Re: TPO level - HASHIs or NOT??

[Guest guest]

Hi Beki

Welcome to our forum and I hope you get all

the help and support you need.

Hashimoto's is a cause of your hypothyroidism

and it is treated in exactly the same way as any other cause of hypothyroidism.

However, even though you do have some antibodies, your results are not

considered to be high enough to give you a diagnosis of Hashimoto's - as

Hashimoto's means you have high levels of antibodies.

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO) test

measures an antibody that is found in most patients with Hashimoto's

hypothyroidism. This antibody blocks an enzyme that is responsible for adding

iodine to a protein in thyroid hormone production. It is elevated in 85% to 90%

of patients with hypothyroidism. The normal thyroid antibody level ranges from

0 to 34 IU/ml. but it depends upon the 'kit' being used by individual laboratories.

Sometimes the levels can seem alarmingly high, even in the thousands. Thyroid

antibody tests are read as positive or negative. The number itself is not cause

for concern. Most patients with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism will always have

positive thyroid antibodies.

Did your GP not also order the Antithyroglobulin

Antibody (TgAb) test? This antibody blocks a protein made by the thyroid that

is necessary for making thyroid hormones, T4 and T3. It is positive in patients

with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This antibody level may also be elevated in other

autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Sjogren's

syndrome. TgAb is also used to monitor patients who have had thyroid cancer for

recurrence. This test should be negative in most patients who have had their

thyroid removed.

When you say you suffer with Adrenal Insufficiency, do you mean

that you have 's disease and taking hydrocortisone or do you mean you

are suffering with low adrenal reserve (adrenal fatigue)? What medication are

you taking and has your GP given you a diagnosis of hypothyroidism?

Luv - Sheila

My results were:

TPO Antibodies – 33.4 iu/mL (range 5 – 59 iu/mL)

Negative less than 60

Equivicol 60-100

Positive greater than 100

My GP made no comment on it so assumed I dont have it but someone has just

looked at my results and think this shows I DO have it - v confused??

I must admit I was under the impression any antibodies meant you had HASHIs??

Is this another case of NHS using way out ranges??

[Guest guest]

Thanks Sheila for your kind welcome and explanation.

Sorry to seem a bit 'thick' but I got a bit confused - because my TPO results

are low does that means HASHIS isnt the cause of my hypothy right??

I wouldnt be concerned if I did its just that a gluten free diet has been

suggested and I really dont want to be going down that route if I havent got

HASHIS!

I did ask GP for TgAb but he didnt test for it!!! RRRaahh!! Should I ask again?

I'm stage 6, adrenal fatigue - extremely low cortisol, high DHEA - currently

taking HC to strengthen adrenals - tried thyroid meds (latest a month ago) but

adrenals still not strong enough to tolerate.

GP will/not diagnose Hypothy - you know what they are like with blood tests -

its was Dr Myhill who thankfully picked up on both.

Thanks Sheila

Beki x

>

> My results were:

>

> TPO Antibodies - 33.4 iu/mL (range 5 - 59 iu/mL)

>

> Negative less than 60

> Equivicol 60-100

> Positive greater than 100

>

> My GP made no comment on it so assumed I dont have it but someone has just

> looked at my results and think this shows I DO have it - v confused??

>

> I must admit I was under the impression any antibodies meant you had

> HASHIs?? Is this another case of NHS using way out ranges??

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Sheila for your kind welcome and explanation.

Sorry to seem a bit 'thick' but I got a bit confused - because my TPO results

are low does that means HASHIS isnt the cause of my hypothy right??

I wouldnt be concerned if I did its just that a gluten free diet has been

suggested and I really dont want to be going down that route if I havent got

HASHIS!

I did ask GP for TgAb but he didnt test for it!!! RRRaahh!! Should I ask again?

I'm stage 6, adrenal fatigue - extremely low cortisol, high DHEA - currently

taking HC to strengthen adrenals - tried thyroid meds (latest a month ago) but

adrenals still not strong enough to tolerate.

