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Thyroid problem news from Thyroid Talk

significance of thyroid antibodies in hypothyroidism

The immune system may produce antithyroid antibodies that destroy thyroid tissue and an
antibody test determines whether you have these antibodies.

In normal people, the production of thyroid stimulating antibody is prevented by a system which consists
of certain blood cells called suppressor and helper lymphocytes.

If you test positive for antithyroid antibodies, you may have Hashimotos thyroiditis or graves disease, which is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder. It is caused by an abnormal protein, called thyroid stimulating antibody. This antibody stimulates the thyroid gland to produce large amounts of thyroid hormone in an uncontrolled manner.

Measurement of the thyroid stimulating antibody present in the blood of most patients with Graves' disease
is not usually necessary, in order to establish the diagnosis.

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Although, many people with hypothyroidism never test positive for antithyroid antibodies, people who do test positive for antithyroid antibodies may never develop hypothyroidism.

For some people who test positive for antithyroid antibodies they can develop hyperthyroidism.

If you have a mild form of hypothyroidism, then the presence of antithyroid antibodies can help predict how likely it is that you will develop hypothyroidism.

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