Whacked out labs

[rainyday1313]

I'm confused about my labs and appt w/endocrinologist isnt for another couple of months.  My TSH is 0.04, my Antithryroid ABS TPO AB is 201 and my antithyroglobulin AB is 3198.  My thyroid ultrasound showed one side slightly larger than the other, but no nodules.  My symptoms include severe fatigue, periods of fuzzy headedness and inability to concentrate, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, irritability, depression, sudden weight loss (11 lbs over two weeks, although that is bouncing back up now), and irritated eyes.  My primary doc says I have hyperthyroidism based on my labs, but can't tell me if it's Hashi's, Graves or something else.  Can someone shed some light on this?  Also, is there any relief for the symptoms until I can get in to see a specialist?  I'm normally really healthy and these symptoms are really affecting my life!

[rainyday1313]

Thanks all for your comments, thoughts and suggestions. It helps to know that others have been through what I'm going through. FT-3 and FT-4 were both within normal limits.  I've been anemic for years and they're just beginning to look for reasons behind it. (Colonoscopy/EGD, small bowel studies, etc.) My GI doc made a call to the Endo and hopefully, I'll get in sooner than February!  Thanks, again!

[GravesLady]

Your TSH relates hyperthyroidism, but the  hyperthyroidism could be the early stages of Hashi or could be Graves'.  FT-4 and FT-3 levels would have indicated whether the hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease or early Hashi.
Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) or thyroid peroxidase  Autoantibodies  (TPOAb) are not good indicator to autoimmune thyroid because they are present in a high proportion  of people with Graves' disease, Hashi,  chronic thyroiditis, other thyroid diseases, other autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and pernicious anemia  and people who show no evidence of thyroid disease. The antibodies do not provide an indication of whether a  person has normal or abnormal thyroid function, thereby, thyroid levels are the prevailing diagnose.  However, there are specific antibodies to Graves' and/or Hashi to verify autoimmune thyroid.  They don't treat antibodies because there is no treatment for antibodies, nothing can be done about them. The thyroid is treated from the damages the antibodies do to the thyroid, per thyroid levels TSH and FTs, VERIFIED through the proper antibodies and possible other test.

The endo. will probably repeat your test and maybe add some, like the correct antibodies, etc.


Happy New Year!  Good Luck and Best Wishes for 2008.

[suzanna1]

they told me with high antibodies it meant hashimotos.. because mine was 180 and its called subclinical hypothyroid.. that it will continue to get worse..

[utahmomma]

Not an expert on labs (hoping that Graves Lady chimes in here) but with high antibodies and such a low TSH it looks like you may have Graves.  Is there any way that you can get into see an endocrinologist sooner - especially with your eye involvement?

http://www.endocrineweb.com/hyper1.html

[ifupleze]

The only thing I can suggest is a rx for anti-anxiety.  I have had  hyper and hypo symptoms and I have Hashimoto's (antibodies)   When I was hyper, it seemed like nothing really relieved them except the ativan in small dose.  It really helps for sleeping.  Then I started taking Vit D3 400IU a day for depression, and I also have adrenal fatigue which has the same symptoms of thyroid disorders and is common with both hypo and hyper.  I started taking DHEA 5mg at bedtime.  You can get it over the counter, but I would ask your doctor if it would be ok.  Also, B complex with C might help.  I am no doctor, so be sure to ask if all these would be ok.  They seemed to really help me especially the DHEA.  If you can't eat, like me, then a high calorie powder drink is great for energy, too.  Hope this helps.  Good luck.