Thyroglobulin Antibodies

What are Thyroglobulin Antibodies?

Thyroglobulin antibodies are proteins found in the immune system that attack thyroglobulin, a large protein stored in the thyroid gland. Antibodies are proteins produced by the body to fight off infectious substances like bacteria and viruses.

Thyroglobulin is a protein made by the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that’s involved in controlling your metabolism. It is important for the production of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). In healthy people, thyroglobulin circulates in the bloodstream, but circulating thyroglobulin antibodies are a marker of thyroid dysfunction^[1].

In some people, the immune system is too sensitive and the antibodies attack the healthy parts of the body, causing an autoimmune disease. High thyroglobulin antibody levels are detected in:

• 30% of people with Graves’ disease

• 85% of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients^[2]

• 25% of thyroid cancer cases^[3]

What are Normal Thyroglobulin Antibodies Levels?

The healthy range for thyroglobulin antibodies is between 0 and 115 IU/mL. Data collected from Forth customers shows the average thyroglobulin antibodies are:

Thyroglobulin antibody levels are higher in women than men^[4] and this is shown in our data. Research shows that the prevalence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is higher in women than men which may help to explain the difference in antibody levels between the two sexes^[5].

What Impacts Thyroglobulin Antibodies Levels?

If a test shows an elevated thyroglobulin antibody level, it can indicate several thyroid conditions. It is important to speak to a doctor if your levels are raised.

If your thyroglobulin antibody levels are not raised then this suggests you do not have an autoimmune thyroid disorder, if you are experiencing thyroid symptoms. If they are low and you are not experiencing any signs or symptoms, then your thyroglobulin antibodies are likely to be considered to be within the normal range.

What causes high thyroglobulin levels?

Some of the common thyroid issues associated with high thyroglobulin antibody levels are listed below.

Normal thyroid function

Some people have circulating thyroglobulin antibodies in their blood but have no symptoms and normal thyroid function. If you have an elevated thyroglobulin antibody level, your doctor may monitor you to help identify any emerging underlying health condition. Around 1 in 10 people have detectable thyroglobulin antibodies in their blood^[6].

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid condition where the body’s immune cells attack the thyroid, causing an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the developed world.

Several key biomarkers are used to diagnose Hashimoto’s thyroiditis:

• increased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

• low free T4 (thyroxine)

The above suggests an underactive thyroid but the presence of anti-thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies confirm Hashimoto’s thyroiditis^[7].

The symptoms of Hashimoto’s include:

• weight gain

• tiredness

• joint and muscle pain

• constipation

• dry skin and hair

• slow heart rate

• heavy or irregular periods

• fertility issues

• slow heart rate

• sensitivity to cold temperatures^[8]

Graves’ disease

Graves’ disease is another autoimmune condition that’s caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid. It causes an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism.

The following biomarker panel suggests Grave’s disease:

Thyroglobulin antibodies are elevated in approximately 30 to 60% of Graves’ disease patients.

The symptoms of Graves’ disease include:

• anxiety

• difficulty sleeping

• fatigue

• hair loss

• frequent bowel movements

• heat intolerance

• mood changes

• rapid or irregular heartbeat

• weight loss

• shortness of breath

• heart palpitations

• muscle weakness

• irregular periods^[9]

Thyroid cancer

Thyroglobulin is important for the production, storage, and release of thyroid hormones. Thyroglobulin is often used to monitor people who have had thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine for thyroid cancer^[10]. An increase in thyroglobulin after surgery could suggest the cancer has returned.

Around 25% of people who have thyroid cancer will have circulating thyroglobulin antibodies which should be measured alongside thyroglobulin levels^[11].

A raised thyroglobulin antibody level may also be a sign of:

• Type 1 diabetes: thyroid antibodies are often raised in type 1 diabetes patients and may indicate undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction^[12].

• Pernicious anaemia: an autoimmune condition that attacks the lining of the stomach and nerve cells affecting the absorption of vitamin B12. Studies have shown that 25% of pernicious anaemia patients have raised thyroglobulin antibodies.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: thyroid dysfunction is common in rheumatoid arthritis patients and there is a strong association between rheumatoid arthritis autoantibodies and thyroid autoantibodies^[13].

Managing Thyroglobulin Antibodies Levels

The main risk factor for developing autoimmune disorders is genetics, it’s common for predispositions to run in families. So, there may not be a lot you can do to lower your chance of getting an autoimmune condition, however, you may be able to do certain things to reduce your thyroid antibody levels.

If you have an autoimmune thyroid condition, such as Hashimoto’s or Grave’s disease, then effective treatment may help reduce your thyroglobulin antibody level. For example, if you are diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, your doctor may prescribe levothyroxine to replace the missing thyroxine.

Other things you can do to help manage autoimmune thyroid disorders include:

Emerging research suggests that the gut microbiome, a unique ecosystem in your intestines consisting of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, could influence thyroid function. You can help to support your gut microbiome by eating plenty of dietary fibre (fruit, vegetables, and whole grains) which can be transformed into biochemical compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs have numerous health benefits and may be beneficial for hypothyroidism.

Supplements

Some research notes that specific supplements may help to manage thyroid disorders. They include:

• Selenium

• Iodine

• Zinc

• Iron

• Vitamin B12

• Vitamin D

Before taking any new supplements, you should check your levels of these biomarkers to see if you are deficient and talk to your doctor if you are considering taking iodine supplements as they can have a profound effect on thyroid function.

Exercise

Exercise is important for managing autoimmune thyroid conditions. Prolonged exercise has been shown to lower circulating TSH, T3, and T4 levels in animal models^[15]. Although exercise may not be a replacement for thyroid medication, it can help you manage the associated symptoms such as low mood, weight gain, and tiredness.

Sometimes, conditions such as Hashimoto’s and its associated symptoms can it difficult to take part in physical activity, but there are things you can do to make it easier:

• Get advice: Your doctor or a personal trainer can give you advice about what exercises you should be doing, how often, and for how long.

• Take it easy: When it comes to exercising it is crucial to pace yourself. Set yourself manageable goals and build up over time as your strength, fitness, and stamina increase.

• Get a ‘buddy’: Exercising with a friend can make it more fun and manageable. If you have a fitness partner, you may feel more motivated and more likely to participate in exercise sessions.

• Choose activities you enjoy: There’s nothing more important than taking part in an exercise you enjoy doing. If you don’t like the gym, you can choose other activities like dancing, swimming, team sports, and cycling. If you’re not sure what you like doing, have a look at your local sports centres to explore their range of activities.

Written by Leanne Edermaniger

Based in the UK, Leanne specialises in writing about health, medicine, nutrition, and fitness.

She has over 5 years of experience in writing about health and lifestyle and has a BSc (hons) Biomedical Science and an MSc Science, Communication and Society.