Why are my TPO antibodies so high?

High levels of TPO antibodies may be indicative of autoimmune thyroid disease. On their own, the presence of TPO antibodies does not necessarily mean hypothyroidism. Instead, Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

What should TPO levels be?

Normal values are as follows: TPO antibody: The measured serum level should be less than 9 IU/mL. Anti-Tg antibody: The measured serum level should be less than 4 IU/mL. Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin antibody (TSI): This value should be less than 1.75 IU/L.

Do TPO antibodies ever go away?

Even when treatment has been initiated, titers of anti-TPO antibodies decrease only slowly (e.g., over 5 years) upon treatment with levothyroxine, and anti-TPO antibody titers remain in the pathological range (44).

What does it mean when your TPO is high?

Going by the details you have provided you have subclinical hypothyroidism, which means that you do not have symptoms but TSH is slightly high with normal T4/T3. The most common cause is autoimmune thyroid disease, which is confirmed by positive anti-TPO.

Which is more severe TPO or TG thyroid antibodies?

A person with TPO thyroid antibodies over 1000 has a more severe and active autoimmune overreaction than somebody with thyroid antibodies levels around 150. It is a proven fact that high levels of both TPO and Tg thyroid antibodies correlate with the severity of hypothyroidism.

When to take medication for elevated TPO antibodies?

Patients with elevated TPO antibodies but normal thyroid function tests (TSH and Free T4) do not necessarily require treatment. Similarly, patients with only slightly elevated TSH may not require medication, either. They should repeat testing after 3-6 months to monitor thyroid status.

What does TPO stand for in medical terms?

Positive anti-TPO means you have these antibodies in your body which act against the thyroid cells leading to hypothyroidism. Most often this is a progressive disease. Do high thyroid values need treatment?