The female body is a very sensitive system, the stability of which changes almost daily. The menstrual cycle, stress, pregnancy – all these factors constantly cause fluctuations in hormone levels. The thyroid gland is especially sensitive to such changes. And violations in its work can lead to disastrous consequences. In the study of AT TPO, the rate in women can vary depending on the day of the cycle, pregnancy, which must be taken into account.
Why you need to check the level of the hormone
The enzyme thyroid peroxidase is synthesized only in the thyroid gland. It is necessary for the synthesis of thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which are vital hormones and regulate the course of physiological processes in the body. The enzyme “activates” iodine entering the thyrocytes. It is a constituent component of the microsomal fraction. As a result, normal humoral regulation is carried out. If antibodies to microsomal thyroperoxidase begin to form in the body, this indicates the development of pathology.
When the thyroid gland is damaged, the enzyme begins to enter the bloodstream. As a result, antibodies are formed, which begin to attack the source of the enzyme. Thus, the destruction of thyroid tissue is exacerbated by the body’s autoimmune response. The main factors provoking an increase in the rate of antibodies to TPO are:
- diseases of a viral nature;
- inflammatory processes;
- traumatic damage to the gland;
- exposure to radioactive radiation;
- violation of iodine levels – both its deficiency and excess.
It is important to take into account that anti-TPO in a blood test may differ – its level is influenced by a number of factors, among which an increased level of serum fats, as well as careless handling of samples during hemolysis, can be distinguished.
What is the danger of raising the level?
Antibodies to thyrocyte peroxidase have a destructive effect on thyroid tissue. This leads to cell death and their replacement by structural components of connective tissue. The study of Ab to TPO helps to identify autoimmune pathologies of the thyroid gland, thereby allowing timely treatment. An increase in the level of antibodies in the blood, if it is caused by a pathology, subsequently leads to hypothyroidism and degeneration of the thyroid gland.
How is the research done?
An anti-TPO test does not require any prior preparation.
Nevertheless, in order for the result to be as objective as possible, certain recommendations must be followed:
- exclude strong physical activity on the eve and on the day of blood sampling;
- refrain from drinking alcohol before testing;
- try to avoid stress as much as possible.
The study includes venous blood sampling. Then centrifugation is carried out, as a result of which the serum is separated – it is she who is the material under study.
Decoding the results
Different types of tests may show different levels of the hormone ATPO. Therefore, to assess the dynamics, one type of study should be used directly so that the results have the smallest error.
| Study type | Normal indicators in women |
| Enzyme immunoassay | Up to 50 years – 30 IU / ml, after 50 years – up to 50 IU / ml |
| Immunochemiluminescent | Up to 50 years – 35 M / ml |
The table clearly shows that for different types of research, an assessment is carried out in different units. This can create certain difficulties, especially among inexperienced doctors or people without medical education, which leads to an incorrect interpretation of the result obtained.
If the level of the enzyme is elevated, it can also be a consequence of rheumatic diseases, lupus, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease. Therefore, on the basis of analysis alone, the diagnosis is not made. The study is appointed if you suspect:
- enlargement of the thyroid gland;
- exclusion of the development of Hashimoto’s disease, Grace and hypothyroidism;
- intensive therapy using lithium and interferon preparations;
- increased TSH during pregnancy;
- miscarriage, cycle disorders.
AT TPO level and pregnancy
A test for the amount of antibodies is carried out during pregnancy. This helps prevent the development of postpartum thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto’s disease. It appears in almost every tenth woman in childbirth. In only 30% of thyroiditis cases, it develops into hypothyroidism.
If the test results indicate an increased level of the enzyme, do not panic – they are not necessarily a sign of malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. For maximum objectivity, it is better to conduct research in several clinics.