What is an antithyroid antibody test?

Antithyroid antibodies

The antithyroid antibodies-This test measures the level of antithyroid antibodies in the blood. The thyroid is located in the neck This is butterfly-shaped gland. It produces hormones that regulate the way the body uses energy. It also plays an important role in the regulation of weight, body temperature, muscle strength, and even mood.

Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system to fight foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria. But sometimes antibodies mistakenly attack cells, tissues, and organs themselves. This is known as an autoimmune response. When thyroid antibodies attack healthy thyroid cells, autoimmune thyroid disorder can occur. These diseases can cause serious health problems if left untreated.

There are different types of antithyroid antibodies. Some destroy the thyroid tissue. Others cause the thyroid to produce too much of certain hormones. An antithyroid antibody test usually measures one or more of the following types of antibodies:

Thyroid anti-peroxidase antibodies (TPO). These antibodies can be a sign of:

  • Hashimoto's disease, also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune disease and the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormones.
  • Graves disease. It is also an autoimmune disease and the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism means that the thyroid produces too much of certain thyroid hormones.
  • Antithyroglobulin antibodies (Tg). These antibodies can also be a sign of Hashimoto's disease. Most people with Hashimoto's disease have high levels of Tg and TPO antibodies.
  • Anti-receptor antibody to the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). These antibodies can be a sign of Graves' disease.

Alternative names: thyroid peroxidase antibody, thyroid antibody, TPO, Anti-TPO, Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI)

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For what do you use it?

The antithyroid antibody test is used to diagnose autoimmune thyroid disorders
.

Why do I need an antithyroid antibody test?

You may need this test if you have symptoms of a thyroid problem and your health professional believes that the cause could be Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease.

Some of the symptoms of Hashimoto's disease are:
  • Weight gain
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Low tolerance to cold temperatures
  • Irregular menstrual periods
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Articulations pain
Some of the symptoms of Graves' disease are:
  • Weightloss
  • Protrusion of the eyes
  • Tremors in one hand
  • Low heat tolerance
  • Difficulty to sleep
  • Anxiety
  • Increase of cardiac frequency
  • Increase in the size of the thyroid, something known as a goiter.
You may also need this test if other thyroid tests show that your thyroid hormone levels are too low or too high. These tests include measurements of hormones known as T3, T4, and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

What happens during an antithyroid antibody test?

A health professional takes a blood sample from a vein in an arm with a small needle. After inserting the needle, remove some blood and place it in a test tube or vial. You may feel slight discomfort when the needle is inserted or removed, but the procedure usually takes less than five minutes.

Will I have to do something to prepare for the test?

The antithyroid antibody test does not require any special preparation.

Does this test have any risk?

The risks of a blood test are minimal. You may feel mild pain or a bruise where the needle is inserted, but most symptoms disappear quickly.

What do the results mean?

Your results could be one of the following:
  • Negative: no antithyroid antibodies were found. This means that the cause of your thyroid symptoms is probably not an autoimmune disease.
  • Positive: antibodies against TPO or Tg were found. This could mean that he has Hashimoto's disease. Most people with Hashimoto's disease have high levels of one or both types of antibodies.
  • Positive: antibodies against TPO or the TSH receptor were found. This could mean that you have Graves' disease.
The more antithyroid antibodies you have, the more likely you are to have an autoimmune thyroid disease. If you are diagnosed with Hashimoto or Graves disease, there are medications you can take to control the disease.

Is there anything else I need to know about the antithyroid antibody test?

Thyroid disease may get worse during pregnancy. This can harm both the mother and the fetus. If you have ever had thyroid disease and are pregnant, you may be tested for thyroid antibodies along with tests that measure thyroid hormones. During pregnancy, it is safe to take medications for thyroid disease.