TPO antibody (thyroid peroxidase antibody)

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody is an immune protein produced when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. TPO is an enzyme vital for making thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. The presence of TPO antibodies indicates autoimmune thyroid conditions, like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves' disease, where the immune system damages thyroid tissue, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, or thyroid dysfunction. Testing for TPO antibodies helps diagnose autoimmune thyroid diseases and guides appropriate treatment decisions. Their presence suggests an ongoing immune response against the thyroid, often requiring careful management of thyroid health.