Today’s question is – TPOAb please explain what this test stands for and all about it, please! What are your top tips for Antibody reduction? I managed to reduce mine by 75% by cutting out gluten but I am struggling to get TPOAb below 550.
Antibodies and autoimmunity
Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system to fight bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Antibodies even make cancer therapies. Thus, normally antibodies are a good thing.
An autoantibody is a type of protein produced by the immune system directed against one or more of own proteins. Many autoimmune diseases are caused by autoantibodies.
Autoantibodies by Hashimoto’s
Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme normally found in the thyroid gland. It plays an important role in the production of thyroid hormones. In order to determine the cause of thyroid disease, physicians order TPO test. A TPO test detects antibodies against TPO in the blood. In autoimmune disorders, immune system makes antibodies that mistakenly attack normal tissue. Antibodies that attack the thyroid gland cause inflammation and impaired function of the thyroid.
The appearance of TPOAb usually precedes the development of thyroid dysfunction. The symptoms of high TPO go from generally not feeling well to depression, anxiety, being easily overwhelmed, weight gain, and miscarriages. The presence of TPO antibodies in blood indicates that the cause of thyroid disease is an autoimmune disorder, such as Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease. TPO are present in 90% of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients. Though, not all people with TPO antibodies have thyroid disease. Some research findings show that approximately 5-27 % of the general population will test for extremely low levels of antibodies, with a norm considered to be < 35 IU/mL. Further, a small number of antibodies may be present in people without thyroid disease. But when TPOAb are present, this increases a higher risk of thyroid disorders. That is why when there is a normal thyroid function with TPO antibodies, physicians do recommend a periodic check-ups in order to monitor for future thyroid problems.
What does high antibody tell us?
- It provides information how aggressive is the attack to thyroid
- Serves monitoring purpose for Hashimoto thyroiditis (Is the condition improving or worsening?)
- Good way to estimate which health intervention work for you and which not (check every 3 months). Be patient. Do not forget that it takes time before you will be able to see the full effect of an intervention and that thyroid antibodies can fluctuate.
What causes high TPOs?
Hashimoto thyroiditis has a genetic component. But not everyone with a genetic marker develops Hashimoto’s. Studies on identical twins show that genetics alone won’t lead to the development of Hashimoto thyroiditis. Combination of factors: genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors often are triggering this condition.
Pamela, you are stating that after cutting gluten you feel much better, the thyroid antibodies dropped but still remain elevated. This means that:
- Autoimmune response is still playing a role
- You haven’t found and removed YOUR autoimmune trigger yet
- Other compromised areas of the body may need your attention and need to be healed – as adrenal problems, when symptoms are caused by a hyperactive immune system which triggered adrenal burnout
Finding and removing the autoimmune trigger is the key.
- Follow an elimination diet and learn what are your OWN body triggers: An excelent way to follow an elimination diet and learn your personal triggers is Sacred time program
- Check and if necessary treat: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Yeast Overgrowth
20 % of your T4 is converted to the active form: T3 in your gut. When gut flora is disrupted and it’s not functioning well, this conversion is reduced, leading to hypothyroidism symptoms. The conversion problem is often observed by Hashimoto’s.
- Test and treat mineral deficiency: Check for selenium deficiency and supplement for some months under professional supervision. You may want to test additionally for vitamin D3 and zinc deficiency.
- Reset your response to stimuli: Reset your immune system with Hashimoto’s Heart program
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