Today at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy, a patient came in looking worried. He handed me his lab results and pointed to a number. “My doctor told me I have high TPO antibodies. Does this mean I have a thyroid problem?”

I gave him a reassuring smile. “I’m happy to share some general information, but I’m not a specialist. It’s always best to follow up with your doctor for a full evaluation.”

He nodded. “I understand. I just want to know what it means.”

“Well,” I explained, “TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) antibodies are immune system markers. When these levels are high, it can indicate that your immune system is attacking your thyroid gland, which is commonly seen in autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease.”

His expression tightened. “So, does this mean I definitely have Hashimoto’s?”

“Not necessarily,” I said. “Some people have high TPO levels but normal thyroid function. However, elevated TPO antibodies can be a sign that your immune system is affecting your thyroid, which may lead to hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) over time.”

He asked, “What symptoms should I look out for?”

“Symptoms vary, but if it’s Hashimoto’s, you may experience:
✔ Fatigue
✔ Weight gain
✔ Cold intolerance
✔ Hair thinning
✔ Brain fog or trouble concentrating
✔ Dry skin and brittle nails”

He sighed. “That sounds like me. What should I do next?”

“The best step is to follow up with your endocrinologist or primary doctor,” I advised. “They may monitor your TSH, Free T3, and Free T4 levels over time. If your thyroid function starts to drop, they might recommend levothyroxine or a compounded thyroid medication.”

He was curious. “Wait, what’s a compounded thyroid medication?”

I smiled. “For some patients, we customize thyroid medications to avoid fillers, adjust dosages precisely, or combine T4 and T3 hormones for better balance. If your doctor ever suggests that, we can help!”

Before he left, I added, “Even though I’m not a specialist, I always recommend focusing on nutrition, stress management, and regular check-ups to support your thyroid health. If you ever need a compounded thyroid formula, we’re here to help.”

He looked relieved. “That’s great advice. I’ll talk to my doctor and keep an eye on my labs. Thanks for explaining it in simple terms!”

At Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy, we believe in patient education and personalized care—helping patients understand their health so they can have more informed conversations with their doctors.

Until tomorrow,
Rania – Your Friendly Pharmacist at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy

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