I found out by requesting getting my blood tested by my PCP and the antibodies levele should be at 30 and mine were 247. Thats the first sign then I had an ultrasound and the surgeon who looked at it with me when I went to next get the nodules they found in my thyroid biopsied told me I had it n said he could see on the ultrasound that I had it which the numbers supported and best described it in lamens terms as your thyroid looks more like a raisin then a grape. because your body is attacking it. I already take levothyroxine but he recommended that I start seeing an endocrinologist regularly for my hypothyroidism rather than just my regular PCP. That was just 3 days ago so I’m learning too myself. I don’t have cancer and didn’t need a biopsy after the surgeon looked at the ultrasound I had done …so if that happens to anyone it doesn’t always mean the worst. it runs heavily in my family hypo & hyper and thyroid cancer. about 6 people in my family all on my moms side have it. Hope this helps someone. But get yourself checked if your suspicious. I gained 60 lbs over a couple years before I put 2 & 2 together & it explained all the swelling I was having joint n muscle stiffness no energy . I waited years. Don’t ignore your body changes. it’s for a reason. good luck to you all.

My sister recommends that I see an endocrinologist.