My 3 year old has elevated TPO antibodies

[_hashimom_]

I had my three year old tested for TPO antibodies.  My doctor called today to say that his TSH and Free T4 came back within range, but his TPO number was 12.  I guess since he is so young, greater than 9 is considered high.


The doctor didn't say that he was diagnosing him with Hashimoto's.  He said he spoke with a specialist and that there is nothing they can do for this since his TSH is within normal range.  He wants to have him retested in 4 months.  What do you all think?  Doesn't this mean he has Hashimoto's like me?  I'm sorta confused and surprised-but-not-surprised and just trying to figure out what to do next.  

[MindyK]

Hi Hashimom, it's awesome that you were proactive about getting your son tested! Here's a quote for you from the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service, a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK),and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). "Anti-thyroperoxidase (TPO) antibodies, which attack an enzyme called thyroperoxidase in thyroid cells that helps convert T4 to T3. Having TPO autoantibodies in the blood means the body’s immune system attacked the thyroid tissue in the past. Most people with Hashimoto’s disease have these antibodies, although people whose hypothyroidism is caused by other conditions do not." www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/hashimoto/

I believe many of us with Hashimoto's have found that many medical doctors tell us that there is nothing they can do other than provide medication that may normalize our hormone levels. But we now know that that just isn't true. I would suggest that you find a functional or integrative medical doctor that has experience treating Hashimoto's holistically and get a second opinion.

[_hashimom_]

Thank you for the information. I had never heard or read that, so it was very helpful. Yes, I agree. I need to find a functional medicine doctor. Thank you for your response.