GP will/not diagnose Hypothy - you know what they are like with blood tests -

its was Dr Myhill who thankfully picked up on both.

Thanks Sheila

Beki x

>

> My results were:

>

> TPO Antibodies - 33.4 iu/mL (range 5 - 59 iu/mL)

>

> Negative less than 60

> Equivicol 60-100

> Positive greater than 100

>

> My GP made no comment on it so assumed I dont have it but someone has just

> looked at my results and think this shows I DO have it - v confused??

>

> I must admit I was under the impression any antibodies meant you had

> HASHIs?? Is this another case of NHS using way out ranges??

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Beki and welcome,

- because my TPO resultsare low does that means HASHIS isnt the cause of my hypothy right??

It is not quite as straight forward as that. Not everybody with Hashimoto's has a positive (blood) count of auto-antibodies, but everybody who has a positive count of auto-antibodies has got Hashimoto's. Suffering from Hashimoto's means that the cause of the resulting thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) is caused by constant attacks of the auto-antibodies to the thyroid gland. But whether the cause of the thyroiditis is of autoimmune origin or of other causes, the treatment and end result (Hypothyroidism) are the same. We use the term `Hypothyroidism' lightly in common language; strictly speaking it should be reserved for the end stage of thyroiditis. We have only reached `hypothyroidism' when our thyroid gland is as dead as a dodo, i.e. is unable to produce any thyroid hormone. The difference between thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroiditis is the presence of positive auto-antibodies. `Ordinary' thyroiditis can be caused by a number of different causes, `autoimmune' thyroiditis is caused by auto-antibodies destroying the thyroid gland. In both cases the thyroid gland will eventually die and in both cases the treatment is the same.

I wouldnt be concerned if I did its just that a gluten free diet has beensuggested and I really dont want to be going down that route if I havent gotHASHIS!This is a new one on me. Did Dr. Myhill recommend a gluten free diet for you? If so, I am sure she has her reasons, but as far as I know, Hashimoto's is not the cause for gluten intolerance; Coeliac disease is the cause for gluten intolerance to the best of my knowledge. It is, however, likely that eating a gluten free diet will be a good thing and help with digestion and the whole functioning of the body and largely avoiding grains (and wheat in particular) in our diets would be a very good move, although not every type of grain contains gluten.

I did ask GP for TgAb but he didnt test for it!!! RRRaahh!! Should I ask again?Yes, it would be good to know, because positive TgAB can predispose us for other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or cancers.

GP will/not diagnose Hypothy - you know what they are like with blood tests -its was Dr Myhill who thankfully picked up on both.Have you got any thyroid result figures you could share with us?

With best wishes,

[Guest guest]

You don't have to be concerned with such a low level of

antibodies Beki but I would get them tested in about a years time to see

whether the number grows. If they do significantly, then yes, you will be

diagnosed with Hashimoto's and yes, it could well be the cause of your

hypothyroidism. Do you have any members of your family with a thyroid or

autoimmune disease - if so, mention this to your GP. And yes, I would ask your

GP to test your tgAb also. Problem is, they are all desperately trying to save

their surgery as much money as they can so will avoid doing whatever blood

tests they are can.

Have you asked for a referral to a thyroid specialist Beki - as

your GP is NOT a specialist.

Luv - Sheila

I did ask GP for TgAb but he didnt test for it!!! RRRaahh!! Should I ask again?

I'm stage 6, adrenal fatigue - extremely low cortisol, high DHEA - currently

taking HC to strengthen adrenals - tried thyroid meds (latest a month ago) but

adrenals still not strong enough to tolerate.

GP will/not diagnose Hypothy - you know what they are like with blood tests -

its was Dr Myhill who thankfully picked up on both.

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your answers.

No Doc Myhill didnt suggest gluten free, she does suggest the Paleo diet for

everyone though.

(I am not currently being treated by Dr Myhill. As you probably know her main

expertise is CFS - mitochondria disfunction and although she helped with my

ad/thy diagnosis sadly as she said herself she is not an expert in this area.

She suggested I stabilise my ad/thy first then go back to 'tackle' the ole'

mitochondria).

