What are Anti TPO Antibodies?
Thyroxine is an extremely important hormone, that regulates our body’s basal metabolic rate. Anti-TPO antibodies interfere with the production of this hormone thereby leading to a long list of health issues.
Anti-TPO antibodies, or anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies, are immune system proteins that mistakenly attack thyroid peroxidase (TPO), an enzyme crucial for the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate many bodily functions, including metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. The presence of anti-TPO antibodies indicates an autoimmune reaction targeting the thyroid gland.
How can one know if they may have anti-TPO antibodies?
While anti-TPO antibodies themselves don’t cause symptoms, they are associated with thyroid dysfunction. Since the thyroid hormone is responsible for regulating metabolism of the body it can cause many symptoms. Some symptoms that a child can have include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain due to low levels of Thyroxine
- Goitre (Swelling in the neck)
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Mood changes
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Sensitivity to cold weather
- Feeling of dullness
What are the underlying conditions associated with anti-TPO antibodies?
The presence of anti-TPO antibodies in the blood is often a key indicator of underlying autoimmune thyroid disorders. These include:
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: A common cause of hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland becomes underactive due to persistent immune attack.
- Graves’ Disease: An autoimmune condition causing hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland.
Postpartum Thyroiditis: Temporary thyroid inflammation following childbirth may be seen in women.
Who Should Get Tested for Anti-TPO Antibodies?
A healthcare provider may recommend testing your child for Anti-TPO Antibodies if:
- There are signs of thyroid dysfunction.
- If one has a family history of autoimmune thyroid disorders.
- If one has another autoimmune condition, such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
- For adults, this test may also be prescribed for a woman who is pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
Interpreting Anti-TPO Antibody Test Results
Normal range of Anti-TPO Antibodies: If the Anti-TPO Antibodies are in normal range then it indicates the absence of thyroid-related autoimmune activity but does not rule out all thyroid problems.
Increased level: A range higher than normal for Anti-TPO Antibodies is indicative of the presence of an autoimmune thyroid condition, even if thyroid hormone levels are normal.
What should be done for anti-TPO antibodies?
The presence of high Anti-TPO antibodies is a chemical indicator for an underlying thyroid condition is crucial. Thus, what is required to be done is diagnosing and managing the condition that is leading to elevated anti-TPO antibodies. The treatment administered depends on the underlying condition and can vary. One can expect:
- Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy: For hypothyroidism.
- Anti-thyroid Medications or Radioactive Iodine Therapy: For hyperthyroidism.
- Regular Monitoring: To track thyroid function if thyroid test reports are normal and adjust treatment as needed.
Just high anti-TPO antibodies won’t always mean your child would require treatment. The doctor will assess other parameters and underlying conditions to decide upon a treatment.
A pediatric endocrinologist is a specialist who handles hormonal conditions in children.
Impact of Anti-TPO Antibodies on Pregnancy and Fertility
Anti-TPO antibodies can affect pregnancy outcomes, increasing the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and postpartum thyroiditis. Thus, for women trying to conceive or during pregnancy, close monitoring of thyroid function is essential to ensure a healthy outcome for both mother and baby.
Lifestyle and Supportive Measures
While lifestyle changes cannot eliminate anti-TPO antibodies, they can support thyroid health overall. Thus, one is advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle for their children:
- Healthy Diet: A diet rich in iodine can help in the production of thyroid hormone
- Stress Management: Chronic stress is known to have a direct impact on health, it also exacerbates autoimmune conditions. Stress reduction is thus advised for good overall health.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can worsen thyroid dysfunction. In children, it could be a problem in teenagers.
Anti-TPO antibodies are an important marker of autoimmune thyroid disorders, which can significantly impact overall health and well-being. Early detection and proper management are vital for maintaining thyroid health and preventing complications. If you suspect a thyroid issue in your child, consult a healthcare provider for guidance and testing.
FAQs for Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Anti-TPO antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that mistakenly target thyroid peroxidase (TPO), an enzyme essential for thyroid hormone production.
Elevated anti-TPO antibodies are linked to autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Graves ’ disease, which can lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms can include fatigue, weight changes, goiter, hair thinning, mood swings, cold sensitivity, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Testing is recommended for individuals with thyroid dysfunction symptoms, a family history of thyroid issues, other autoimmune conditions, or women planning pregnancy.
Elevated levels suggest an autoimmune reaction affecting the thyroid, even if thyroid hormone levels are currently normal.
Treatment depends on the underlying condition, including thyroid hormone replacement for hypothyroidism or anti-thyroid medications for hyperthyroidism.
Not necessarily. Doctors evaluate other thyroid parameters and symptoms before deciding on treatment.
Yes, they can increase the risks of miscarriage, preterm birth, and postpartum thyroiditis, necessitating careful monitoring during pregnancy.
A diet rich in iodine, stress management, and avoiding smoking can help maintain overall thyroid health.
A pediatric endocrinologist specializes in managing hormonal and thyroid-related conditions in children.

Author: Dr. Mounica Reddy Mandadi
Consultant Pediatric Endocrinologist and Diabetologist