Description
Which thyroid functions are tested in Thyroid Test TPO, Tg & TRAb? This thyroid test measures TPO antibodies (Thyroid peroxidase), Tg antibodies (Thyroglobulin antibodies) and TRAb (TSH receptor antibodies). It is possible to have normal levels of TSH, T3 and T4 and still have thyroid antibodies. If the thyroid gland attacks itself, it can lead to Hashimoto’s. Hashimotos’s disease is a very common autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid cells, causing hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Hashimoto’s is most common among women. The difference between hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease is that hypothyroidism simply means an underactive thyroid gland, whereas Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid cells, resulting in low thyroid hormone production. Graves’ disease , also called Basedow or toxic diffuse goitre, also means that the body attacks the thyroid gland, but in this case it can lead to an overactive thyroid gland, i.e. hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disorder and also mainly affects women. It is possible to have thyroid antibodies without having elevated TSH levels. Symptom – Hashimoto’s disease Fatigue, sluggishness Tiredness Increased sensitivity to cold Dry skin Constipation Depression Puffy face Hair loss, brittle nails Memory problems Symptoms – Graves’ disease Anxiety and irritability Sensitivity to heat Weight loss A fine tremor of the hands or fingers Erectile dysfunction or reduced libido Bulging eyes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy) What is the thyroid feedback loop? The thyroid gland is part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. And the thyroid hormone secretion is exerted by what is called a negative feedback loop. Thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus stimulates the release of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) from the pituitary. TSH controls the production of the thyroid hormones T4 and T3 ( If you would like to measure levels of TSH, T3 and T4, we offer Thyroid test TSH, fT3 & fT4 ). T4 is the inactive form that is converted to the active form T3. It is the active form that is used by the thyroid gland. About a third of T4 is converted to T3 – provided we have a healthy liver, healthy gut flora and adequate nutritional levels (especially selenium and zinc). The transformation of thyroid hormones can be inhibited by factors such as heavy metals, environmental toxins, alcohol, cigarettes, inflammation, insulin resistance and certain drugs. How does the Thyroid Test TPO, Tg & TRAb work? The thyroid test is a blood test. You collect it at home via capillary blood. The blood sample is then sent to the lab for analysis. You will receive your test result digitally as soon as the lab has analysed your sample.
