Does Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism elevate Ttg levels ? I have had 3 blood test results where ttg levels are around 39-43 (range 0-19). The first test was in 2021 before I was diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease. I had an endos

[Elliebee]

Does autoimmune thyroid disease (Hypothyroidism) elevate Ttg levels ? I have had 3 blood test results where ttg levels are around 39-43 (range 0-19). The first test was in 2021 before I was diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease. I had an endoscopy in 2021 which was negative. Diagnosed with Autoimmune thyroid disease this year and tested for celiac disease as two diseases often coexist.
First results showed ttg  of 43 , total iga in range and negative for ema . Dr wanted to retest in 12 weeks and I’ve just had results with ttg dropping to 39, total iga in range but did not test EMA.

The only thing that has changed between 2 and 3 test is being on levothyroxine for my thyroid.

I don’t know whether I should have a second endoscopy? Dr is seeking advice from gastroenterologist.

i did read that Autoimmune thyroid disease /Hashimoto disease can elevate ttg levels. Any advice please? 
 

 

[trents]

Are you following a strict gluten-free diet?

When you refer to ttg I assume you mean ttg-iga and not ttg-igg?

[Elliebee]

Referring to Anti-tissue transglutnase and then iga antibodies . If that makes sense ? 
yes eating gluten 

[trents]

So, let me seek some clarification here.

You have not been officially diagnosed with celiac disease. Even though you had elevated ttg-iga levels on three different occasions your endoscopy/biopsy in 2021 was negative so the conclusion was that you do not have celiac disease so you have continued to consume gluten. Is this correct?

However, you have officially been diagnosed with Hashimoto's. Is this correct?

And you are wondering if Hashimoto's can cause elevated ttg-iga levels. Is this correct?

[Scott Adams]

Autoimmune thyroid disease, like Hashimoto's, can sometimes be associated with mildly elevated TTG levels, but it’s not the primary cause of a high TTG reading. Since celiac disease and autoimmune thyroid conditions frequently coexist, your doctor is right to investigate further. It’s encouraging that your TTG has dropped slightly, which may suggest some fluctuation rather than a definitive celiac diagnosis, especially with a negative EMA test and your prior negative endoscopy. However, the ongoing elevated TTG could indicate low-level inflammation, possibly linked to a gluten sensitivity or early-stage celiac that wasn’t yet visible during your last endoscopy.

Since your doctor is consulting with a gastroenterologist, it sounds like they’re taking the right steps to ensure you have clarity. In the meantime, if you experience any symptoms related to gluten, keeping a symptom journal could provide more insights. This is a tricky area, but it sounds like you’re in good hands with a careful approach.

For people with celiac disease hidden gluten in their diets is the main cause of elevated Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibodies (tTG-IgA), but there are other conditions, including cow's milk/casein intolerance, that can also cause this, and here is an article about the other possible causes:

 

 

[Elliebee]

49 minutes ago, trents said:

So, let me seek some clarification here.

You have not been officially diagnosed with celiac disease. Even though you had elevated ttg-iga levels on three different occasions your endoscopy/biopsy in 2021 was negative so the conclusion was that you do not have celiac disease so you have continued to consume gluten. Is this correct?

However, you have officially been diagnosed with Hashimoto's. Is this correct?

And you are wondering if Hashimoto's can cause elevated ttg-iga levels. Is this correct?

Yes all correct 

[trents]

I'm wondering if you are possibly on the cusp of developing celiac disease. It would be interesting to see what would happen to your ttg-iga levels if you were to commit to eating gluten free for six months and then have them checked again. When ttg-iga levels are elevated, there is only a 5% chance it could be due to something besides celiac disease.

 

Edited November 7, 2024 by trents

[Elliebee]

Yes all correct 

[Elliebee]

2 hours ago, trents said:

I'm wondering if you are possibly on the cusp of developing celiac disease. It would be interesting to see what would happen to your ttg-iga levels if you were to commit to eating gluten free for six months and then have them checked again. When ttg-iga levels are elevated, there is only a 5% chance it could be due to something besides celiac disease.

