Thyroglobulin Antibody Guide: Normal Ranges Explained

Thyroglobulin Antibody Guide: Normal Ranges Explained

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Evidence-Based

What is a Thyroglobulin Antibody? (In plain English)

Let’s make this super easy:

Thyroglobulin is an important protein found directly in your thyroid gland. 

This protein plays an important role in helping your body CREATE thyroid hormone, STORE thyroid hormone, and RELEASE (1) thyroid hormone. 

Thyroglobulin antibodies are antibodies that your own immune system creates which ATTACK this particular protein. 

You can imagine how this would be a problem for your thyroid gland if your own body is attacking it (we will get to that later). 

If present, they often indicate both an immune problem AND a thyroid problem which is why they are so important. 

They indicate an immune problem because your immune system should not be attempting to destroy your own body and they indicate a thyroid problem because eventually, your own body will destroy your own thyroid gland

These antibodies float around in your blood and target your thyroid which results in both inflammation and damage over time.

This damage eventually adds up to prevent the release of thyroid hormone which causes hypothyroidism or low thyroid function. 

The good news is that you can TEST for these antibodies (again, more on that below) which gives you powerful insight as to what is happening to both your thyroid gland and your immune system. 

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What does it mean if you have these antibodies?

The big question on your mind is this:

What does it mean if I have these antibodies in MY body?!

And the answer is somewhat simple and complex all at the same time. 

In almost EVERY case of elevated or high thyroglobulin antibodies, it means that something is wrong with your immune system. 

Your body would not normally create antibodies to your own tissue if your immune system was working properly. 

That’s the simple part. 

The complex part is understanding what that means. 

For the MAJORITY of people, the presence of thyroglobulin antibodies means that you have an autoimmune disease of your thyroid gland (most likely Hashimoto’s thyroiditis). 

It’s not quite that simple, though, because thyroglobulin antibodies can ALSO be elevated in cases of Graves’ disease (which is another thyroid disease that causes hyperthyroidism instead of hypothyroidism like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis). 

To make it even more confusing, there are some people (although a small percentage of the whole) who have elevated thyroglobulin antibodies with a normal thyroid gland/function (2). 

High levels of thyroglobulin antibodies can sometimes be seen in other autoimmune conditions such as Vitiligo (3) and other conditions such as cancer and even pregnancy (4). 

So you can see why it gets a little bit confusing. 

That’s why I think it’s important to stay focused on the fact that everyone with high thyroglobulin antibodies has a problem with their immune system. 

How that presents may be different for each of you, meaning you may attack your thyroid gland or not, but what’s important is that you should focus on your immune system. 

It’s also important to point out that probably 70-90%+ of people who have thyroglobulin antibodies will have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or at least some form of autoimmune thyroiditis. 

Understanding the connection between your immune system and thyroglobulin antibodies is very important, though, because it influences what you can do about treatment (more on that below). 

Thyroglobulin and Hashimoto’s

As mentioned, most people with elevated thyroglobulin antibodies will have a disease known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. 

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease of your thyroid gland which eventually results in hypothyroidism or low thyroid function. 

When most people talk about thyroglobulin they are usually referring to this antibody in the context of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and that disease state. 

I mentioned above that these antibodies don’t always indicate this disease but, nonetheless, they have kind have become synonymous with one another (for better or worse). 

No matter how you look at it though, these antibodies are primarily directed at a specific portion of the thyroid gland known as thyroglobulin. 

And if left unchecked and untreated, these antibodies will eventually destroy your thyroid gland resulting in permanent hypothyroidism. 

Normal vs Abnormal Reference Ranges

The good news here is that it’s actually fairly easy to understand if your thyroglobulin levels are abnormal. 

This is in contrast to other thyroid lab tests such as TSH, free T3, free T4, total T3, and reverse T3 which require more nuance in their interpretation of “normal” and “optimal”

When it comes to your thyroglobulin level you can use this as a basic rule of thumb:

The higher your thyroglobulin level the worse it will be for your body. 

You really don’t want your levels to be elevated in any sense of the word. 

And, the higher they are, typically that means the worse it is for your immune system. 

So how do you measure if your levels are abnormal?

This is one area where looking at the standard reference range is helpful. 

The lab test should give you a measure of what is abnormal and that is usually around 4 to 15 (depending on your lab) IU/ml.  

Healthy levels should be LOWER than this level and your results will often read something like:

Result: < 4.0 IU/ml. 

This result means that your levels were so low that they couldn’t be detected under this threshold. 

Results that are higher will read something like this:

Result: 212 IU/ml. Normal range: < 4.0 IU/ml. 

This result shows that you have a value of 212 IU/ml when it should be less than 4.0 IU/ml. 

Symptoms of Elevated Thyroglobulin Antibodies

You might be tempted to ask yourself what kind of symptoms you should expect if you have these antibodies in your blood. 

This is a perfectly fine question to ask but it’s not as straightforward as you might think. 

You see, these antibodies don’t necessarily cause problems all by themselves but instead, it’s the damage and inflammation associated with their presence that does

And this damage isn’t universal in terms of how it makes you feel or how it presents itself. 

For instance, you could have these antibodies and experience hypothyroidism or low thyroid function

In this case, you would experience symptoms such as:

  • Weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, cold intolerance, muscle/joint pain, slow heart rate, depression, infertility, and so on.

But these symptoms are not caused because your antibodies are elevated but instead because of their impact on your thyroid gland. 

On the flip side, you could have these antibodies and experience hyperthyroidism or high thyroid function

In this case, you would experience symptoms such as:

  • Weight loss, fatigue, dry or brittle hair, heat intolerance, anxiety, palpitations, and tremors.

Again, remember that these symptoms are not a result of the antibodies but a secondary effect of their impact. 

Both conditions present with entirely different symptoms (they are exact opposites of one another). 

And finally, it’s possible for you to have NO symptoms associated with thyroglobulin antibodies provided the levels are very low or associated with something like the post-partum period

Bottom line?

Don’t live and die by your symptoms as an indication of the presence or absence of these antibodies. 

