OVERVIEW:
Hashimoto disease, also known as Hashimoto thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune disease and the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid doesn't make enough thyroid hormones.
- Graves' disease. This is also an autoimmune disease and the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid makes too much of certain thyroid hormones.
- Thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg). These antibodies can also be a sign of Hashimoto disease. Most people with Hashimoto's disease have high levels of both Tg and TPO antibodies.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor. These antibodies can be a sign of Grave's disease
What is it used for?
A thyroid antibodies test is used to help diagnose autoimmune disorders of the thyroid.
What do the results mean?
Your results may show one of the following:
- Negative: no thyroid antibodies were found. This means your thyroid symptoms are probably not caused by an autoimmune disease.
- Positive: antibodies to TPO and/or Tg were found. This may mean you have Hashimoto's disease. Most people with Hashimoto's disease have high levels of one or both of these types of antibodies.
- Positive: antibodies to TPO and/or TSH receptor were found. This may mean you have Grave's disease.
The more thyroid antibodies you have, the more likely it is that you have an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid. If you are diagnosed with Hashimoto disease or Grave's disease, there are medicines you can take to manage your condition.
Why do I need an AFP tumor marker test?
You may need this test if you have symptoms of a thyroid problem and your provider thinks they may be caused by Hashimoto disease or Grave's disease.
Symptoms of Hashimoto disease include:
Symptoms of Grave's disease include:
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).
