Thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) blood test
A thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) test can help check if you have an autoimmune thyroid disorder.
What are thyroglobulin antibodies?
Thyroglobulin (Tg) is a protein needed to make thyroid hormones. If you have an autoimmune thyroid disorder, you might produce antibodies against Tg, called thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb). This test checks for the presence of these antibodies.
What is its function?
A TgAb test can help check if you have an autoimmune thyroid disorder, like Hashimoto's disease.
What can cause it to change?
TgAb might be present if you have an autoimmune thyroid disease — about 60-70% of people with Hashimoto’s disease will have raised TgAb levels.
Autoimmune thyroid disorders are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include:
- a family history of autoimmune diseases
- being female
- pregnancy
- infections
- iodine intake
- certain medications
- stress
What are the most common symptoms?
If your TgAb levels are rasied, you might have an autoimmune thyroid disorder. This can cause an under or overactive thyroid.
If your thyroid is underactive, like with Hashimoto's disease, common symptoms include:
- tiredness
- weight gain
- depression
- constipation
- dry skin
- brittle hair
- sensitivity to cold
- memory problems
- muscle aches
- hoarse voice
If your thyroid is overactive, like with Grave's disease, common symptoms include:
- weight loss
- increased appetite
- excessive sweating
- sensitivity to heat
- twitching
- fatigue
- irritability and anxiety
- heart palpitations
- difficulty sleeping
In women, high or low thyroid hormones might affect your period — for example, it might cause heavy or irregular periods.
What can I do to change my levels?
There are a number of nutrients that are important for your thyroid function:
- Iodine — needed to make thyroid hormones
- Zinc — needed to make thyroid hormones
- Selenium — needed to thyroid hormones
- Iron — plays an important role in thyroid hormone metabolism
- Vitamin D — plays an important role in your immune function and low levels are linked to autoimmune thyroid disorders
If your levels indicate you have a thyroid disorder, it’s important to work with your doctor to come up with a treatment plan.
What is Thriva?
We’re a subscription-based health tracking company. With our blood testing kits you can take control of your health and see exactly what’s happening inside your body. Learn what lifestyle really works for you and improve everything from your sleep and energy levels to your heart health.
Order online and choose how often you’d like a test. We’ll post your kit and it’ll be in your hands the very next day.
Your kit contains everything you need for your simple finger-prick blood test. When you’re done, use the freepost envelope to send it back.
Your full results, along with a personalised report from a qualified GP, will be available to access online.
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