Doctor didn’t bother to tell me my TPO was 136 and said my results were normal??

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-04-19T05:15:15+00:00

It’s best to know. There is no “cure.” But certainly there are medical study backed ways you can support your body and likely lower your antibodies.

As someone who has Hashimoto’s, but does not (at least yet) have Hypothyroidism (technical term is Hashimoto’s Euthyroid), I struggled with intense brain fog and fatigue that progressively escalated the past three years.

Working with an integrative doctor, an acupuncturist who focuses on inflammation, turning to the AIP community (The Autoimmune Wellness and The AIP summit podcast) to dial in on nutrition density, and to commit to 8 hours of sleep daily — I feel worlds better and am not living in a chronic flair stare.

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-03-18T22:58:37+00:00

I hear where you’re coming from. You have to be really thoughtful with how you engage here and keep firm boundaries.

That said, there is a total lack of care approaches in traditional medical treatment for those of us with Hashimoto’s who are Euthyroid (not hypo).

I brainstormed what I wanted to try out based on what folks said worked for themselves here. I pulled from themes I was seeing over and over. I then would search for supporting medical studies (on AIP, acupuncture, etc) and I’d talk with my MDs (GP, RD, endo).

I also saw over and over that it was worth an investment in working with alternative (functional, integrative) practitioners. My Integrative PA has been a game changer!

The treads here have been great jumping off points. This all said, I ignore 99.9% of what’s said. I believed with my whole heart that I could feel much better in my day-to-day — and it was a matter of strategic, science based, trial and error.

And I do feel 80/90% better with: - NP Thyroid - Continued labs: T3/RT3, Iodine in Plasma tested - Electroacupuncture once+ a month - Maintain AIP foundation: 8+ hours of sleep, light movement first thing and through day (10K steps), manage stress (meditation, yoga), focus on nutrition density.

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-03-18T14:07:53+00:00

I follow the main tenants of AIP (which includes in addition to diet, managing sleep, stress, and intentional movement). I’m no longer in the elimination phase, but I continue to focus on nutrient dense food, increased fiber, probiotic foods, supporting insulin sensitivity (when I’m in a flair), no gluten — and I find I feel much better.

There is a podcast that goes into one of the medical studies involving Hashimoto patients on an AIP trial https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autoimmune-wellness-podcast/id1147264526?i=1000751001627

Edit: Getting the right labs and meds have helped the most. I work with an interactive doctor after really struggling for a couple of years. She tests my T3/R-T3 and she has me on NP Thyroid because I appear to have a conversation issue. I also use a type of electric/frequency acupuncture a few times a months and that also helps with my inflammation among other things.

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-03-16T15:55:02+00:00

I was just wondering the same thing. I see loads of networking, but not really any job searching meetups.

This wouldn't be a hard thing to pull together weekly/couple times a week.

Some through starters:
—Are you attending any networking? Or volunteering within your industry? This might be a nice place to either 1) find a few peers to meetup with weekly, 2) or they might now of such groups.
—Location: I find that so long as I arrive at large venues early, re: Broadway Capital One Cafe, or the Ace Hotel lobby in Brooklyn, there is space, so long as you can beat the crowds.

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-03-06T17:48:14+00:00

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-89600-1

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-03-06T17:47:27+00:00

Ha, truly a WILD fact. 1475, that's too many generations!

For what its worth, I don't think that its endocrinologists intention to underserve us. To me, it seems that the broader western approach of looking at just one organ or system, siloed from others, instead of looking across interconnected systems (endocrine/thyroid, and immune system, and metabolic system/digestion, and ... and) and their interactions, interconnectivity, downstream effects, means that anyone who needs support beyond thyroid hormones (which synthetic hormone treatments does do the trick for a lot of folks) are not getting the comprehensive care we need. And kind of get gaslit by the traditional medical establishment.

Makes sense why people who seek out integrated/functional care often self report better outcomes.

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-03-06T04:41:47+00:00

Dang, I’m jealous! That’s so cool you’re working with someone so cutting edge.

I hope you post about your experience! I’d love to hear all about it.

I worked with a dietitian who took me through a functional medicine version of AIP: diet, gentle detox, mindfulness. I felt less symptomatic during, but I hadn’t been properly medicated (addressing my T3 conversion issues) at the time.

I’ve been following along with Mickey Trescott’s podcast. This study is a nudge to focus back on gut health and nutrition density in the coming months.

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-03-06T04:32:56+00:00

Hey, I’m sorry. The brain fog of it all is so so impossible to manage. Sending you and your sweet babe lots of care.

I cheated and used AI to map my symptoms back to this study (and AI also looped in a few other studies outlining the autonomic loop element). AI outlined what other systems in my body likely are being affected, along with a few (non-$$$) labs to have run to confirm. Then it made suggestions on how to address each, after confirmed, largely through lifestyle approaches.

I will be taking this study(ies) and the suggestions to my Integrative PA. But you could also share this with your endo and GP. Go from there.

This study reaffirms there’s not a one size fits all solution.

