Uncommon Autoimmune Diseases Everyone Should Be Aware Of

Diagnosing & Treating Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Diagnosis occurs through various tests, which are chosen based on the observed symptoms the patient is exhibiting. Doctors can search for thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) when a patient shows signs of hypothyroidism, which is related to Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves’ disease. If an individual shows signs of hyperthyroidism, doctors will likely test for thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TRAb) and monitor the effects of antithyroid therapy. Similar to symptoms, treatments vary and depend on the results of the thyroid function tests. Patients with hypothyroidism might be able to take levothyroxine, depending on their hormone levels, and thyroxine can be used as a treatment, however, its use is controversial depending, again, on the hormone levels.

Still curious? Continue reading to discover an autoimmune disease that only affects women.