Thyroglobulin Antibodies vs Thyroid peroxidase antibodies

We’ve spent our time here talking about one of the major antibodies that your body can develop to attack your thyroid gland but it’s not the only one. 

Another important antibody is known as anti-TPO antibody or anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody. 

Thyroid peroxidase is a protein found inside thyroid cells that helps your body create thyroid hormones. 

Thyroglobulin is found in the same place but serves a slightly different function. 

Antibodies to both thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase can impair thyroid hormone production and function in slightly different ways. 

So both antibodies are important when testing for the autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. 

But you should be aware that not everyone who has elevated thyroglobulin antibodies will necessarily have elevated TPO antibodies and vice versa. 

It’s possible for you to have only ONE set of antibodies present and elevated and the other to be completely normal. 

In fact, statistically speaking, it’s more common for TPO antibodies to be elevated and present than it is for thyroglobulin antibodies to be elevated by themselves. 

It doesn’t necessarily mean anything, though, as BOTH antibodies have been associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) and you should aggressively try to treat and manage either or both if they are elevated. 

What’s interesting is that each of these antibodies targets different portions of the thyroid and, therefore, thyroid function. 

It would logically make sense that elevations in one antibody over the other may affect the thyroid differently but we aren’t sure if that’s the case (at least not definitively). 

What is certain is that both antibodies NEGATIVELY affect thyroid function and can lead to low thyroid or hypothyroidism if left unchecked. 

You should also know that if you are going to test one antibody you should ALWAYS test for the other. 

This is usually done automatically by your doctor but just in case they don’t, make sure that you request them both. 

Can you Lower your thyroglobulin antibody levels?

The answer here is a definite yes!

But you have to understand the mindset that most doctors have when it comes to your antibody levels. 

They don’t really care what your antibodies are because they only care about your thyroid function. 

Because of this, it’s up to YOU to understand the types of therapies that can help reduce your levels. 

And it will probably be up to you to request frequent retesting of your antibody levels (believe it or not). 

You can and should track your thyroglobulin antibody levels periodically to see if whatever therapies you are doing are helping. 

If they are helping then you should see your result decreasing. 

So, for instance, if your initial result with 212 IU/ml but then you institute various changes including improving your diet, exercising more, improving your sleep, taking certain supplements, using LDN, and so on, you should see your level drop (hopefully) over the next few months. 

Rechecking your thyroglobulin level in a few months may look something like this:

Result: 112 IU/ml. 

It’s possible to see even more dramatic drops in your thyroglobulin levels provided you are doing the right therapies!

I’ve listed a handful of therapies above and they all may potentially help reduce your antibody levels and, therefore, improve thyroid function. 

By the way, the same therapies which help to reduce TPO antibodies ALSO help to reduce thyroglobulin antibodies (and you can read about my favorite therapies here). 

Final Thoughts

Thyroglobulin antibodies are an important sign that you have something wrong with your immune system and, most likely, your thyroid gland. 

If you have known or suspected thyroid disease of any type then you SHOULD have these antibodies tested for!

While you are at it, be sure to also check for TPO antibodies as well, as problems with one go hand in hand with the other. 

What they mean for your body will differ from individual to individual, however, so you can’t make blanket statements about your thyroid gland without further testing of thyroid function. 

To do that you will need to look at additional tests such as TSH, free T3, free T4, and reverse T3. 

But now I want to hear from you:

Do you have elevated thyroglobulin antibody levels? 

If so, how high are they?

Do you ALSO have thyroid problems? Hashimoto’s or Graves’?

Or do you have completely normal thyroid function?

Leave your comments or questions below and share your experience! 

#1. https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/84382

#2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3666229/

#3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103271/

#4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652173/

what positive thyroglobulin antibodies means for your thyroid

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About Dr. Westin Childs

Hey! I'm Westin Childs D.O. (former Osteopathic Physician). I don't practice medicine anymore and instead specialize in helping people like YOU who have thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, and weight loss resistance. I love to write and share what I've learned over the years. I also happen to formulate the best supplements on the market (well, at least in my opinion!) and I'm proud to say that over 80,000+ people have used them over the last 7 years. You can read more about my own personal health journey and why I am so passionate about what I do.

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88 thoughts on “Thyroglobulin Antibody Guide: Normal Ranges Explained”

  1. Dr Child’s,
    9/17/19 TSH 1.95 6/3/19 7.41
    T4 4.8. 1.5
    T4free 0.92 0.69
    T3 free 5.4. 24
    Reverse T3 10. 600
    No change >600
    I had these labs today plus others. Been on Armor 65 mg w/Compound T4 120mg
    Now gave samples to try Synthroid w/tirosent then sample Synthroid w/Triostst and do a weekly GOP?? shot rather than Metformin when labs come back?? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Do you have elevated thyroglobulin antibody levels?

      Reference Range: < or = 1 IU/mL
      My results: 2H

      Do you ALSO have thyroid problems? Hashimoto’s or Graves’?

      Thyroid cancer, full thyroidectomy with no spread.

      Taking 125mg Levothyroxine

      T4 1.4 no change in 1 year
      TSH 1.94 to 2.70 in 1 year

      Reply
  2. Hello Dr. Child’s

    I was diagnosed with Hashimotos 7 months ago, with hypo symptoms and sluggish thyroid levels. Since then I have been working with a naturopath to heal my autoimmune condition and try to naturally bring down my TSH with food and supplements and optimize my levels. Here are my last two recent bloodworks:

    12/10/19
    TSH: 3.1
    FT4: 1.0
    FT3: 4.0
    RT3: 16
    TPO antibodies: 1880

    1/29/20
    TSH: 5.1
    FT4: 0.9
    FT3: 3.8
    TPO antibodies: 1000

    It seems like my TPO antibodies are improving through diet and supplements but my thyroid levels are still not optimal and unstable. My FT3 levels seem to be on the higher end but my FT4 is on the lower end. My naturopath is now recommending that I start on a low dose of thyroid hormones and suggested either Armour/Naturethroid (half grain) or Tirosint (25mg) as my husband and I are trying to get pregnant with our first child. I am worried that the NDT might have negative affects on my TPO antibodies and that it may increase my FT3 levels too much and make me hyper. I know Tirosint is the cleanest synthetic T4 available and it doesn’t seem like I have conversion levels since my FT3 seems on the higher end so I was thinking that Tirosint might be a better option for me. But what do you think? What is your opinion on the medication I should start out on? If you could answer Id really appreciate it! Thank you

    Reply
    • Hi Mindy,

      Tirosint is a good place to start. The only way to know for sure is to pick a starting point and then start iterating!

