Thyroid question
Joined: 07 Jan 2008
| Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 6:41 pm Post subject: Thyroid question | |
| I just got word from the nurse in my allergists office that my antithyroid globulin test came back high. Normal is 0-40 and my result was 44. Anyone know what this means?!?! I have to make another appointment with my allergist and she'll discuss it with me then, but of course I can't wait!
Thanks! ~J |
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Joined: 30 Jan 2008
| Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 7:16 pm Post subject: | |
| Hi,
I think this must be the test for thyroid antibodies such as thyroglobulin. A high level of these antibodies suggests that your immune system is attacking your thyroid - I think thyroglobulin is connected with autoimmune hypothyroidism. What's the context here? Do you know you have an underactive thyroid? If so, this would be confirming that the cause is an autoimmune disorder (I believe this is the most common cause), rather than, say, a virus affecting the thyroid. If you're not aware of having thyroid problems, you'd need other blood tests to check what's going on. On the other hand, as far as I understand, some people get normal blood test results (for thyroxin and thyroid stimulating hormone) but still have high levels of thyroid antibodies, which can be an early sign of thryoid failure. Hope all goes well at your next appointment and that it's all explained clearly, Kristina |
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Joined: 07 Jan 2008
| Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 7:33 pm Post subject: | |||
Thanks! I got an appointment for tomorrow morning. I'm going to see my allergist, but will ask her if I need to go to an endocrinologist, too. I have been having weird symptoms for months now and this was just another test in my battery of bloodwork. My regular thyroid test came back normal. I'll go google autoimmune hypothyroidism now! ~J |
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Forum Moderator
Joined: 08 Jan 2007
Location: new york
| Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 11:13 pm Post subject: | |
| Hi J,
Many years ago I was diagnosed as hypothyroid and was sent to an endocrinologist. I think that is your best bet. I was put on synthroid for a few years and then my thyroid just went back to normal and I am not taking anything for it anymore. Of course, it has been a few years since I got this checked out (time flies) and you have inspired me to get a blood test for it soon. Well, at least before 2008 is over. 
Anyway, I think it's a good idea to make an appt with an endocrinologist for a more thorough evaluation. Good luck! Best wishes, Melissa |
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Joined: 28 Aug 2006
| Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 11:22 pm Post subject: Re: Thyroid question | |||
Yes it's one of the antibodies tests....they may not treat you if your other labs are looking okay as this is only slightly elevated but on the other hand if you are experiencing symptoms I would insist on it. I have hashimotos disease (autoimmune) my antibodies were over 1300 and I felt awful. Treatment with HRT cleared everything up for me....I will be on it for life but it's a very simple thing to remember to take a pill each day Not like rosacea  _________________ Dx 1998 No meds Used low-dose accutane successfully |
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Joined: 07 Jan 2008
| Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 12:22 am Post subject: Re: Thyroid question | |||
1300- YIKES!!!! When she told me it was "high" at 44, I was starting to freak out! I'll let you know what the allergist says, and I think I am definitely going to ask for the name of an endo, just to have things tested. I've been having such weird things going on with my body over the past several months that I wouldn't mind trying treatment, just to see if it helps get my back in order. We'll see what the doc says. I guess even slightly elevated is a sign of an autoimmune issue, so it would probably be better to start treatment now instead of waiting for it to get worse. I did read that there is something called postpartum thyroiditis, so I wonder if I could have that. My issues started about five months after my youngest was born (she's 13 months) and it can last up to 18 months after symptoms first show. It can also stay forever. I just hope my doctor has some good insight and can help me out! I'm tired of stressing over not knowing what the H*LL is wrong with me! ~J ETA: I had a TSH test done this past Oct. and it was normal. Not sure if that means anything. |
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Joined: 28 Aug 2006
| Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 1:41 am Post subject: | |
| Normal is something you should investigate! The TSH "normal" range has changed alot in recent years and lots of docs arent aware of. For a long time top of the range was 5.0 now it's 3.0 and anyone with positive antibodies is considered to have thyroid disease. HTH _________________ Dx 1998 No meds Used low-dose accutane successfully |
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