Through alot of research and correspondence with others with similar health

'issues' Ive read Gluten free diets seem to bring down the antibodies - they

seem to say its the gluten but whether its from cutting out the gluten persay or

perhaps just the load on the immune system who knows?? They're dont seem to

claim its because of celiac/gluten allergy just that the antibodies seem to

'calm down' - so that's gotta be good right??

Sure, my Thyroid results have been:

20/11/08 - GP blood test:

TSH – 1.3

Free T4 – 17.6

31/03/10 - GP blood test:

TSH – 1.34

Free T4 – 9.8

26/04/10 - Dr Myhill blood test:

TSH – 4.9

Free T4 – 15.9

Free T3 – 1.4

03/10 - GP blood test:

TSH – 0.79

Free T4 – 11.3

08/10 - 24 hr URINE thyroid test:

Urine Free T3 - 462

Urine Free T4 - 853

Urine T3:T4 ratio - 0.5

11/10 - GP blood test:

TSH - 0.66

Free T4 - 10.5

I have ranges for all of these if you want.

Thank you

Beki

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your answers.

No Doc Myhill didnt suggest gluten free, she does suggest the Paleo diet for

everyone though.

(I am not currently being treated by Dr Myhill. As you probably know her main

expertise is CFS - mitochondria disfunction and although she helped with my

ad/thy diagnosis sadly as she said herself she is not an expert in this area.

She suggested I stabilise my ad/thy first then go back to 'tackle' the ole'

mitochondria).

Through alot of research and correspondence with others with similar health

'issues' Ive read Gluten free diets seem to bring down the antibodies - they

seem to say its the gluten but whether its from cutting out the gluten persay or

perhaps just the load on the immune system who knows?? They're dont seem to

claim its because of celiac/gluten allergy just that the antibodies seem to

'calm down' - so that's gotta be good right??

Sure, my Thyroid results have been:

20/11/08 - GP blood test:

TSH – 1.3

Free T4 – 17.6

31/03/10 - GP blood test:

TSH – 1.34

Free T4 – 9.8

26/04/10 - Dr Myhill blood test:

TSH – 4.9

Free T4 – 15.9

Free T3 – 1.4

03/10 - GP blood test:

TSH – 0.79

Free T4 – 11.3

08/10 - 24 hr URINE thyroid test:

Urine Free T3 - 462

Urine Free T4 - 853

Urine T3:T4 ratio - 0.5

11/10 - GP blood test:

TSH - 0.66

Free T4 - 10.5

I have ranges for all of these if you want.

Thank you

Beki

[Guest guest]

Ok, thanks Sheila.

Yes, my Paternal grandmother had 'hyperthyroidism' and had her thyroid removed

(this was probably in the 1940's). Knowing the history of my family and looking

at photos of them (ive NEVER seen women with such dark circles under their

eyes!!!) and what I know now - I would think they had adrenal 'issue's too!!

My Maternal grandmother had pernicious anaemia and five in our family have CFS -

autoimmune disease - who knows?????

I have mentioned this to my GP but I honestly think because of my 'CFS' he

ignores me sometimes. I realise my GP is not a thyroid specialist and so may

not totally understand and yes, I realise the NHS have to save money - I just

dont get it though......the sad thing is they ignored my physical causes of

being ill for so long, got exasperated because I wasnt recovering after 20years,

decided it must be in my mind, so sent me down the phsyciatric route 2 years ago

(I should have stood my ground and refused this in hindsight!!), put me on very

strong meds which messed with my thyroid even more and ended me up in hospital -

so surely that doesnt save them money!!!?? It was only in desparation I did my

own research, found Dr Myhill and sorted the REAL reason Im feeling SO ill.

EEK!! Where did that come from....SO sorry for the rant - totally NOT at you

guys, ive just been scared by my treatment and exasperated at them!! ;o)

Hmmm!! I dont think I want a referral to a NHS specialist after whats happened

- I am currently consulting with Dr Peatfield and as far as Im concerned hes

more qualified than them - do you agree??!!