      Reply
  3. TSH 3.394
    Free T3 2.9
    Free T4 0.7
    Thyroglobulin Antibody <0.9
    Thyroid Peroxidase 226
    Prolactin 63.3
    EBV IGG 6.8 (never had mono)

    Currently in Thyroid NP 0.5gr (30mg)

    Have not been told if I'm Hashi or Graves…searching for direction!

    Reply
    • Hi Julie,

      It depends on your symptoms. You really can’t make a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s without clinical symptoms (unless you get a biopsy of your thyroid gland).

      Reply
      • I find this comment very interesting that you can’t diagnose whether it is Hashimoto’s for Grave’s Disease. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s a couple of months ago – from what I thought, based on my lab results. I find that I have some symptoms of hyper AND hypo. I would be interested in reading more about diagnosing properly if you have more information.

        Reply
        • +1. I was told I have Hashimoto’s based mainly on antibodies present. In fact mine are fairly low, like in the twenties ( not hundreds as I have seen others have). However, I was already on AIP/antinflammatory diet with dietary restrictions for years before I had antibodies test, so I’m assuming that my antibodies could have been much higher before because I’d had symptoms for sure. I also have joint pain and fibro type symptoms, but those are better now on the AIP diet. I’ve always been curious what my numbers would be had I been tested earlier before my self-prescribed diet.

          Reply
      • Hi Dr. Childs,
        I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in 2014 after many years of suffering and trips to the ER. I have BOTH TPO AND Thyroglobulin antibodies present and elevated. My TPO flucucate and move down well with diet. My TGAB are ALWAYS greater than 1000 and NEVER LOWER no matter what ive done. I have been worried about these TGAB antibodies for YEARS as my maternal aunt passed from hurthle cell and thyroid nodule cancer. No one seems to shake a stick at these high levels and I REALLY NEED to help myself. My T4 is always 0.9 its never been higher than 1 no matter what thyroid med I take and what dose. I cant lose weight no matter what, im tired, sore and I WANT HELP. I have paid and PAID all different types of docs to help me address this problem but never have gotten to the bottom of this issue. Please tell me what could help me.

        Reply
  4. Test results Friday – March 20, 2020
    TSH, T3, T4, T3free, and T4free – all normal range.

    Thyroglobulin antibodies = 2328 !
    did not test for TPO antibodies.

    I had a total thyroidectomy in 2015. Diagnosis Hasimoto’s but biopsy confirmed no cancer

    what are my thyroglobulin antibodies fighting now ???

    Reply
    • Hi Patricia,

      Even post thyroidectomy some of the thyroid still remains which is probably what is happening here. It’s impossible for the surgeon to get 100% of the gland.

      Reply
  5. My TPO was the number 1 so it was negligible. Is it worthwhile to test for thyroglobulin antibodies? I had a hurthle cell adenoma in 2007. The only symptom for the previous ten years was fatigue and then suddenly in 2007 fatigue, bloating, cystic acne and finally the growth of the benign tumor. At that point I don’t think my TSH was very high. It may have only been slightly elevated over 2 but less than 4. No one has been able to explain why I got that tumor or why I had hypothyroidism developed in my twenties and possibly teens. If it’s not autoimmune in nature then what are some reasons that young people develop these issues?

    Reply
    • Did you ever get an answer to your question about testing you Thyroglobulin antibodies? Did you have your thyroid removed to find the Hurthle cell adenoma? I have had Hashimotos for a few years, My TPO is now at 31 after my thyroid lobectomy that they did based on nodules showing very hot in PET scan and biopsy indicating possible carcinoma. Pathology after the lobectomy showed Hurthle cell adenoma vs carcinoma. Wondering if I need to have my TG(Thyroglobulin ) anti bodies run.

      Reply
  6. Dear Dr. Westin Childs,

    Your website has been very helpful and reading this was very interesting. I have a question about thyroglobulin antibodies and pregnancy. I’m really struggling to find and answer and perhaps you would have some insight?
    I gave birth to a healthy son in February 2019. I had my bloods checked in November 2019 (I was very dizzy and tired but absolutely no other symptoms). TSH came back at 4.91 and and free T4 came back at 12.4. I immediately started taking ashwagandha and extra selenium and my dizziness improved vastly.

    I got pregnant again February 2020 and immediately had another thyroid test. TSH came back at 2.1! Free T4 15.5. Other thyroid hormones also in a very good range, but this time I also had anti-thyroglobulin tested, which came back at 355. Anti-tpo was <9.0. I then also started taking 500mg myo-inositol. But unfortunately I had a missed miscarriage this May.

    When I spoke to a naturopath specialising in thyroid health, she did not recommend thyroid medication in my case because my hormone levels are in the optimal range, I only have increased thyroglobulin antibodies. I really want to get pregnant again but I don't know if I should worry about the antibodies? This is my real question. Can they cause much harm to a pregnancy at a level of 355 if my thyroid hormone production itself is good? I really hope the miscarriage was just bad luck.

    Thanks so much for any insight.

    Reply
  7. Hi Dr. Childs,

    I am an active mother of 3 (1 bio, 2 foster). I work full time and am a type A person. I’ve been struggling for 3 years now with my health and doctors cant figure me out. I live day to day in pain/fear of reoccurring episodes. Just got my blood work back and I still feel like something is missing….

    2017- 2 pulmonary embolisms (randon- never found the cause)

    12/2018- Dr.’s thought I had lymphoma cancer due to 2 lemon sized masses in my leg and right before I went in for surgery my Functional Dr. tested me and I had Bartenella- went on antiobiotic for a month- and she also said I had hypothyroid and Hashimotos.

