a-tsh receptor

What is the Purpose of the TSH Receptor Antibody Test?

A TSH Receptor Antibody test is advised if you have symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland. These could be caused due to an autoimmune disorder known as Graves’ disease. 

Symptoms of Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism) are:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Exhaustion
  • Sleeplessness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Sensitivity to heat
  • Anxiety
  • Goiter (a lump in the front of the neck caused due to an enlarged thyroid)
  • Vision problems

How to Prepare for a TSH Antibody Receptor Test?

During the test, your laboratory technician will insert a needle to draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample will be sent to the laboratory for analysis. 

You may feel a slight pain where the needle is inserted, but it is temporary. The bruise from the needle prick will also go away in a couple of days.

What Do the Results of a TSH Antibody Receptor Test Mean?

The TSH Receptor Antibody Range is up to 1.75 IU/L

You may have an autoimmune disorder if the test results exceed the TSH Antibody Receptor test normal range. Your doctor will recommend further tests and medical treatment depending on your test results. 

What are the Other Tests to Identify Thyroid Antibodies?

The thyroid antibodies tests are:

  • Thyroid peroxidase antibodies
  • Thyroglobulin antibodies
  • Thyroid receptor antibodies

Apart from these blood tests, your doctor may also recommend a thyroid scan, which is an ultrasound. This imaging test helps your doctor observe the size and shape of your thyroid gland and any growths on the gland. 

Your doctor may also conduct a physical exam of your thyroid by feeling your neck for any growths or changes in the size of your thyroid gland.

Treatment for Thyroid Disease

The treatment options for hyperthyroidism include:

  • Anti-thyroid medications that control your thyroid from making hormones
  • Radioactive iodine damages the cells of your thyroid and prevents it from producing a high level of the thyroid hormones
  • Beta-blockers that help manage your symptoms
  • A thyroidectomy (surgery) to remove the thyroid

How to Prevent Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism can’t be prevented. You can manage the condition with timely treatment and cope with its symptoms by following a healthy diet and lifestyle.

  1. Follow a low-iodine diet: As iodine is vital for the thyroid hormone, a diet low in iodine helps reduce the hormones. The best way to follow a diet low in iodine is to use non-iodized salt. In addition to this, incorporate the following foods into your daily diet:
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Oats
  • Potatoes
  • Egg whites
  • Honey
  • Unsalted nuts
  • Freshwater fish
  1. Include more vitamins and mineral-rich foods: To balance the production of thyroid hormone, include these foods:
  • Iron: Green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, whole grains, lentils, dried beans, and poultry.
  • Selenium: Rice, oat bran, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, poultry, and mushrooms
  • Zinc: Pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cashews, mushrooms, lamb
  • Calcium: Spinach, lady fingers, almond milk, calcium-fortified cereals
  • Vitamin D: Mushrooms, fatty fish, vitamin D-fortified cereals
  • Healthy fats: Coconut oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, avocado, and unsalted nuts
  1. Avoid foods with high iodine:
  • Iodized salt
  • Seafood, such as fish, crabs, prawns
  • Milk and milk products
  • Egg yolks
  • Soy
  • Cheese
  • Coffee, tea, chocolate, and caffeinated beverages