What does it mean to have high thyroid receptor antibodies?

Thyroid receptor antibodies are generally referred to as thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb) and are measured to help in the differential diagnosis of thyroid disorders. High thyroid hormone receptor antibodies are generally indicative of a disease such as toxic diffuse goiter (Graves’ disease). Thyrotropin receptor antibodies are receptors on the surface of thyroid follicular cells that bind to thyrotropin receptors on the thyroid follicular membrane and stimulate thyroid cell proliferation, which results in excessive thyroid hormone secretion, leading to hyperthyroidism, which can lead to toxic diffuse goiter. Therefore, high thyrotropin receptor antibodies usually indicate the presence of toxic diffuse goiter. Thyrotropin receptor antibodies can also bind to TSH receptors, which in turn can inhibit thyroid function and cause hypothyroidism. Patients with toxic diffuse goiter are recommended to be treated with antithyroid medications such as methimazole tablets. Surgery is also required if the goiter is more pronounced. In case of hypothyroidism, levothyroxine sodium tablets can be used under the guidance of a doctor.