High thyroid antibodies anyone?

missmarypoppins

Hi ladies. After another failed cycle under perfect conditions I'm really anxious for answers. Our wtf isn't until 4/9 and I'm trying to gather as much info as possible before then.

When I had the RPL panel done my thyroid antibodies came back at over 500. I was assured that this was not a problem because my T3/T4 were in normal range. But now as I'm googling there is so much research saying that even antibodies in the 200 range can negatively impact implantation and early pregnancy. There seem to be differing opinions on how to treat this and many doctors don't even believe it's an issue. Has anyone dealt with high thyroid antibodies? Can you point me in the right direction? Do I need an immunologist, endocrinologist, start with my GP? How are you treating yours?

ksgsmu

I have thyroid antibodies ( I have hashimoto's)... I see both an RE and an Endocronologist to manage my hashi's.   A 'normal TSH or T3/T4 doesn't mean that your thyroid is fine.  high thyroid antibodies can make you symptomatic and cause problems. 

Here is a good resource about it
https://thyroid.about.com/cs/basics_starthere/a/antibody.htm
(Mary Shomon is a thyroid dissease advocate and I don't buy into all her advice but it is worth reading)

I would get a consult with a reproductive immunologist to see what they have to say.

missmarypoppins

Thanks @ksgsmu! I've never heard of a reproductive immunologist, I'll look into finding one.

kushie77

I have thyroid antibodies that are over 500 also. My TSH,T3/4 are always fine.  My thyroid perixodase is also significantly elevated.  I see a regular endocrinologist for my Hashi's and we just started seeing an RE who is having my levels all redrawn.  I take 225 mcg of levothyroxine and am awaiting word from the RE if I need to add anything else to the mix. 

missmarypoppins

@kushie77‌, I'm still trying to understand Hashi's. Am I right that because my antibodies are so high it is highly likely that I have it? Are there other things they test to diagnose it? Are your RE or endocrinologist concerned about levels over 500 and conceiving?

kushie77

We just started testing and working with an RE, so I'm not sure.  my RE asked me to fax all my prior labs down to her, which I did on Friday.  She said that sometimes high antibodies can mimic PCOS and that she needed to review everything and talk to my Endo.  I know that's not much help. 

ksgsmu

missmarypoppins

With having elevated thyroid antibodies it is likely you do have some sort of immune issues ( Hashis, graves etc) but you need to be tested by an endocronologist or immunologist to diagnose you.

Diagnosing is done with comprehensive blood work and a sono of your thyroid.    When I was first diagnosed my antibodies were super low but my thyroid itself was very inflammed.  Hashi's usually runs on the maternal genetic line ( my mom, aunt and grandmother have it) so it was easy to confirm in me.  Since it is an automimmune dissorder most hashi's patients also present other immune issues ( eczema, allergies, celiacs, epstein barr, cronic fatigue, rhematoid arthritis etc..)

Autoimmune issues are complicated!

poohniki

Hi.

I had high antibodies as well (saw it on a test from my RE and he didn't say anything about it) so I made an appointment with an endocrinologist. She didn't really do anything, just said to look keep an eye on it. 

I made an appt with 2 rheumatologists to try and see if I had any autoimmune issues. Both said I was healthy. But the blood tests had quite a few high markers. I made an appointment with an RI and was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and a few other issues. I believe the high antibodies are also causing blood clotting issues- but I had so many high antibodies I don't know if they are the same ones as the ones used to dx my hashimoto's. 

missmarypoppins

Thanks for the responses ladies.

@ksgmsu, I do have other autoimmune issues, eczema asthma and allergies, all pretty severe. And my mom and sister have thyroid problems. So I've been trying to push the issue with my RE that there is an autoimmune problem that is affecting fertility, she doesn't seem to put much stock in it.

@poohniki, I was also told to just "keep an eye on it." But there just seems to be a ton of research confirming its an issue related to infertility.

I found a reproductive immunologist near me and am in the process of getting my records over to them. But who knows how long it will take to get an appointment.

God IF is just so overwhelming and consuming. I feel like all I do sunrise to sunset is research potential problems and solutions.

ksgsmu

missmarypoppins  you are doing great by being proactive.... I know it is hard when your RE isn't taking them as seriously as you want them to.  RE's are familiar of course with autoimmune dissorders but most really don't treat them.  That is why immunologists or specialty endos are probably your best bet to work with your RE.

Good luck!  I know it can all be overwhelming!