Thyroid antibodies

[pearl]

I have recently had blood tests done as I am showing lots of hypothyroid symptoms - my GP reckons tests are within normal range but did advise Thyroid peroxidase antibody level is high - 22.2 iu/ml but still refuses to treat my symptoms- what do these antibodies mean and should I go back to my GP

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Pearl,

Not entirely sure here. The World Health Organisation states:

"Serum TPOAb < 50 IU/mL was defined as normal (negative) and > 75IU/mL as elevated (positive)."

emro.who.int/publications/e...

Which rather suggests that 22.2 is NOT high. But you really need to have the definition of "normal" and "positive" for the laboratory that did your test.

Do you have your TSH, fT4 and other results as well?

It does rather sound as if something is wrong here - whether it is the doctor or what you have posted or something else isn't at present clear!

All the best

Rod