When we evaluate thyroid health at Tendwell, we often check for two types of thyroid antibodies: TPO (thyroid peroxidase) antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies. These markers help us assess whether the immune system is playing a role in thyroid dysfunction, often before symptoms even show up.
But what’s the difference between them?
TPO Antibodies (TPOAb):
Thyroid peroxidase is an enzyme involved in the production of thyroid hormones. When the immune system mistakenly targets this enzyme, it can lead to inflammation and impaired hormone production. Elevated TPO antibodies are commonly seen in autoimmune thyroid conditions, especially Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and sometimes Graves’ disease.
Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb):
Thyroglobulin is a protein made by the thyroid that helps store and produce thyroid hormones. Antibodies against thyroglobulin may also signal autoimmune thyroid disease, particularly Hashimoto’s. In some cases, TgAb is monitored after thyroid cancer treatment to detect recurrence, as it may interfere with thyroglobulin blood tests.
Why test both?
Some people have only one type of antibody elevated, while others may have both. Testing both gives us a fuller picture of the autoimmune landscape and helps guide our treatment strategy. Even in people with “normal” thyroid labs, the presence of these antibodies can indicate that the immune system is under stress—and that’s something we can support through nutrition, gut health, stress reduction, and environmental detox.
At Tendwell, we take these immune markers seriously—not just to diagnose, but to look upstream and address why the immune system is misfiring in the first place.
Make an appointment today for a free consultation to find out more.