Thyroid peroxidase antibody

[eldsmom]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after the birth of my second daughter 9 years ago.  I have been taking synthroid since then...  Last week I asked my internal medicine MD if I should be seeing a endocrinologist to monitor my hypothyroidism..she ordered an US and additional blood work.  The results were sent in the mail to me and I am concerned about what they could mean.  This is what it reads:

The test results show that your labs show a thyroiditis, inflammation of the thyroid gland.  Your US confirms this. We recommend and appt. with an endocrinologist.  Thyroperosixdase Antibodies value 235.3

US results: The thyroid gland is normal in size.  the right lobe measures 4.1 x 1.4 x 1.9cm and the left lob measures 5.1x1.5x2.1cm.  Total thyroid volume is 14.4cc.

The thyroid parenchyma is markedly heterogeneous bilaterally.  An irregular cystic region measuring 1.0cm is present in the upper pole of the left thyroid lobe and a partially calcified .4cm cyst is present in the lower pole of the left thyroid lobe.  No dominant solid nodule is identified on either side.  Normal sized lymph nodes are present inferior to both thyroid lobes.

Impression:  Diffusely heterogeneous thyroid parenchymal which may be related to thyroiditis or some other diffuse parenchymal process.

I will make an appt. with an endocrinologist, but of course I am googling all this stuff and it is freaking me out.  Any endocrinologists out there that can tell me to calm down until my appt.......

[Barb135]

Along with the TSH, you also need to be tested for Free T3 and Free T4, which are the active thyroid hormones.  TSH is a pituitary hormone and most often does not tell nearly enough.

Ranges for TPOab (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies) vary from lab to lab, but we often see that "negative" is < 35.  Your level if definitely elevated, but not alarmingly so (we often see people with TPOab in the thousands).  

Many of us have nodules/cysts on our thyroid and they are nothing to worry about.  

Hashimoto's is not usually enough of reason to warrant thyroidectomy, so it's very possible that your aunt and grandmother had more complex issues that you may not have.  

I'm not an endocrinologist or any type of doctor, and we don't have any that monitor this forum, but many of us on here can give as good advice as many endos, since a lot of them specialize in diabetes and know almost nothing about thyroid.  

My advice right now, is to calm down and have a wonderful weekend.

[eldsmom]

Thanks for commenting.  My TSH was 2.4....that is all that was reported to me, but I now see there are other numbers I need to pay attention to. ..those numbers I do not know.   I take .112 mg of synthroid.  My appt is Monday....do you know the normal range for the the thyroidperoxidase level?  I have recently found out that my aunt and grandmother have hashimoto's so I won't be surprised if that is what it is.  Both have had thyroidectomies (my aunt had a partial)----this concerns me---I am also quite concerned about the cysts.  Thanks for your input.

[laura1967]

Looks to me that you have Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroid disease. Your thyroidperoxidase level is extremely high...reason for thyroid swelling!
What were your most recent thyroid lab results, and what dosage of thyroid meds are you on?
Yes, it is time for you to find a well versed thyroid doctor who Understands autoimmune thyroid disease!