    2019-tried no dairy, no gluten, etc. eating clean and working out, etc for 5 months but still so tired

    June 2019- started taking what I was told was a more natural thyroid medication- NP Thyroid. Felt better at first but then dr said 3-6 months in that I could double my dose bc my thyroid was still on the lower side. This sent me into what I now know is a hyperthyroid state- major heart racing, etc.

    March 2020- felt so strange (mentally) on the NP Thyroid and my heart was always racing so my Dr finally switched me to Levothyroxide and my head felt clearer the first 3 days. Day 4 I woke up in the middle of the night and my blood felt like it was boiling, heart racing and beating out of chest, nauscouis and felt like I was going to black out and die. The effects from these scary episodes last for days as my hands are shaky and heart is racing. Since starting the new medication I have had 6 episodes all back to back- wake up from sleep – and its so scary.

    Ive had these strange episodes maybe 6 other times over the past 3 years and no one has ever been able to diagnose them other than panic attacks. I am the least stressed and take measures to get sleep, help, therapy, etc. But they have NEVER been this close together so frequently.

    My doctor gave my Xanix to take before bed – which helps- but I dont want to stay on it long term and want my life back.

    Lastly I did just have a UTI and took antiobiotic but I swear it is not gone. Have incredibly painful lower back pain constantly and feel strong urges often. I think I have some pelvic infection of some sort.

    Latest test results show
    – THYROGLOBULIN ANTIBODIES = 2H
    ( normal 900 H
    (normal is <9)

    HOMOCYSTEINE = 22.8
    (normal is <10.4)

    WHITE BLOOD COUNT = 3.7
    (normal is 3.8-10.8)

    T3 REVERSE = 10
    (normal is 8-25)

    T3 FREE = 2.7
    (normal is 2.3-4.2)

    T4, FREE = .9
    (normal is .8-1.8)

    TSH = 2.81
    (normal is .4-4.5)

    B12 =300
    (normal is 200-1100)

    I know that is a lot but I am desperate for some relief. Thank you kindly for your time.

    Reply
    • Your situation sounds complicated. I’m not a practitioner. But I do know that with high levels of histamine I experience burning urinary bladder (ITV gets scorched and then I must get the histamine levels down long enough for the lining to heal). But you should see your doctor for the UTI symptoms and get tested because you don’t want a kidney infection! The back pain could be kidneys. I hope you find some answers

      Reply
    • NP Thyroid was recalled in May, 2020 for Super Potency up to 115% more thyroid meds than people were suppose to get.. There were 3 lots that were bad, 30, 60 and 90 MG. If you got these lots, this may be your problem. I did get them and it was horrible. I had been on Armour for 5 years and for some reason my doctor switched me without my knowledge to NP Thyroid in March 2020. Within 3 weeks I had terrible muscle pain, especially in my back, neck and terrible headaches. Then came the heart burn and acid reflux. I have never had either of those things in my life. I thought I was having a heart attack. Then came the depression, fatigue, night sweats, anxiety and panic attacks. My labs were a mess, my TSH was 17.7, I can’t remember what my T3’s and T4 numbers were, but I know my sugar levels were high, my cholesterol was high and my antibodies were 614. I have “leaky gut” so my entire system was completely out of balance. Check with your pharmacy to see what lots you got, then check them against The lots that are listed with the FDA and Acella Pharmaceutical. There are several active lawsuits against this company and the FDA just put out a letter stating all of Acella Pharmaceuticals violations, the most important being not testing their product properly.

      Reply
  8. Hello Dr. Childs,
    I take 90 mg of desiccated thyroid medication daily. Thyroid readings are as follows:
    TSH 1.07 mU/L
    FT4 11.4 pmol/L
    FT3 6.11pmol/L
    Thyroperoxidase Ab 18 IU/L
    Thyroglobulin Ab >4000 IU/L
    Thyroglobulin <0.1 ug/L
    I have total Alopecia. What do you think is happening here and perhaps could you suggest a treatment? Would LDN be helpful?
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Dr. Childs, I have a question to piggy back on this one. If we have TPO or Tg Antibodies, our immune system is working against our thyroid. The immune system is dysregulated. Now, if a person is taking dessicated thyroid, could that be a substance that the immune system is also attacking (Because it contains proteins from animal thyroid)? In this case could it be better to try a more purified form of supplemental thyroid hormones, for example a synthetic source?

      Reply
  9. Dear Dr. Childs,

    I’ve recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto disease. My level was 358. All other test were in normal range.

    2 years ago I had a tumor on my parathyroid and had surgery. Is it possible that this has affected my thyroid.?

    Reply
  10. Hey Dr. Childs, I finally got in to see my Endo, these are my test results.
    Thyroglobulin result 119.0 ng/mL
    Ref range H 0.0-59.9.

    Thyroid peroxidase antibody
    Result 39.00
    U/mL
    Ref 0.00-60.00

    Antithyroglobulin antibody
    Result <20.0 IU/mL
    Ref 0.0 -40.0

    3rd generation TSH
    Result 1.4620 uIU/mL
    Ref 0.5500-4.7800

    Free T3
    Result 2.59 pg /mL
    Ref 2.30-4.20

    Free T4
    Result 1.00 ng/dL
    Ref .89-1.76

    RBC
    Result 5.12
    Ref 3.80-5.10

    MCV
    Result 80.4
    Ref 82.0-101.0
    Please take a look at this . My endo said everything is ok . But I don’t feel ok.

    Reply
  11. Hi Dr. Childs,

    2.5 months ago, I discovered I had Hashimoto’s after a year of trying to conceive unsuccessfully. I had been treated for hypothyroidism with Synthroid for 7 years prior to this.

    2 months ago my TPOab were 220, however 2 months later I  re-tested my TPO antibodies again and they dropped to 113!

    However, they tested my TG antibodies (which I was never tested for before) and they are 307.