Thank you

Beki

[Guest guest]

Hi all. i disagree with this all hypo`s have hash`s even if they are not in the blood they can be in the gland itself, also even if you have whiplash or other triggers it still could sent an attack to this area, neck or else where. also any in the body no matter how many could be attacking you. who is to say that 100 or them is different to a 1,000!!! it is still an attack and as such should be treated.I no evidence is important and their is evidence for most if not all that i say on this. Angel.

[Guest guest]

Thank you Angel, that helps.

Id read somewhere Selenium helps - did you find that with you?

Have you read anywhere about gluten free helping?? Have you gone gluten free

and if so did it help?

Sorry to hear about your boys, I hope their autism is not too severe for them -

do you mind me asking something?

After much personal research and in looking at my family medical history and

current family health issue - CFS, adrenal problems, thyroid problems, dyslexia,

autistic spectrum type personalities (if you know what I mean???) I really

wonder if there is a link with these. Many be to do with nutrient

malabsorbtion? Heavy metal poisoning? Have you any thoughts on this??

Ta

Beks

>

> Hi Beki, yes you have Hashi`s , as you have TPOab auto-antibodies, (auto means

> self and anti means against.)

> the true range is hard to define as many country`s use different ranges, so

here

> it is a top range of around 60 0r 75, but this range

> is only a range and have nothing to do with being normal what ever this is! so

> any thing over say 20 would be a positive and

>

> I believe that any hypothyroidism that is not a result of treating Graves is

> hashi`s and is autoimmune in origin as is graves disease.

> so doctors think all ranges are normal one`s but in fact they are just ranges

> and it is where you are in that range that determines what status you are.! I

> have a TPOab at 15.5 while taking selenium and 4 grains natural thyroid. so it

> is any-ones guess where it really is ,

> perhaps 115.5. not very high but it could be higher when pregnant , i have two

> son`s on the autistic spectrum. ummm.

>

> hope this helps you Regards Angel.

>

[Guest guest]

> > I have ranges for all of these if you want.

Yes, please, Beki. We always need the ref ranges for everything. Every lab has slightly different ones....

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

Hi Beki - blood test results are no good at all without

reference ranges so yes please, post them next to the figures below.

Luv - Sheila

Sure, my Thyroid results have been:

20/11/08 - GP blood test:

TSH – 1.3

Free T4 – 17.6

31/03/10 - GP blood test:

TSH – 1.34

Free T4 – 9.8

26/04/10 - Dr Myhill blood test:

TSH – 4.9

Free T4 – 15.9

Free T3 – 1.4

03/10 - GP blood test:

TSH – 0.79

Free T4 – 11.3

08/10 - 24 hr URINE thyroid test:

Urine Free T3 - 462

Urine Free T4 - 853

Urine T3:T4 ratio - 0.5

11/10 - GP blood test:

TSH - 0.66

Free T4 - 10.5

I have ranges for all of these if you want.

[Guest guest]

Ok, here they are again with the ranges:

20/11/08 - GP blood test:

TSH – 1.3 (0.4-4.0 mlu/L)

Free T4 – 17.6 (12-22 pmol/L)

31/03/10 - GP blood test:

TSH – 1.34 (0.4-4.0 mlu/L)

Free T4 – 9.8 (12-22 pmol/L)

26/04/10 - Dr Myhill blood test:

TSH – 4.9 (0.4-4.0 mlu/L)

Free T4 – 15.9 (12-22 pmol/L)

Free T3 – 1.4 (3.0-6.2 pmol/L)

03/10 - GP blood test:

TSH – 0.79 (0.4-4 mlu/L)

Free T4 – 11.3 (12-22 pmol/L)

08/10 - Dr Peatfield - 24 hr URINE thyroid test:

Urine Free T3 - 462 (592-1850 pmol/24h)

Urine Free T4 - 853 (347-1994 pmol/24h)

Urine T3:T4 ratio - 0.5 (0.50-2.00)

(Dr P confirmed Dr Myhills diagnosis of adrenal fatigue with hypothyroidism - he

feels my main problem started with adrenal insufficiency from newborn, maybe

thyroid also)

11/10 - GP blood test:

TSH - 0.66 (0.4-4 mlu/L)

Free T4 - 10.5 (12-22 pmol/L)

Thanks

Beki

>

>

>

> >

> > I have ranges for all of these if you want.

