Thyroid Autoantibodies

Thyroid autoantibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that mistakenly target the thyroid gland as if it were a harmful intruder. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that helps regulate metabolism and energy. When these autoantibodies are present, they can contribute to autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, where the gland is attacked and can lead to hypothyroidism, or Graves' disease, which causes overactivity. Testing for these autoantibodies helps doctors diagnose and manage thyroid-related conditions, ensuring proper treatment and care for patients.