My thyroid hormones (TSH and T4) test results are back- all still in normal range, when I clearly have anti-thyroid antibodies! Just tells you that if I had not run this test, I would have never known. If everything else (Lupus Anti-coagulant and anti-cardiolipin autoantibodies) come back as normal, then I guess I will be put on thyroid hormones during the next pregnancy, though managing it will be tricky.
The thing that is making me very nervous is that these anti-thyroid antibodies are known to go hand in hand with T cell dysfunction and other B cell dysfunctions too, in which case you have an immune system running amuck- VERY difficult to keep it from kungpao-ing your baby :(
Praying its not this, and its just this one isolated autoimmune issue. I get hypothyroidism from both sides of my family, so its logical that I might have this problem.
Just a note for all mommies to be- if you have a family history of hypothyroidism, maybe its worth getting this test run, because as I am clearly demonstrating, this problem might not show up if you just test for thyroid hormones.
I have a family history too and was diagnosed by in May. I have to go in every four weeks no to check my levels. It does make me nervous but I guess all I can do is take the hormone and think happy thoughts.
ReplyDeleteJust catching up --- if your TSH is normal, then it's NOT subclinical hypothyroidism. The diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism is made in someone with a slightly high TSH (usually considered to be between 5-12, depending on the lab) with a normal T3 and T4. Having anti-TPO antibodies doesn't diagnose hypo or hyperthyroidism.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few studies that show supplements with levothyroxine in women who have antiTPO abs have a decreased m/c rate, but the highest rate of decrease is in those with much higher abs than yours.
I have seen well over a hundred women with known positive TPO abs (equal to and much higher than yours) and both overt and subclinical hypothyroidism who have had completely normal pregnancies. It *is* possible that this finding is completely unrelated, so try not to worry too much about what it all might mean beyond supplementing with a little levothyroxine.
@Selkiemom, well as long as its being managed its good.
ReplyDelete@Shannon- question-have you seen lots of women who have TPO abs (and normal TSH/T4) and who have NOT been treated with levothyroxine go on to have normal pregnancies? I know there is only just a positive correlation between TPO abs and m/c, but its still so puzzling to me that the chromosomes were normal, a random genetic or developmental defect is so hard to buy. I'd have a hard time thinking this had nothing to do with it, and if it did (and its ONLY this issue and not broad spectrum autoantibodies and T cell defects), then, after the initial shock, it would almost be a relief.
haha, sorry I have to laugh at the "kungpao-ing" I know it's not even remotely funny, but using kungpao-ing in anything tickles me. Could have something to do with my hormones being wonky...
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit in the dark about all this but it sounds like you need more answers before knowing for sure the extent of a problem. Based on what Shannon said, I don't think you should give up hope yet.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping everything works out for you.
Thanks Tiara- Its far less gloom and doom than I made it out to be. Unless the other tests come back as positive (ulp) then I'm not really in much trouble and I'm really lucky we found this out.
ReplyDeletePulling for you lady... lots of good vibes coming your way!
ReplyDeleteThis all sounds very complicated. I know you're on the way to success, though. Knowledge is half the battle. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThe general rule of thumb is that herbal thyroid supplements that is safe and can be used to stabilize your underactive thyroid is necessary. Bovine is all natural remedies for hypothyroidism that some experts believe fall under that safe and effective supplement for thyroid.
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