The presence of thyroid antibodies can be an indicator of a few different diseases. However, before your doctor sends you for a test for antibodies, you may be exhibiting signs and symptoms of these diseases. It is important to recognize and understand signs associated with high thyroid antibodies, which in turn could be sign of a thyroid-associated autoimmune disease.
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Hashimoto’s Disease
Hashimoto’s disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. According to LabTestsOnline, people with this condition produce the thyroid peroxidase antibody. Signs of Hashimoto’s disease vary from person to person, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, common symptoms include exhaustion, temperature sensitivity, high cholesterol, weight gain, constipation, muscle pain and depression. Other symptoms include dry skin or a hoarse voice. Symptoms will progress and worsen over time.
Graves’ Disease
The immune system also attacks the thyroid in people with Graves’ disease. But rather than exhibit signs of hypothyroidism, people with Graves’ disease suffer from an overactive thyroid that produces the antibodies thyroglobulin or thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies. People with Graves’ disease exhibit a range of symptoms such as anxiety, exhaustion, trouble sleeping, low threshold for irritation, weight loss and heat sensitivity. It also common for people to suffer from Graves’ ophthalmology, a condition where the eyes bulge from the sockets.
Thyroid Cancer
An elevation in thyroid antibodies can also be an indicator of thyroid cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, this is not a very common variety of cancer as about 37,000 people per year are diagnosed annually in the United States. Signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer include a definite lump in the neck, pain, problems with swallowing, swollen lymph nodes and a noticeable change in the voice. People with thyroid cancer will test high in the thyroglobulin antibody.
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