>

>

> Yes, please, Beki. We always need the ref ranges for everything. Every

> lab has slightly different ones....

>

> Thanks,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Beki - I really would NOT let my GP get away with treating me in

the way your GP has apparently treated (or not in this case) you.

What you need to do is to write him a letter - sending a copy to

the Head of Practice and asking for your letter to be placed into your medical

records.

First, tell the GP you are determined to find out the cause of your

ill health and that you are no longer prepared to sit back and do nothing.

List all of your symptoms and signs (check these against those

in our web site under 'hypothyroidism' www.tpa-uk.org.uk

.. No matter how long your list is, write down every single one of them. The

SIGNS are things that your GP can see or feel, so make sure you put down every

one of them too.

Next, take your basal temperature for 4/5 mornings before you

get out of bed and list these too. Normal temperature is 98.6 degrees F. and if

yours are less than 97.8 (and they could be much less) this is an indication

your metabolism is malfunctioning and the cause is more likely than not to be

hypothyroidism.

Next, list all the members of your family who have a thyroid or

autoimmune disease as you have done in your message below.

Next, list the thyroid function tests you need which should

include TgAb and free T3. There is NO way a doctor can tell whether you are

converting your thyroxine (T4) to the active thyroid hormone triiodothyronine

(T3).

Next, let him know that you KNOW the thyroid function blood

tests ONLY check the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) secreted by the

pituitary gland when it recognises there is insufficient levels of thyroid

hormone in the blood - and that the free T4 blood test ONLY shows the level of

thyroid hormone being secreted by the thyroid gland - and that WHAT SERUM

THYROID FUNCTION TESTING DOES NOT SHOW is whether you are suffering from

peripheral resistance to thyroid hormones at the cellular level (Type 2

Hypothyroidism). Type 2 hypothyroidism is usually inherited. However,

environmental toxins may also cause or exacerbate the problem. The

pervasiveness of Type 2 has yet to be recognised by mainstream medicine but

already is in epidemic proportions. This is one reason you need the free T3

test to be done.

Tell your GP also that there are many, many reasons why you may

be suffering with peripheral resistance to thyroid hormones at cellular level

and 7 of these reasons could be that you are suffering with low levels of

ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D3, magnesium, folate, copper and zinc. If any

of these are low in the range, the thyroid hormone cannot be fully utilised at

cellular level and whatever is low will need supplementing. There are other

reasons too, such as low adrenal reserve, systemic candidiasis and mercury

poisoning caused through amalgam fillings. None of these are taught to students

at Medical School sadly, so be prepared for your doctor to be completely

unaware of these.

Next, tell him that once you get the results of these tests,

that you would like a copy of them all, together with the reference range for

each test done.

Next, ask for a referral to an endocrinologist of your choice (I

have sent you a list of recommended doctors - some NHS and some private) which

have come from our members.

Last, ask for a written response in no less than 10 working

days. Doctors give the written word a great deal more attention than they do

when you are sat in their office - especially when they know you have asked for

the letter to be placed into your medical notes. They can deny what you say was

stated in a conversation with them behind closed doors, but they cannot deny

the information in that letter. Keep a copy yourself in case it 'accidentally'

goes missing - and last…

Good luck!

Luv - Sheila

EEK!! Where did that come from....SO sorry for the rant - totally NOT at you

guys, ive just been scared by my treatment and exasperated at them!! ;o)

Hmmm!! I dont think I want a referral to a NHS specialist after whats happened

- I am currently consulting with Dr Peatfield and as far as Im concerned hes

more qualified than them - do you agree??!!

Thank you

Beki

[Guest guest]

BEKI PLEASE DELETE EVERYTHING EXCEPT FOR YOUR MESSAGE AND A FEW LINES OF THE

MESSAGE YOU ARE ACTUALLY REPLYING TO BEFORE CLICKING SEND. I HAVE DONE IT FOR

YOU THIS TIME.

