroid panel comes back in the normal range.  I have gained 14 pounds in the last 5 months and I have started eating better then ever (never really was a poor eater) and I work out at least 5 times a week for no less than an hour.  One doctor told me it was just my age (34), having 3 kids and motabolism slowing down.  The endo told me that at some point I may have hypo but I am in the normal range so my antibodies are not effecting it yet. Should I be taking some type of low dose med?  What is the downside of at least trying it and why are they not bringing it up as an option to try?  I am on prozac for depression, trazadone for insomnia, and they just added wellbutrin to the mix to see if it would help elevate my mood.  I feel like if it is all related to my antibodies they I might be able to eliminate the other meds.  Any advice or insight???

[MANmom]

My regular panel came back normal, but my antibodies were high, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and later found to have thyroid cancer.  You sound like a Hashi's patient to me.  Was it TPOab that was high?

[goolarra]

Do you know what your free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4) and TSH are?

So many times we hear doctors say "normal" when testing was inadequate or reference ranges used were antiquated.

All your symptoms could be thyroid related, and it's possible that you would not need any of the other meds if you were on thyroid meds.

There is no downside to trying a low dose of thyroid hormones to see if they help.  If they do, wonderful, if not, you just discontinue.

You may have to beat your doctor up to convince him, or you may have to find a new doctor.