Thyroid peroxidase helps in overall thyroid function 1. Yet, as with overall hormone production within the gland, thyroid peroxidase can pose health problems if its production levels get out of control 1. Higher levels of thyroid peroxidase are common in those with Graves' disease and Hashimoto’s disease 1.
The Facts
The thyroid is an organ in the throat that is the shape of a butterfly and about the size of a quarter. Hormones are released by the thyroid that help to that certain bodily functions--such as blood pressure, metabolism and heart functions-- are working properly. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an antibody that can help or disrupt the production of hormones, depending on their working levels 1.
- The thyroid is an organ in the throat that is the shape of a butterfly and about the size of a quarter.
- Hormones are released by the thyroid that help to that certain bodily functions--such as blood pressure, metabolism and heart functions-- are working properly.
Function
What Does Low TSH Level Mean?
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Thyroid peroxidase is a type of enzyme produced in the thyroid 1. This enzyme plays a vital role in helping the thyroid gland produce hormones, specifically triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormones. If TPO levels are too high, it can indicate that an autoimmune problem exists, thus disrupting the production of T3 and T4 hormones.
Tests
A TPO test measures the amount of antibodies that exist in the thyroid gland 13. Such tests are administered in order to detect thyroid dysfunction, or as a follow-up test to T3, T4, and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) tests 1. An endocrinologist may recommend a TPO tests for patients who exhibit symptoms of hypothyroidism, or before a patient begins taking medications that could lead to hypothyroidism.
Results
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A TPO test will read as positive if a thyroiditic condition exists. In patients who have hypothyroidism, this is indicative of Hashimoto’s disease. In hyperthyroid patients, this is indicative of the autoimmune condition of Graves' disease. Moderate thyroid peroxidase levels may indicate that a patient has thyroid cancer, anemia, rheumatoid arthritis or Type 1 diabetes 1. A high level of thyroid peroxidase means that a patient has Graves' disease or Hashimoto’s disease 1.
- A TPO test will read as positive if a thyroiditic condition exists.
- In patients who have hypothyroidism, this is indicative of Hashimoto’s disease.
Warning
Untreated thyroid peroxidase can lead to reproductive problems in women 1. Such difficulties include infertility, miscarriage, premature delivery and pre-eclampsia. When Graves' disease and Hashimoto’s disease are left untreated, it can necessitate surgical removal of the thyroid gland.
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References
- Thyroid Peroxidase Test
- American Thyroid Association
- Thyroid Antibodies
- American Thyroid Association. General Information/Press Room.
- Pirahanchi Y, Jialal I. Physiology, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Updated April 25, 2019.
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- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid). Published August 2016.
- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid). Published August 2016.
- Brent GA. Environmental exposures and autoimmune thyroid disease. Thyroid. 2010;20(7):755-61. doi:10.1089/thy.2010.1636
- Mcaninch EA, Bianco AC. The history and future of treatment of hypothyroidism. Ann Intern Med. 2016;164(1):50-6. doi:10.7326/M15-1799
- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Grave’s Disease. Published September 2017.
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- Liu G, Liang L, Bray GA, et al. Thyroid hormones and changes in body weight and metabolic parameters in response to weight loss diets: the POUNDS LOST trial. Int J Obes (Lond). 2017;41(6):878-886. doi:10.1038/ijo.2017.28
- Bahn R, Burch H, Cooper D, et al. Hyperthyroidism and other causes of thyrotoxicosis: Management guidelines of the American Thyroid Association and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Endocrine Practice. 2011;17(3). doi:10.1089/thy.2010.0417
- Braverman L, Cooper D. Werner & Ingbar's The Thyroid, 10th Edition. WLL/Wolters Kluwer; 2012.
- Garber J, Cobin R, Gharib H, et. al. Clinical practice guidelines for hypothyroidism in adults: Cosponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association. Endocrine Practice. 2012;18(6). doi:10.1089/thy.2012.0205
- Haugen A, Alexander K., Bible K, et. al. 2015 American Thyroid Association Management guidelines for adult patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer. Thyroid. 2016;26(1):1-133. doi:10.1089/thy.2015.0020
- Smallridge R, Ain K, Asa S, et. al. American Thyroid Association guidelines for management of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer. Thyroid. 2012;22(11). doi:10.1089/thy.2012.0302
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Writer Bio
Kristeen Cherney began writing healthy lifestyle and education articles in 2008. Since then, her work has appeared in various online publications, including Healthline.com, Ideallhealth.com and FindCollegeInfo.com. Cherney holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from Florida Gulf Coast University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in English.