Moderator

Thanks Sheila.

Wow!! I know my GP/s have been 'rubbish' over the years with all this but didnt

realise there was anything I could do about it.

I understand where you are coming from but sorry to ask but what would I

accomplish through doing this? Surely I could put his back up?? Although he is

a bad doc, believe me Ive had even worse treatment and in a way your hands are

tied. You are right about letters though - after he received my 17 page report

from Dr Myhill he said he would do anything he could to help. (hmmm....so where

was the other antibody test???)

And if the NHS doesnt recognise that you cant test thyroid with just a TSH & T4

what is the point of dealing with them in this instance? Why would I need to

see an endo if Im seeing Dr P?

Ive battled so long with mainstream medicine and now my adrenals are more or

less completely non functioning I dont know if I could take another battle

on.....???

Thank you for your help with this.

Beki

>

> Beki - I really would NOT let my GP get away with treating me in the way

> your GP has apparently treated (or not in this case) you.

>

> What you need to do is to write him a letter - sending a copy to the Head of

> Practice and asking for your letter to be placed into your medical records.

>

[Guest guest]

I understand where you are coming from but

sorry to ask but what would I accomplish through doing this? Surely I could put

his back up?? Although he is a bad doc, believe me Ive had even worse treatment

and in a way your hands are tied. You are right about letters though - after he

received my 17 page report from Dr Myhill he said he would do anything he could

to help. (hmmm....so where was the other antibody test???)

You need to do this because it is obvious your GP is not taking

your symptoms and signs as seriously as he should be and it is easy to dismiss

them face to face behind closed doors - and once you have left the surgery,

another patient takes your place and you are forgotten until the next time you

need to see the doctor. It is very important to write what you need in a letter

and this is placed into your medical notes and he has to follow it up. You will

accomplish a lot and if it puts his back up, that will only be because he recognises

you have him over a barrel. This is a way to ensure you get the best treatment

possible - work with your doctor and your doctor should work with you. Listen

to your doctor and your doctor should listen to you. You would also be helping

other patients visiting him who are in a similar situation to yours.

And if the NHS doesnt recognise that you cant

test thyroid with just a TSH & T4 what is the point of dealing with them in

this instance? Why would I need to see an endo if Im seeing Dr P?

The point of dealing with them is that you have to help make

them sit up and realise they are causing their patients ill health to continue

through a lack of a proper understanding of how the thyroid system works and

that other things need to be taken into consideration when trying to reach a

proper diagnosis. As the quote states: All that is necessary for evil to triumph

is that good men (and women) do nothing.

Ive battled so long with mainstream medicine

and now my adrenals are more or less completely non functioning I dont know if

I could take another battle on.....???

You should not look at my recommendation as 'another battle' -

all you are doing is writing a letter asking questions, requesting tests and

giving reasons why. Keep your letter friendly and ask him to work with you. Be

positive Beki and don't give up.

Luv - Sheila

[Guest guest]

HI, yes autistic and many other`s are linked to autoimmune disease.! selenium is a must if you have TPOab autoantibodies.200mg per day. I no how you feel about things, I got angry when i found out I had hypothyroidism and again when I realisedit was hashi`s ,but you get over it and made up my mind to do my own research and not let doctors rule my health, it was the best thing i ever done. Angel.

[Guest guest]

Hi Judith, you keep giving out incorrect information about Hashimoto's Disease. You keep saying that all those with hypothyroid symptoms have Hashimoto's - they do not and this is worrying to people who are trying to learn about this disease.

There are several different causes of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's is only ONE of them and is due to an 'autoimmune disease' called autoimmune thyroiditis. Autoimmune thyroiditis is more common than usual in people with:

A family history of hypothyroidism caused by autoimmune thyroiditis.

Down's syndrome. Hypothyroidism develops in 1 in 3 people with Down's syndrome before the age of 25 years. Symptoms of hypothyroidism may be missed more easily in people with Down's syndrome. Therefore, some doctors recommend that all people with Down's syndrome should have an annual blood test to screen for hypothyroidism.

