what is the purpose of the antibody test while trying to determin Hypothyrodism?

Question

I suspect I have hypothyroidism. Been to 2 doctors. 1 only tested my T3 and T4 and the other only tested the TSH (which was 1.65 at the time)...... none of them ever tested for antibodies... the reason I ask it, a few years ago, I got sick and it felt like the flu, except I had pain in my neck and heart palpitation. So I wonder if I got a virus that has effected my thyroids.

I want to ask for the next doctor I go to to check the anti body test.....because I heard it should be done(NO DOCTOR HAS DONE IT YET).....so I want to educate myself on it......what is the antibody test for hypothyrodism??

Answer 1

There are a couple of tests for antibodies, one of them called TPO. This is the test that will often show if there is hypothyroidism. Also, it's important that the dr check for Free T3 and Free T4 as these can tell if something is going on. The free of both of these are the parts that are left over, meaning not used by the thyroid.

The T4 converts to T3.

To learn more about thyroid disorders, and the tests check out: http://www.thyroid.about.com

The ANA (antinuclear antibody) is one of the ways that they can check for Lupus and other arthritic conditions but sometimes the Lupus can be missed so other tests like a newer test that is now out called the Sera Protein test do a better job of finding out if one has Lupus (I'm eventually hoping to have this test done myself).

A primary care physician can run an ANA but most of the time it's done by rheumatologists.

Yes, sometimes an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid such as hypothyroidism in particular Hashimoto's can start with a virus.

I would recommend being evaluated by an endocrinologist as they will run all the tests in the thyroid panel.

Answer 2

Your TSH isn't neccessarily outside normal range. This is a very easy to understand detailed explanation:

http://www.mercola.com/article/hypothyroid/diagnosis.htm

Here are the 3 different tests for antibodies:

http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/thyroid_antibodies/test.html

If the doctor finds that your TSH level isn't that high and doesn't feel that antibody testing is needed, there are some other things you should ask about.

I'd be concerned about Diabetes and possibly look into Cushing's Disease, which is rare, but can cause a lot of the symptoms you're describing. If you had flu-like symptoms and neck pain you may have had mono or Epstein-Barr virus. They can test for EB antibodies.

Answer 3

Didn't the dr tell you what the test was for? Or did he tell you the name of the antibody test he is running?

Hypothyroidism is an autoimmune problem so maybe it has something to do with that.

Maybe he is running an ANA which is a general test for inflammatory diseases.

It really does depend on what test he is running since there are too many to even try to name here.

If it is an ANA he is running then you should ask for a copy of the lab report {you should get a copy of ALL lab reports} & you should keep a file of them & do not give the original to any new dr you go to but you can make them a copy if they want to see them.

The disease called lupus is often described as a flu like feeling with pain in joints, low grade fever, fuzzy thinking, extreme fatigue, etc. anyway, see if he did an ANA and be sure to get that copy.

Answer 4

The antibody test is for lupus and usually a rheumatologist or neurologist is the one who orders it. The problem is that it doesn't always show up in the tests because you have to be in an attack to show and you usually are flat on your back in bed sick. The T3 and T4 are thyroid tests and even if they are normal, normal isn't the same for everyone, esp if they are on the low end of normal. They usually give Armour Thyroid, Synthroid or Levothryoxin for thyroid issues.

Answer 5

the purpose how excelency u are be on several conditions