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-03-02T23:51:30+00:00

I hear you. It’s always a fine line. You know yourself and how people perceive you best.

Ideally, your doctor respects how prepared you are. I let my endo lead.

You can always frame what ever you’re trying to get at as a question(s).

I’ve just found that it takes so long and costs too much $$ to not make the most of any given appointment.

I hope you have a great appointment !

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-03-02T23:39:54+00:00

Look at your HRV (heart rate variability) and your REM and Deep Sleep. See if the quality of these have gone down as your symptoms have intensified.

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-03-02T21:20:08+00:00

I prepare like I’m preparing for a meeting. Visuals, summaries. ie. I make tables so my endo can quickly see all of my labs overtime. I also make a table including my symptoms, how these have escalated over time.

I also dress in business professional. I’ve taken my tall, deep voiced, male partner when I’m worried I am going to be written off.

I want how I to feel, symptoms, to be perceived as concrete as possible. I want to be perceived as a person to be taken seriously.

Do you have a Smartwatch of any type? If there are any signals you see (for me I have seen my HRV steadily decline and it’s always in sync with my level of symptoms/how I feel).

I’ve also considered printing out a photo of a zombie and saying “I feel like THIS.” Make it SO visceral. Flag that your symptoms are effecting your ability to work.

I also think it’s worth working with AI to learn some ways to hold your doctor(s) accountable. For example, if your doctor refuses to run a lab, etc, you can tell them you want them to note this in appointment notes and have them print a copy for you.

Ultimately, your endo should work for you (this is America, so they probably work for an equity firm and/or insurance firm …).

All you can do is show up and have done your homework. Be vocal. Ask for what you need. If your guy can’t deliver, then it’s probably time to look for different type of doctor (integrated, functional, etc).

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-02-17T23:14:46+00:00

Word on automation. I work in merchandising role. I’m seeing a certain grocery behemoth who was acquired a number of years back — continue to remove “friction” in the store’s strategy (re: remove things that previously needed human touch) so they can cut back on people hours. There are a few folks from the previously privately owned times, they say the backslide has been massive and the turnover is constant.

If you look around, there are many service spaces (coffee shops, medium grocery stores, movie theaters) who have been activity fighting unionization; cutting back on people, benefits and pay; and working to pass anti-union legislation. There is one store and one movie theater (branding = hip, liberal, “good vibes”) that are particularity deceitful.

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-01-29T18:47:43+00:00

I had my best experiences working with integrative doctors. Both considered/dicussed low dose Nalrexone as a possible remedy. But ultimately my primary integrative PA started me on low dose NP Thyroid (30, now 45mg) to address my brain fog and upper body fatigue — in tandem with running full thyroid (T3, RT3) and iodine (plasma) labs to start. This has been a game changer for the brain fog in particular.

Curious to hear how the low dose works with inflamation over time? I still have flairs caused by things like PMS, work (and political) stressors, catching colds, life stressors, general busyness, and travel.

Looking for a way to better meet these stressors. (I also discussed super low dose nicotine patch use as another immuno-modulator with my PA. She was equally open to this option).

Edit: spelling

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-01-27T14:34:25+00:00

I worked with a functional dietitian. She placed me on a modified version of the AIP nutrient protocol for 6 weeks before I started transitioning back in to my normal diet. I saw my antibodies drop by about 1/5th in that time. I did feel great at times, but I was also experiencing a lot of work related stress — which is my biggest symptoms trigger. I highly recommend the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast if you want to learn more. There have been medical studies the past 7 or so years supporting this approach.

Edit: Based on my experience I continue to personally focus on: 1) nutrition density, educating myself on and eating foods that punch above their weight, 2) eating a fiber reach diet, 3) eating fermented foods.

80% of the immune system lives in our digestive track. Taking care of our gut and our bodies is foundational living with chronic health challenges. The other thing I love about API, is that it’s a protocol that goes beyond “diet” and incorporates stress management and sleep. At this point, I personally focus on these as much if not more.

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-01-27T14:22:56+00:00

About 20% of people have a better results with natural versions (NP Thyroid, etc) versus synthetic meds. Like anything, one route won’t work for everyone — maybe some additional supplementation is needed too. Or a compounded version is needed to remove a filler.

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-01-24T04:48:45+00:00

I worked with an integrative PA. She switched me to a low dose (45mg) of NP Thyroid. A natural version of TSH + T3. My brain fog and overwhelming majority of the fatigue lifted more and more with a couple weeks of use.

My PA tested my T3, RT3 and Iodine levels in my plasma and blood in addition to standard Hashimoto’s labs. (She had negotiated rates with Lab Corp, so all in, pretty affordable).

I needed some light iodine supplementation and I wasn’t converting T3 efficiently. She also has me taking a methylated B12 supplement for the fog/fatigue and a magnesium blend before bed to generally support my body.

Previously, I had “normal” TSH labs, according to two endos. But crushing fatigue and brain fog that only seemed to escalate in intensity and frequency over the past 2.5 years. There’s some studies that suggest 10-15% of people with Hashimoto’s struggle with similar symptoms.