's syndrome. Again, an annual blood test to screen for hypothyroidism is usually advised for people with this condition.

An enlarged thyroid gland (diffuse goitre).

A past history of Graves' disease, or thyroiditis following childbirth.

A personal or family history of other autoimmune disorders. For example, vitiligo, pernicious anaemia, 's disease, Type 1 diabetes, premature ovarian failure, coeliac disease, Sjogren's syndrome.

Some people with autoimmune thyroiditis also develop a swollen thyroid gland (goitre). Autoimmune thyroiditis with a goitre is called Hashimoto's disease. Also, people with autoimmune thyroiditis have a small increased risk of developing other autoimmune conditions such as vitiligo, pernicious anaemia, etc.

Another cause of hypothyroidism is when the sufferer has had surgery or radioactive treatment to the thyroid gland. These are common causes of hypothyroidism in the UK due to increasing use of these treatments for other thyroid conditions.

Yet another cause which is very widespread is ''Type 2' hypothyroidism, caused by peripheral resistance to thyroid hormone at the cellular level". As I keep writing, the pervasiveness of Type 2 hypothyroidism has yet to be recognised by mainstream medicine but already is in epidemic proportions.

Other causes of hypothyroidism are less common and include:

Worldwide, iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism but it is a rare cause in the UK. (Your body needs iodine to make thyroxine. However, it is rare for a diet in western countries to lack sufficient iodine.)

A side-effect to some medicines. For example, amiodarone and lithium.

Other types of 'thyroiditis' (thyroid inflammation) caused by various rare conditions.

A pituitary gland problem is a rare cause. The pituitary gland that lies just under the brain makes a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This stimulates the thyroid gland to make thyroxine. If the pituitary does not make TSH, then the thyroid cannot make enough thyroxine.

Some children are born with an underactive thyroid gland (congenital hypothyroidism).

Luv - Sheila

> Hi all. i disagree with this all hypo`s have hash`s even if they are not in the > blood they can be in the gland itself, also even if you have whiplash or other > triggers it still could sent an attack to this area, neck or else where. also > any in the body no matter how many > > could be attacking you. who is to say that 100 or them is different to a > 1,000!!! it is still an attack and as such should be treated.> I no evidence is important and their is evidence for most if not all that i say > on this. Angel.>

[Guest guest]

hiya

Just to agree with Sheila. I have high TPO antibodies among others and

I have Graves disease (TPO antibodies are not exclusive to Hashis, and

there are some issues with the accurate measurement and interpretation

of antibody readings that can complicate diagnosis). Also selenium is

contraindicated for those of us who are hyPERthyroid as it can stimulate

hormone production, and obviously hyPER patients are trying to slow down

their thyroid's activity. Also according to my endo it is NOT

inevitable that I will go hypo eventually - in fact in his opinion I

won't - so again the antibody factor is subtle and it most certainly is

not one size fits all.

I am all for alternative treatments, patient power, and educating

doctors but if it were not for traditional medical intervention I would

be dead so I do think its important we share experience not opinions.

Also I agree with Sheila - there is a lot of autoimmune disease in m

extended family but I am the only one with Graves. However my mother is

hypO but she doesn't have autoimmune thyroid disease.

Thanks

[Guest guest]

hello rebecca

>Also selenium is contraindicated for those of us who are hyPERthyroid as it can

stimulate hormone production

i've never heard that it can stimualate hormone production but rather that it is

necessary for conversion of t4 to t3. i am not saying you are wrong but rather

wanted to check on the veracity of the statement.

trish

>

> hiya

>

> Just to agree with Sheila. I have high TPO antibodies among others and I have

Graves disease (TPO antibodies are not exclusive to Hashis, and there are some

issues with the accurate measurement and interpretation of antibody readings

that can complicate diagnosis). Also selenium is contraindicated for those of

us who are hyPERthyroid as it can stimulate hormone production, and obviously

hyPER patients are trying to slow down their thyroid's activity.