    I’m a little worried now as I never really knew about the TG antibodies. I’m happy that’s my TPO went down however I wish I knew what my TG was a month ago also. Does TG go down if TPO goes down?

    I’ve been taking Probiotics 50 billion,  Myo-Inositol 4g a day, Selenium 200mg, Prenatals (contains folate and 50mg of selenium), and omega 3. I just started taking Ubiquinol.

    My levels…
    TSH is 0.98
    T4 = 16
    T3 = my doctor told me it was fine 3 months ago and I don’t need to retest until another 3 more months.

    My main concern is why I am unable to get pregnant? What could I do to help myself conceive? Is it the antibodies that aren’t allowing me to conceive or is it thyroid levels? Thank you so much in advance!

    Reply
  12. Thyroglobulin antibody attacks a specific protein found in your thyroid gland whereas thyroid peroxidase antibodies attack a specific protein found in your thyroid gland.

    Huh? The word “whereas” would mean each of these is attacking some different this sentence doesn’t make sense?

    Please explain.

    Thanks.

    Reply
      • So I have BOTH TGAB and TPO antibodies present. Tpo moves up and down with diet and TGAB is greater than 1000 always! What do I do? No one seems concerned with this! I want to help myself but HOW?

        Reply
  13. New to this so…
    Diagnosed March 2020
    TSH 13.45
    Labs yesterday
    Free T4 = 2.0
    T3 uptake = 32
    T3 Free =2.7
    T3 Total = 97
    T4 (thyroxine) = 6.1
    T4 free = 1.0
    Thyroglobulin = 34
    Thyroid Peroxidase = 2
    TSH = .43

    Took the test pre meds. Ordered my own labs as my dr refused to as she claimed a full panel was for hyper thyroid patients only.

    Can you shed any light?

    Reply
  14. Well, recently my thyroglobulin antibodies were “4” which was flagged as high. My TPO was under “1.” I”m not sure what “4” actually means, considering I see other people have numbers that are much higher. I had a partial thyroidectomy twelve years ago due to benign hurthle cell adenoma.

    Reply
  15. Dr. Childs,
    I’m 56 and pretty seriously hypo-symptomatic. Had bloodwork twice in the past five months, and am on no medication as yet, as I am trying to turn this around naturally if possible. The numbers are confusing me to be honest.
    2/27/20
    TSH 5.36 uIu/ml High
    Mean Platelet Volume 12.2 fL (7.4-10.4) High
    Lymphocytes # 1.08 K/uL (1.2-3.4) Low
    Monocytes # .73 K/uL (.11-.59) High

    6/25/20
    TSH 10.10 High (Double)
    Total T4 94 nmol/L (59-154) Normal
    Free T4 14.9 pmol/L (12.0-22.0) Normal
    Free T3 4.3 pmol/L (3.1-6.8) Normal
    Peroxidase ABs <9.0 Iu/ml (0-34) Normal
    Globulin AB 12.9 Iu/ml (0-115) Normal

    Any advice on how to proceed?
    Thanks- Tim

    Reply
  16. Dr. Childs,
    Was diagnosed in May 2018 with Hashimotos TPO was 5060. Change of diet and supplements brought it down to 3600 in 6 months. Nov 2018 Tested for EBV, which showed a reactivation. Went on Antivirals and IV Vit C. and T3 (Wilson’s protocal) antibodies came down to 1600 by May 2019 Have been on Armour and feel okay. TPO up to 3262 in February 2020. Blood tests from July 2020 show TPO at 9899. Starting Monolaurin, and high dose Vitamin A. and LDN as soon as I can find a Dr. to prescribe it. Thyroglobulin Antibody has remained under 60.

    Reply
  17. Could TPOab and TGab be slightly raised (both 12), at the onset of taking bovine thyroid supplementation?
    e.g. could the body (initially) create an immune reaction to this foreign substance, and then the levels drop back to 0-1 with continued bovine administration?
    My doc is convinced I have hashis, yet the scenario above is the only time antibodies have been slightly raised. An ultrasound is normal and apparently a biopsy is the only way to find out for sure (but I cannot be referred for one due to the normal process in my country).
    Thanks in advance 🙂

    Reply
  18. Hi Dr. Childs!

    Thank you for all the information. I will leave you my results so you can see them. Free T4 1.4 ng/dl TSH Sensitive 2.04 ulU/mL Thyroperox. Abs 217 IntlUnit/mL (High) T3, Free 3.5 pg/mL Thyroglobulin Antibody 1 IntlUnit/mL I also had another Ultrasound on my Thyroid to check the small goiter. My results were, Right Lobe 1.4 x 6,0 x 2.1 cm Isthmus: 0.5cm thickness Left Lobe: 1.3 x 4.2 x 1.4 cm Lobe Right Nodule /31 Location: Mid to lower Size: 1.9 x 1.5 x 2.1 cm. (Prior size-1.9 x 1.4 x 1.9 cm) My first Ultrasound was on 09/12/2019 and most recent Ultrasound was on July 06, 2020. Please Dr. Childs, how should I change up my diet and should I still take and re-order the Leptin Resistance RX? I appreciate you so much and wish you were living where I was. Thank you again, Keyna Darling

    Reply
  19. My TGLB antibodies are 4.66 IU/ml with standard range being <2
    My TPO antibodies are 489 WHO units with standard range being <101
    TSH is 1.94 ulU/mL with .27-4.20 being standard range
    T4 is 12 pmol/L with 10-18 being standard range
    Total T3 is 1.3 mol/L with range .9-2.4
    Free T3 is 4.5 pmol/L with range 2.6-5.7
    RT3 is 11 ng/dL with range 8-25

    So, look a bit off, Dr. Childs?

    My endocrinologist thinks everything, excepting the autoantibodies, is fine and we had a big argument about needing treatment. I finally got her to prescribe 12 mg of levothyroxine and I still have severe hypo symptoms. Now it's switched to 15 mg of NP (on my request to get a smidge of T3) and still I suffer. She is only willing to do a TSH test. I have Medicare and so am frustrated about this limited approach.

