What Is Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibody?

Q: What Is Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibody?

Anti-TPO antibodies attack the thyroid enzyme thyroid peroxidase. Present in 90-95% of Hashimoto's patients. Also found in 10-15% of healthy people.

Anti-TPO antibodies attack thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme needed for thyroid hormone production.

What It Means

Positive in 90–95% of Hashimoto's patients
Also in 10–15% of healthy people (especially women)
Higher levels = faster progression to hypothyroidism

When Ordered

Elevated TSH
Family history
Other autoimmune conditions
Pregnancy (risk of postpartum thyroiditis)

Important

Positive antibodies confirm autoimmune cause but don't require treatment by themselves
Treatment based on TSH and free T4

Source: Endocrine Society, NLM MedlinePlus.

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