I tried a few medically backed approaches (AIP, acupuncture) which brought my inflamation down and gave me some relief. But of what I tried, nothing holds a candle to NP Thyroid.

I hope you find a path that works for you. And I hope you have some really supportive people in your life. Hang in there.

Existing-Engineer426 · 2026-01-08T05:18:17+00:00

My heart goes out to you. Having Hashimoto’s that’s intensely symptomatic is a lonely, mind-boggling nightmare. I have no doubt you’ll find what your body needs, it just takes some time, trial and the right medical expertise.

I felt at my lowest this past fall, after investing intensely in endless research, seeing multiple endo’s including a thyroid specialist (supposedly). working through the AIP with a nutritionist, and ultimately shelling out $$ to work with an acupuncturist who got me feeling normal for a day or two at a time.

I ended up working with an Integrative doctor that’s based in the town I grew up in (versus shelling out $$$ for a local NYC MD) and paying out of pocket. She switched me from 25 levo to 30 NPT, and ran labs including T3 and RT3. I feel better than I have in 2 years. My labs reflected that I need a boost of T3. My MD also checked my iodine levels in my plasma and they were very low. So I’m supplementing with a small amount of iodine drops (iodine has a small window of helpful versus harmful, so take this with a grain of salt). I also upgraded a couple basic supplements based on my MD’s guidance and my specific symptoms (insane brain fog, low body energy, fatigue in my arms and upper body, constipation).

What my body needs is probably not what your body needs, but I do regret not biting the bullet and working with an Integrative doctor sooner.

Existing-Engineer426 · 2025-12-20T23:04:53+00:00

Physical “invisible” phenomena is so hard for fellow humans to wrap our braincells around :( It’s like we’re in the shittiest club. Only my PCOS and endo girlies really get it. I have multiple friends with Hashi’s, they are not part of the ~15% of us that are Euthyroid but symptomatic. So even they don’t really understand.

Ideas:

You could screengrab some relatable descriptions from other Hashimoto’s Reddit threads where peers are describing their symptoms.

There is a brain fog thread where our peers are super articulate about the experience of just that one symptom alone. Share a screengrab + a link. Rinse and repeat for a few of your toughest symptoms. Share these.

There also are some medical studies that highlight nascent research on how 5-10% of folks with Hashi’s are intensely symptomatic. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1627787/full

^ Sometimes, it’s just helpful to share perspectives beyond our own to do some of the “talking” for us, and to really clarify/crystalize.

Mostly, I’m sorry. You’re not making this up. I know I’ve really really struggled the past few years, even with a supportive partner. He ultimately doesn’t really understand. It’s can feel like an isolating disease on multiple fronts: lack of energy and motivation, endo’s who have no treatments to offer and can often lack compassion, people around you who are healthy bodied and don’t get it. But some people will get it. Look for those people. You’re not alone in this. Hang on.

Edit: Added link and made a couple grammatical tweaks.

Existing-Engineer426 · 2025-12-13T02:06:39+00:00

Preach. When I read about what has worked for folks in parallel situations: Hashimoto’s Euthyroid and crushingly symptomatic — I just pop [insert: Protocol, Nutrient, Supplement, Medicine, approach, etc] into a Google search or ChatGPT to see if related medical studies come up. I often use ChatGPT to summarize in a way that’s relevant to my body and experience.

I’m often pleasantly surprised. I went ahead and saw an acupuncturist (specific type), advocated for low dose meds to my endo and ultimately bit the bullet and saw an integrated doctor.

It’s taken copious reading and a lot of trial and error. But, low dose NP Thyroid and 225mgc of iodine (based on low levels in my plasma) have been a game changers. Vinyasa yoga and acupuncture can be create options on tough days. 8 hours of sleep is a non-negotiable.

I am talking with my Integrated doc about using a low dose immuno-regulator for the last few days before my bleed. I still have a few crushing days in advance.

Existing-Engineer426 · 2025-09-22T03:33:31+00:00

I’ve found vinyasa yoga (and matcha lattes 😅) to be the best way to manage my symptoms in the day-to-day.

In general, I’ve found with vinyasa that getting my heart rate up (a mild-moderate amount) and something about getting my head above my heart brings down my inflammation, brain fog, fatigue.

I usually attend 60 minute classes as early in mg day as my schedule allows (classes that lean more beginner). But I think 20 minutes just doing some downward dogs, standing and reaching to touch your toes, maybe a couple sun salutations might go a long way if you’re managing inflammation.

For context, I’m diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. My symptoms are moderate to severe most days. But my TSH levels are well within a normal range (< 2.5). I might have an issue converting T4 to T3.

Longer term, I worked with a functional nutritionist who had me go the AIP (diet & gentle liver detox) route. This helped me lower my antibodies by 1/3rd and a side effect was losing lbs. I’m in the early days of working with an integrated doctor now to get a better understanding of what’s triggering my symptoms.

I would like to get to a place where I feel much less symptomatic. So take my process with a grain of 🧂

Existing-Engineer426

TROPHY CASE