    I also have Ehlers-Danlos, dysautonomia (POTS), cystic acne, and achalasia and despite attempting healthy living (plus your supplements) still feel terrible–so am frustrated. I wonder if my other conditions are really the underlying cause of all of my symptoms, and treating my thyroid is just a sideline like my endocrinologist says.

    Reply
  20. Just got my new test results today;
    TSH is 1.76 ulU/mL and the range is .27-4.20
    FT4 is 1.00ug/dL and the range is .90-1.70

    I was looking at your optimal ranges and apparently these are below optimal. Haven’t talked to my endocrinologist yet. Overall, the values haven’t changed all that much (the ones posted above) since I first started on therapy January 2019.

    It is really supposed to be this slow?

    Sorry I’m grouchy. I think it is the Covid quarantine thing…

    Reply
  21. Good Evening,

    All my labs done are normal except Thryoglobin antibody is 15. I have been hypo my whole life, never took meds until 8 years ago…

    Changing diet around to gluten/ paleo to see if there is any difference. We are in the middle of a pandemic, I have 2 kids that have underlying conditions and homeschooling. My son is 4 and he is also hypothyroid 🙂
    Your expertise would be great…

    Thanks!

    Laura J

    Reply
  22. Hi I just found out my son has high thyroglobulin antibodies. His level is 2.4
    I’m feeling super nervous about this. What should I do??

    Reply
  23. Hi,

    My recent labs show high TPO antibody (469.1), but my Thyroglobulin Antibodies are normal. I’ve been treating for hypothyroidism for 7 years (began at menopause). Recent “crash or flare” is causing hyperthyroid symptoms (unintended weightloss, anxiety, night sweats, tremors, hungry all the time etc.). Thyroid labs are off the charts hypo. TSH 69.53 (range .45-4.50), Low T3 and low T4. When I try and take my thyroid medication it is worse. Where do I start to correct or treat?

    Reply
  24. I have just turned 70 and have struggled for years telling doctors something is wrong.
    TPO Ab:
    2/20/2017: 5, 237.7 (High)
    8/28/2017: 6, 083.0 (High)
    111/1/2019: 11,983.9 (High)
    11/19/2020: 13,000 (Abnormal)
    Thyroglobulin Ab:
    11/1/2019: 151 unit/mL (High)
    11/19/2020: 217 unit/mL (High)
    Why is this dismissed? I am almost bald now. Joints hurt. Chronic diarrhea, weight gain over 25 lbs, etc. I have power walked every day for years and eat a normal diet with no extra portions or snacks. My doctor insists that my almost bald head is hereditary and chronic explosive diarrhea several times a day is just my body’s “normal”. I’m angry, frustrated, and very confused. Why is there such a dismissive attitude from doctors?

    Reply
  25. “ Thyroglobulin antibody attacks a specific protein found in your thyroid gland whereas thyroid peroxidase antibodies attack a specific protein found in your thyroid gland. “

    Huh?
    Sometimes your sentences Are worded poorly or too wordy and I’m having a hard time gleaning the important points

    Reply
  26. Hi, I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s based on bloodwork, Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies 46 and Thyroglobulin antibodies 2, was told to be gluten free from now on, don’t really understand all of this. Have been on Synthroid for many years .88 mcg sometimes my doctor changes it to 100 mcg. but has been at .88 for a while. I was told by functional medicine dr. to do elimination diet (I’ve lost 14 pounds that I did not need to lose) and want to gain it back, my anxiety is very high and she has me on 8 supplements, I think it’s too many, your input would be appreciated. Thank you.

    Reply
  27. Hi Dr, I am not sure if you could help but that would be much appreciated, my dr just said everything was fine with my results but my antibpodies are so high ? I have all symptoms of Hyper and I am getting a bit crazy with that.
    FT3, FT4, TSH normal levels
    Anti thyroglobulin 29.99 iu/ml
    Anti thyroid peroxidase 35.27 iu/ml
    Thank you !

    Reply
  28. Hello Dr. Childs,

    I just got my results for my blood test back and my doctor referred me to an endocrinologist. I haven’t seen the endocrinologist yet and it’s been taking a long time for her to call me to schedule an appointment. I am concern with my results and I want to know if these results are concerning and if they are markers for the Hashimoto disease. The results are:

    TSH = 3.05
    T3 = 4.2
    T4 = 13
    Tg Ab = >2,500
    TPO Ab = 264

    Vitamin D = 39
    Insulin fasting = 316

    Thank you.

    Reply
  29. Hello!
    I have Hashis and just started LDN in December 2021. Currently at 4.5 mg of LDN. I didn’t re-test my TPO right before starting the LDN, which I wish I would have. My TPO was 2396 in March of 2021. Just retested (March 2022) and TPO is now 3218. I am not any thyroid meds other than LDN because my thyroid functions are “normal” according to my endo, although my TSH is trending up (currently at 3.895), my Free T4 is trending down (currently .88) and my Free T3 is trending down (currently at 2.62). I do have symptoms of hypothyroidism. I just started taking zinc, selenium, and iodine daily within the last month (I had been taking only 3 times a week prior). I am already gluten -free, dairy free and soy free (and have been since 2018). Is there anything else I can be doing to bring down TPO?

    Reply
  30. Hello Dr Childs,

    I have found your resources fascinating, thank you!

    I have had an occasional hypothyroid, which I’m trying to find the root cause of so that I can avoid things getting worse. My levels are currently normal, but a recent Ab test indicated:

    TPO Ab – 10 IU/mL
    Tg Ab – 198 IU/mL

    My endocrinologist has categorically stated that because my TPO are normal, the Tg Ab result is insignificant. His precise wording is included below for reference.

    Would you agree with this? From you article it seems not. I’m curious why experts would disagree and would love more clarification.

    Thank you!

    “Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies are not a usual test we do in patients with thyroid disease. It is usually indicated in patients who had thyroid cancer and, when checking thyroglobulin, we ask for thyroglobulin antibodies, to rule out interference with the test. Even though anti-thyroglobulin antibodies can be positive in patients with autoimmune disease, this patient has a negative TPO so does not have any significance for the anti-thryoglobulin antibodies.”

