
Antithyroid antibodies
Antithyroid antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that mistakenly target the thyroid gland, which helps regulate metabolism and hormonal balance. In conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease, these antibodies can interfere with thyroid function, leading to issues such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Testing for these antibodies helps diagnose autoimmune thyroid disorders, guiding effective treatment. Monitoring their presence can also indicate the health of the thyroid over time.