 

I’m wondering the same. I am tempted to cut out gluten as this is advised for Hashimotodisease anyway . However, if I do I would not get official diagnosis of celiac disease. In Uk where I’m based once officially diagnosed you are eligible for dexa bone scan, more regular blood tests etc. However these seem to vary in availability so I’m wondering ifactually worth be officially diagnosed. Assume I have celiac disease or havepotential for it to develop. Have my adultchildren tested etc. 

[trents]

Obviously, you have looked at all this from various angles and I respect that. But consider this, you could trial the gluten-free diet for six months to see if it results in lower ttg-iga scores. If so, it is another piece of evidence pointing to celiac disease. You could then go off the gluten fast and return to a gluten loaded diet for weeks or months and repeat the colonoscopy/endoscopy. My point is that trialing a gluten-free diet does not eliminate the possibility of getting valid celiac retesting at a late date if you are willing to engage with the gluten challenge.

Edited November 7, 2024 by trents

[Scott Adams]

For anyone interested in research summaries on this topic we have this category:

https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/celiac-disease-amp-related-diseases-and-disorders/thyroid-pancreatic-disorders-and-celiac-disease/ 

[Elliebee]

49 minutes ago, trents said:

Obviously, you have looked at all this from various angles and I respect that. But consider this, you could trial the gluten-free diet for six months to see if it results in lower ttg-iga scores. If so, it is another piece of evidence pointing to celiac disease. You could then go off the gluten fast and return to a gluten loaded diet for weeks or months and repeat the colonoscopy/endoscopy. My point is that trialing a gluten-free diet does not eliminate the possibility of getting valid celiac retesting at a late date if you are willing to engage with the gluten challenge.

I think if I gave up gluten and got a negative blood result and stick with it rather than do the gluten challenge (even though I’ve got no symptoms.. yet). 

think if I gave up gluten and got a negative blood result and stick with it rather than do the gluten challenge (even though I’ve got no symptoms.. yet). 

[trents]

I understand from one of our forum moderators who is UK-based that the benefits of having an official celiac diagnosis varies depending on your postal code. So then, it must be a benefit tied to local government rather than national government.

[Elliebee]

Benefits are national but different Drs and health trusts interpret them differently unfortunately. Those diagnosed are supposed to get an annual review, Dexa scans every 2/3 years (one on diagnosis) , annual blood tests to check for vit deficiency etc. But very few seem to get these ! 

 

On 11/7/2024 at 5:52 PM, Scott Adams said:

Autoimmune thyroid disease, like Hashimoto's, can sometimes be associated with mildly elevated TTG levels, but it’s not the primary cause of a high TTG reading. Since celiac disease and autoimmune thyroid conditions frequently coexist, your doctor is right to investigate further. It’s encouraging that your TTG has dropped slightly, which may suggest some fluctuation rather than a definitive celiac diagnosis, especially with a negative EMA test and your prior negative endoscopy. However, the ongoing elevated TTG could indicate low-level inflammation, possibly linked to a gluten sensitivity or early-stage celiac that wasn’t yet visible during your last endoscopy.

Since your doctor is consulting with a gastroenterologist, it sounds like they’re taking the right steps to ensure you have clarity. In the meantime, if you experience any symptoms related to gluten, keeping a symptom journal could provide more insights. This is a tricky area, but it sounds like you’re in good hands with a careful approach.

For people with celiac disease hidden gluten in their diets is the main cause of elevated Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibodies (tTG-IgA), but there are other conditions, including cow's milk/casein intolerance, that can also cause this, and here is an article about the other possible causes:

 

 

Advice from gastroenterologist:

 

I suggest monitor if she is asymptomatic, Unfortunately I can not see gastroscopy report, i hope biopsies were taken from D2 and D1. She may also try Gluten free diet for 4-6 weeks and recheck TTG to see if normalise.

/—

 

I know 4 biopsies were taken from D2 in 2021. 
I have contacted my private health care provider requesting a referral to gastroenterologist. I’m fed up being monitored! Also worried that if I do have celiac disease I’m damaging my gut and raising risk of cancers which freaks me out !