At 09:12 AM 3/28/02 -0500, you wrote:
>I find that most endos never test for antibodies unless it is suggested to
>them...also they only test for one type when there are tests for at least
>one type available ? Does anyone know why they don't test for them as a
>rule ?? One MD once told me that most people have thyroid antibodies..........

That's baloney -

One rationale for not testing is it's cheaper using fewer lab tests and
treatment would be the same.  I personally was very glad to know that my
antibodies were quite high.  There are 2 that are commonly tested for, but
certainly others that can't be tested for yet.

My doctor (not an endo) decided to test for antibodies because he'd heard
Elizabeth Vliet (author of "Screaming to be HEard") speak at the local
medical society.  He thought she was right-on!  I wasn't having typical
hypo symptoms except for the constipation.

I think it makes sense to test for the antibodies, particularly in someone
who's TSH isn't very high.  That way, the decision to treat might be more
obvious, to a practitioner who's hesitant to treat without lab 'proof' of a
problem.
Susan A

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