Thyroid Antibodies Explainer
Many of the patients seen in our functional medicine practice here at Tendwell, have concerns about their thyroid. An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease though up to 60 percent are unaware of their condition. Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems. One woman in eight will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime. There are several factors that contribute to this gender disparity including the presence of estrogen and progesterone, which have been shown to influence thyroid function. Fluctuations in hormone levels during different phases of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can also affect thyroid hormone production and metabolism. These hormonal changes can increase the susceptibility to thyroid disorders.
Another factor to consider is autoimmunity. Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, which are the most common causes of thyroid dysfunction, are autoimmune in origin. These conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Autoimmune diseases, in general, are more prevalent in women compared to men, and this predisposition contributes to the higher incidence of thyroid disorders in women. Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (Tg) are both types of antibodies associated with autoimmune thyroid disorders. However, their presence has different meanings and target different antigens.
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO antibodies): TPO antibodies are directed against an enzyme called thyroid peroxidase, which plays a crucial role in the production of thyroid hormones. These antibodies attack and damage the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and interfering with the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Elevated levels of TPO antibodies are commonly found in autoimmune thyroid diseases, particularly Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition that results in chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland and hypothyroidism.
Thyroglobulin Antibodies (Tg antibodies): Tg antibodies, on the other hand, target thyroglobulin, a protein that serves as a precursor for thyroid hormone synthesis. Thyroglobulin is produced by the thyroid gland and is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Elevated levels of Tg antibodies are associated with various thyroid disorders, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease (an autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism), and thyroid cancer.
In summary, TPO antibodies primarily indicate autoimmune thyroid diseases, particularly Hashimoto's thyroiditis, while Tg antibodies can be found in a broader range of thyroid conditions, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, and thyroid cancer. Both antibodies serve as important markers for diagnosing and monitoring thyroid disorders, but their specific targets and clinical implications differ.
At Tendwell, we believe testing for thyroid antibodies, even in people without overt hypo or hyperthyroidism is the best way to fully assess the thyroid. During our functional medicine comprehensive assessments, we often include a wide variety of laboratory tests in a full thyroid assessment: TSH, free T3, free T4, total T3, total T4, iodine, selenium, magnesium, iron, Vitamin D and in some cases, reverse T3. The reason for casting this wide a net is to address all aspects of thyroid function including production, transport, synthesis and detoxification of the thyroid hormones.
Make a functional medicine telehealth or in-person (Denver, CO) appointment today to find out more.
References:
American Thyroid Association