    Reply
    • Hi Natalie,

      Your doctor is correct that thyroglobulin antibodies do not always mean you have Hashimoto’s but it also doesn’t mean that you do not. You’d be more right than wrong to assume that people with elevated thyroglobulin antibodies have autoimmune thyroiditis than the alternative. If you really wanted to find out you could just get a thyroid ultrasound to see if the findings are significant for inflammation. The only way to know for sure if you do is to get a thyroid biopsy but that isn’t recommended frequently. It’s just safer to assume you have autoimmune thyroiditis and treat accordingly.

      Reply
  31. I had my thyroid levels checked last June and my TSH and free T4 were normal but my thyroglobulin AB was 877. The doctor at the time said it was no big deal because the other levels were normal. Fastforward to last month I went to a new doctor in our new state and asked him to do a recheck and both the TSH and T4 are normal but now my thyroglobulin AB is 1,637! He’s referring me to an endocrinologist because he has no answers but I seem to have some of the symptoms of Hashimotos. I have to wait until October to see the endocrinologist but I’d love some answers sooner than that! Thank you!

    Reply
  32. I’m winning something I don’t want to win…the highest levels of these comments.

    July of 2021: my anti-TG was 2994. My TPO is 1000.

    Making a very long story short…I have felt horrible and had no answers. No doctor has even mentioned Hashis to me but everything I read points to it. Starting to feel worse, more fatigue and dizziness is new.

    Best course of action?

    Reply
  33. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s several years ago.

    The last test that I had in 2020 ( was never repeated) showed
    Anti-thyroid peroxidase AB is 15 IU/ml (high)
    Thyroidglobulin SB, IGG is 708 IU/ml (high)

    Taken this past July:
    T3, FREE 4.8 PG/ml (high)
    T4, FREE 1.4 (normal range)
    TSH 1.87 miU/L (normal range)

    I daily take levothyroxine 100
    I am scanned annually as I have nodules and 2 that they are watching.
    My mother had thyroid cancer and had her thyroid removed last year.
    My sister had her thyroid removed due to concerning nodules that were not malignant.

    Should I continue on path I’m on or should something further be done?

    Reply
  34. Can you make sense of these? They prescribed me Levothyoxine 25 only after my thyroglobulin came back elevated but haven’t walked me through the blood tests or anything I can do instead of taking meds as only option…. Thanks

    Free T4
    0.70 – 1.48 ng/dL
    11/29/22 0.84
    1/5/23 0.98

    Т3 FREE
    2.18 – 3.98 pg/mL
    1/5/23 2.25

    Thyroglobulin Ab
    Your Value
    7.7 IU/mL
    Standard Range
    0.0 – 0.9 IU/mL

    TSH
    0.350 – 4.900 ulU/mL
    11/29/22 5.490 H
    1/5/23 4.550

    Reply
  35. Hi Dr Childs,

    I had a blood test carried out privately as I’ve been feeling stressed and fatigued.

    My results were:

    thyroglobulin antibody levels – 430 IU/ML
    TPO – 11 IU/ML
    TSH – 2.15 mUL
    Free T3 – 4.85 pmol
    Free Throxine – 19.2 PMOL

    What would you recommend?

    My symptoms, every since I had the covid booster jab October 6th 2022 are:

    – Dizziness
    – Nausea
    – Fatigue
    – Hunger
    – Brain Fog

    Any advice would be super-helpful.

    Thanks

    David – UK

    Reply
  36. Hi Dr Childs,

    I have been trying alternate therapies for approx 3 years now since being diagnosed with Hashimotos. My thyroid hormone levels are stabilized and have been for about 12 months. I request to have my antibodies, both TGA & TPO every 6 months and since I started testosterone in the last 12 months (as well as Estrogen & Progesterone) and recently in the past four months Broad Spectrum CBD, my TGA levels have come down from 184 to 55 yet my TPO levels are still at 1300. I’m feeling 1000 x better than I did in the beginning but should I be concerned with my TPO levels at all?

    Thanks, your website is the only one worth reading!

    Reply
    • Hi Rachel,

      Yes and no. The goal should always be to aim for antibodies that are as low as possible but they don’t always correlate with disease progression so you can’t hang your hat on the value by itself. If your symptoms are improving then that is a really good sign but it’s also possible you could be missing something so I wouldn’t just ignore them.

      Reply
  37. TPO77.8
    T4 0.8
    T3 1.6
    Thyroid globulin anti 1214.7
    TSH 26.4
    AC1 3.6
    I was told Hashimoto disease
    Should I worry about cancer?

    Reply
  38. Hi! I have a high thyroglobulin antibody of 1.2 and normal levels on all others. Could I still have a problem since it is not much over .9 or lower? I have lots of symptoms!

    Reply
    • Hi Ashley,

      It’s possible, yes. You can get a thyroid ultrasound to see if there is inflammation in the thyroid gland.

      Reply
  39. I am desperate for help and answeres so even though this is an old article I am going to leave a comment. My thyroglobulin antibody is 1,241 Iu/ML, thyroid simulating hormone is .12 uIu/ML and my free thyroxine FT4 is .9 ng/dl. I can’t get into an endocrinologist for 5 months, my doctor has me getting bloodwork taken again in a few weeks with an ultrasound of my thyroid but I have felt like complete crap for months. Stomach problems, crazy sweating, so tired but can’t sleep, and I have gained about 40 pounds the past two years and can’t lose it. I do not know what to do anymore. Do these numbers and symptoms mean anything to anyone?

    Reply
  40. i was diagnosed with hashimotos about 10 years ago… started t3 cytomel monotherapy about 5 years ago. which helped a lot at low dose of 20 mcg a day. my blood test always showed around 120 to 250/300 levels of tpo antibodies and thyroglobulin 100 or so. my thyroglobulin is recently come up as negative. This seems like my body is healing …. tpo antibodies next! Then this last year i started doing some intense work with dr joe dispenza meditations and now my thyroglobulin Gg test show negative. and i ended up with being suddenly overdosed with hyper symptoms… but due to me not realising for 3 months i lost lot of weight and was shaky. i dropped dose too quick nd is clear i still need the t3 meds just need to find a correct lower dose. i am determined to heal this condition with joe dispenzas work others have so can i. they healed either hashimotos or and primary hypothyridism. the pill for life proven not always the truth.

