Quote:
Originally posted by kael:
My TSH has been all over the place in the last several months :
12/13/02 1.73
6/6/03 3.22
7/9/03 14.913
7/16/03 5.26
7/24/03 9.839
Meep suggested that I be tested for Graves, TPO antibodies and thyro antibodies.
I do have elevated TPO antibodies at 140 (norm 35< ) - but what are the other two tests and what is the difference?
...are thyroid antibodies like Lupus antibodies - do you have 'flares' and remissions?
Why have I felt so normal for 20 years with low thyroid only to have it go bananas on me now? Is this what I get for turning 40??!!! |
The elevated TPO antibodies suggest that Thyroid Peroxydase antibodies are attacking the very mechanism that your thyroid gland uses to produce thyroid hormone. This can come and go and you may have periods of remission mixed with periods of "oh my God, what the heck is happening to me." Periods of normal mixed with periods of hypo.
The other two tests I suggested test for Thyroglobulin antibodies that attack one of the proteins that bind to your thyroid hormones so that you have more Free thyroid hormone circulating. This can come and go in waves and can cause periods of hyper while it is attacking and hypo then normal when an attack stops.
Both are known to be present in Hashimoto's cases, thoug to truly diagnose Hashimoto's requires a biopsy of thyroid tissue.
Graves antibodies attack the receptors on your thyroid gland for TSH and trick them into putting your thyroid gland into overdrive, making you hyper. This can also come and go in waves.
[This message has been edited by Meep (edited 08-15-2003).]
antibodies question!! 
