TPO Antibodies

[Sherryelyn]

I saw that someone here posted that their TPO antibodies were 1000, and their TSH was nomral (the ranges have changed in recent years, and this person did not post their range). The doctor who responded seemed to feel these results are "normal". According to several sources, including my own doctors, 1000 on a TPO test is abnormal and indicitave of Hashimotos.  (Mine started at 1000 in 2004 and escalated to 5000 within a couple of years. My TSH was somewhat abnormal, but not exceptionally.)

ANYONE whose TPO comes out at 1000 should be followed and rechecked periodically.

[Nese222]

Did they put you on meds?  Mine is over 1000 and lab ranges are normal.  I have symptons but doctor says I dont need meds.

[Letterer]

I have done much reading about just that - at what point does "elevated" become "high"? I read some technical articles that quote high results as greater than 100, but have not come across anything that clearly states "x or higher" is cause for concern. The lab ranges seem to fall around 40-50 at which point they flag high. Seems to me if the result is significantly above that further investigation is definitely warranted.

My own experience was TgAb titers that came back 40-50X higher than the lab range, yet a "normal" TSH. My GP doc didn't seem too concerned with the number. I since began treatment (new Doc) based on the high titers and symptoms, family hx and a TSH that has since started moving higher (though by lab ranges is still "normal").

Personally, I believe the higher the # the greater the strength of the attack, and the more likely you are to develop full-blown disease.

[AR-10]

ANY antibody count that high is a concern.

The question is, when should the red light start flashing?

100?
200?
500?

I'm not sure where the point is that one should become alarmed rather than concerned. Any thoughts on that?

[Letterer]

Ditto for elevated TgAbs as well.

[kitty9309]

Very true. Great point!