    Reply
  41. Nov 2022
    TSH: 8.7
    Free T4: 0.9

    Dec 2022
    TSH: 4.16
    Free T4: 1.0
    T3 Total: 1.36
    TPO: 4500
    Thyroglobulin: 2440

    March 2023
    TSH: 4.35
    Free T4: 1.0

    June 2023
    TSH: 12.47
    Free T4: 0.8
    T3 Total: 1.5
    TPO: 7903
    Thyroglobulin: 2500

    General thoughts on what this all means? Had a period of hyper symptoms, now showing hypo symptoms. Have only seen 1 other comment with antibody levels anywhere close to these.

    Reply
  42. For the past 3 years I have had high Thyroglobulin Antibodies blood results, but normal TPO and other Thyroid function tests. I have been tested every 6 months for the past 3 years and my TgAb ranges from 79 -178 U/ML (normal value 0 – 60 U/ML).
    I have had weight gain of 25 pounds in 4 years and constant muscle/joint pain in back and legs. I recently diagnosed with Facet Osteoarthritis L3-L4, L5-S1) from Xray. My doctor said that because all my other thyroid function tests are fine I do not need to worry about the thyroidgloubin antibodies and really no need to continue to test them. Frustrated becuase i feel something is just not right with me and I do not want hypothyroid to develop! Should i be concerned with the elevated TgAb results?? If so, appreciate any suggestions on what i should do!! Thanks

    Reply
  43. Thyroid cancer, no spread, full thyroidectomy.

    Taking 125mg levothyroxine

    Thyroglobulin antibodies
    Reference Range: < or = 1 IU/mL
    My results: 2H

    1 year
    T4 1.4 no change
    TSH 1.94 to 2.70

    Supplements:
    Vitamin C
    Vitamin D3
    B complex
    Zinc
    NAC
    Fish Oil

    Reply
  44. Hi Dr. Childs,
    My Thyroglobulin is 13 and my TPO is <9IU.
    I’m 45 F was diagnosed hypo and put on Armour Thyroid when I was 24. I’ve never felt great on it and have steadily gained weight through the years.
    My dosage was increased to 90 mg. In April and I started to have hot flashes, missed periods and heart palps. I thought it was peri menopause but I stopped my Armour Thyroid pill and all those symptoms stopped. I feel better on no meds but just had my labs done and my tsh is 15.4 so my doctor is going to put me on Synthroid. I am really afraid to start it because I have heard horror stories about it.
    But i was wondering can Armour increase your TG antibodies? And can the T3 cause the heart palps? I’ve heard Tirosint is better than Synthroid but my insurance will not cover it. oh, my free T3 was 4.4 on Armour so I’m not sure if it was the med or I am able to convert T4. Do my smaller numbers on the antibodies indicate Hashimotos? My thyroid is enlarged right now. Will be getting an ultrasound next week.
    Thanks for any help!

    Reply
    • Hi Erin,

      Armour thyroid can exacerbate thyroid antibodies but I’ve only seen it a few times. So while it’s certainly possible, it appears to be uncommon.

      All thyroid medications can contribute to palpitations but those that contain T3 are more likely to do it compared to those that contain just T4.

      Reply
  45. Hello Dr Child

    I have no symptoms but recently during check up my tsh=4.03( normal range 0.4 to 4.5) and TgAb = 15 (normal range <4). My TPOab, T3, T4 all are normal.Pls let me know what should I do.

    Reply
  46. What would cause TGab to increase, while TPOab decrease?

    TGab: 123 (in December) to 156 (January).
    TPOab: 3298 (December) to 3078 (January).
    In November started GF/DF/SF diet, lots of organic bone broth and fresh ginger tea, and supplementing with NAC, selenium, magnesium, vit D/K, active b complex, turmeric, milk thistle.
    Gut feels worlds better (no IBS), but fatigue and mental symptoms are so much worse! I’ve been researching and trying to figure it out w/o a doc, but between insurance testing limitations and brain fog so severe I feel like I’m getting dementia, I’m definitely to the point of needing help. Just not sure how to find the happy medium between open minded and water witcher or exorcism.
    Also, do you have any info/articles on Adderall and Hashimoto’s?

    Reply
    • Hi Myriah,

      I do not have any articles on Adderall and Hashimoto’s but I will add it to the list.

      In regards to one antibody being positive over another it’s unclear what exactly that means. Thyroglobulin is typically more associated with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ while thyroid peroxidase is more associated with Hashimoto’s but this isn’t a hard and fast rule, just a trend. The reality is that antibodies don’t always predict the type of thyroid condition you will ultimately develop, but they can provide some generally useful information.

      Reply
  47. Hello….
    I have anti tg antybody slightly elevated, 5 .97, normal range is 4.1, but I have damage to my gland from radiation for breast cancer and have one micro node on my right side ( side where was my ILC tumors ). 3 months before there was everything ok, beside micro node on this side, but they classified as 2 this node. So, I suppose this is issues from radiation, or not ? Other param are ok, tsh 3.88(-4.94)
    ft4 11.2 (-19.1)
    tpo <0.5 ( -5.61)
    calcitonin 0.6 (-6.4)
    CEA 5 (-5)

    Reply
  48. My thyroglobulin is >1000 should be < 1
    My thyroid peroxidase antibodies are 23 should be < 9

    I know I have Hashimoto’s. I have had it for years. I’ve never had numbers like these before, however.

    I also have inflammatory arthritis and I’m on Arava and a few months ago had my first infusion of reclast to address osteopenia.

    Are there other conditions or medications that can falsely raise either or both of these numbers, or is the test pretty solid?

    Reply
    • Hi Claire,

      No test is perfect but if you have a personal history of hashimoto’s then the results are likely accurate. You can always retest them if you want to confirm, though.

      Reply

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