What does this test mean?

[yodasmum]

Finally got my results from the lab.

TSH 1.06
ANTI TPO AB <10
ANTI TPO AB (O2FEB98 -- CURRENT)
THE THYROID MICROSOMAL ATIGEN HAS BEEN SHOW TO BE THYROID PEROXIDASE (TPO). THIS ASSAY DETECTS ANTI-TPO AUTOANTIBODIES.

Can anyone explain what this means in plain english?

Thanks. Laree

[Paleoanth]

There are a couple of types of hypothryroidism-one is nonautoimmune and autoimmune. This test is to see if you have one of the autoimmune thyroid conditions. Specifically tests for Hashimoto's or Grave's disease.

Here are the ranges:

RANGE: Negative < 60 IU/mL

Equivocal 60 - 99 IU/mL

Positive >100 IU/mL

So it looks to me like you are negative for an autoimmune thryoid disorder! Your TSH is also in a good range.

Basically, I think this says your thyroid is fine.

[yodasmum]

Thanks for all the help! So if my thyroid is like 5 times the normal size and the tests are normal does that mean i still have a problem? Half my hair is gone and I feel like Sh*t. My memory is crappy, I'm in a fog most of the time, or in outer space, my skin is real dry. Does that mean that my thyroid is struggling to compensate for not working properly?

Laree

[jaykay]

I'd say you still could have thyroid problems, from your symptoms. So you don't have it cos of autoimmune disease, which is good. And your TSH is normal - but is still can be, and you can still thyroid symptoms.
A really good website I found is http://www.thyroiduk.org which goes into this.
Apparently one possibility is that you don't convert T4 into T3, the active stuff, very well. You have to get your free T3 measured to test for this.
You're getting your RDA of vitamin A and 100mcg of selenium aren't you? Mustn't overdose on either, but enough is important for good thyroid function.
Hope you find an answer, take care, Jay

[Paleoanth]

What did your doctor say about the results? Considering your symptoms and the size of your thyroid, yeah I would agee with jay that you have thyroid problems. You probably just have the nonautoimmune type.

[jaboonee]

When i first had my thyroid tested my doctor ordered a second set of tests because my TSH was around 9. The second time i had the blood tests done it was around 3 and he sent me home and said i was fine. I am now on medication after three years of misery. I'd say make your doctor check again because your TSH can fluctuate. I'm living proof, my two mentioned tests were only 2 weeks apart!