Antibodies to tpo

Diseases of the endocrine system (in particular, autoimmune thyroiditis) are set today with the same frequency as vegetative-vascular dystonia, but almost every one of them needs deep testing. The most correct way is to pass the test for antibodies to TPO and TG.

Antibodies to TPO: what is it?

The abbreviation TPO stands for thyroid peroxidase, and along with thyroglobulin (TG) is subjected to the most frequent testing in women, in the event of endocrinological problems. Each of them is an enzyme necessary for the body, but when the thyroid gland malfunctions on the part of the immune system, active production of antibodies, proteins designed to destroy the negative cells formed, begins. For this reason, in some cases, control of AT TPO is needed, which is carried out by taking a blood test and its further interpretation.

TPO plays the role of a catalyst for the production of T3 and T4 hormones, whose production decreases with increasing amounts of antibodies to TPO. This enzyme is also important for the natural formation of iodine in the body, therefore, the increase in antibodies to TPO must be blocked in the early stages.

The analysis for antibodies to TPO is carried out both at a definite diagnosis, before starting a targeted treatment, and when the primary symptoms change their level:

• enlarged thyroid gland (goiter in women);
• edema of the leg;
• ophthalmopathy;
• hyperthyroidism in newborns.

Also, experts insist not only on routine tests, but also on the mandatory testing of antibodies during pregnancy, since this not only can give an undesirable negative effect on the fetus, but also develop thyroiditis in the young mother.

Increase and decrease of antibodies to TPO in women

In order to correctly independently decipher the test results, it is necessary to know not only the values ​​of a simple blood test, but also the rate of antibodies to TPO in women:

• At the age of up to 50 years (before the climacteric period), a value from 0.0 to 35.0 units / l is considered the norm.
• After the onset of climacteric, the upper limit may increase to 100.0 U / L.
• A number of clinics that take tests can set values ​​in units / ml, then the reference value will be less than 5.6 units / ml, the limit is set from 3.0 units / ml to 1000.0 units / ml.

An increase in antibodies to TPO in women by 18–20 units / ml usually does not require treatment, but needs further patient monitoring.

Experts note that a lower value can be fixed in people with no violations of the endocrine system and the thyroid gland in particular, and sometimes it is attributed to the error of the verification method. With the rise of antibodies to TPO, things are not so smooth.

1. The main reason for the increase is Hashimoto's thyroiditis (90% of cases), the visual manifestation is an upward change in the thyroid gland.
2. A less frequent option is Grave's or Graves' disease, manifested through an increase in goiter; additionally, hyperthyroidism can be delivered.
3. The most "light" cause is postpartum thyroid dysfunction, with symptoms similar to common disorders of the body: fatigue, decreased performance, brittle hair and nails, dry skin.
4. Hypothyroidism is rarely put, but also has a place to be. In children, becomes the forerunner of cretinism. Accompanied by rapid fatigue, decreased activity, swelling of the face, slowing down of metabolic processes.

What treatment to choose if antibodies to TPO are elevated?

To prescribe treatment with a serious increase in antibodies to TPO should be a doctor, as for the general recommendations and rules that will be implemented here, then in 90% of cases, therapy is based on hormonal preparations, therefore undesirable side effects are quite likely.

In addition to hormones, iodine preparations can be prescribed, whose deficiency with increasing antibodies to TPO is especially clearly seen, but they will not be enough. Therefore, with any deviation from the norm in terms of indicators, it is necessary to go to a doctor.