Very confused

[Kathy1997]

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis after the birth of my second son in 2002.  My endocrinologist has had me on 75mcg of synthroid ever since.  Every other year or so she does an ultrasound in her office and tells me it doesn't look suspicious.  I recently had blood work done, which shows free T4 of 1.3, Free T3 of 2.9 and TSH (3rd gen) of 1.51,  All appear to be normal.  However, I am concerned about the Thyroglobulin AB results, which measure 205, and the Thyroid Peroxidase AB which was 478 (normal is under 35).  My endocrinologist (who is very highly thought of by the local medical community) has never performed any tests except the ultrasounds mentioned above, and the T3, T4, and TSH tests (my general ordered the others at my request).  Am I off the mark thinking I should have had at least fine needle aspiration?  Thanks.  

[Kathy1997]

My symptoms are the usual:weight problem, constipation, fatigue, plus the added bonus that my thyroid is so big that it both looks and internally feels like I have rocks around my voicebox.  
I guess my primary concern stems from the University of Wisconsin 2007 study linking HT to Papillary thyroid cancer.  That study stated that the only true test to differentiate benign from cancerous thyroid nodules is a biopsy, not ultrasound alone.  Other studies state that fine needle aspiration should be the first diagnostic test performed.
I have trusted my doctor for 8 years now.  I still do.  I just think that I may get a second opinion for my own peace of mind.  Believe me, I am grateful that my only health problem is HT, and I will be very happy when my diagnosis is confirmed by an additional endocrinologist.  

[ChitChatNine]

Hello and Welcome to our Community

Happy New Year!

C~

[Barb135]

I'm not sure why you feel you need an FNA at this point.  Having high antibodies does not mean you have any kind of cancer or abnormality, other than Hashimoto's.  It means that for some reason your body has determined that your thyroid is a "foreign" object and has produced antibodies (TPOab and TGab) to "combat" it.  

Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease in which the antibodies attack and eventually destroy the thyroid gland, which will, at some point, leave you completely dependent on some type of thyroid replacement med.  

Many of us with Hashimoto's have nodules on our  thyroid, which don't warrant further testing, so long as they aren't causing issues.  You didn't say if you have nodules.

What are the reference ranges for your Free T3 and Free T4? These ranges vary from lab to lab, so must come from your own report.

Most important: what, if any, symptoms do you have?