Autoantibodies Profile 2 Blood Test

Adrenal antibodies are autoantibodies that target the adrenal glands, which produce essential hormones including cortisol and aldosterone. These antibodies are primarily associated with Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency), where the immune system affects adrenal tissue. Symptoms may include chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, skin darkening, and salt cravings. Adrenal antibodies may be present years before symptoms appear, making early screening valuable. Found in 70-90% of people with autoimmune Addison's disease. A positive result may be associated with increased risk of adrenal insufficiency and may require endocrinologist monitoring. Levels outside the reference range may require further clinical investigation with your GP.

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies target TPO, an enzyme essential for producing thyroid hormones T4 and T3, which regulate metabolism, energy, body temperature, and heart rate. TPO antibodies are associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (underactive thyroid, which may cause fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, dry skin, hair loss, and depression) and Graves' disease (overactive thyroid, which may cause weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, tremors, and heat sensitivity). Found in 90-95% of Hashimoto's cases and 70-80% of Graves' disease cases. TPO antibodies can also appear in 10-15% of healthy individuals. Levels outside the reference range may require further clinical investigation with your GP.

Islet cell antibodies target insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. These antibodies are strongly associated with Type 1 diabetes, where the immune system affects beta cells, which may be associated with insufficient insulin production and high blood sugar. Unlike Type 2 diabetes (associated with insulin resistance), Type 1 is an autoimmune condition typically developing in childhood or young adulthood. Islet cell antibodies may be present months or years before symptoms appear. The test helps distinguish Type 1 from Type 2 diabetes in adults, including latent autoimmune diabetes (LADA). Symptoms may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, extreme hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. Found in 70-80% of newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes cases. Levels outside the reference range may require further clinical investigation with your GP.

Ovarian antibodies target ovarian tissue involved in egg development and hormone production. These antibodies are associated with autoimmune oophoritis, where the immune system affects the ovaries, which may be associated with inflammation and tissue damage. This may be associated with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), where ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40, which may be associated with irregular periods, reduced fertility, and decreased oestrogen production. Symptoms may include irregular or missed periods, difficulty conceiving, hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and decreased libido. Ovarian antibodies are often found alongside other autoimmune conditions like thyroid disease or Addison's disease. Levels outside the reference range may require further clinical investigation with your GP.

Gastric parietal cell antibodies target parietal cells in the stomach that produce stomach acid and intrinsic factor, a protein essential for vitamin B12 absorption. Damage to these cells may be associated with reduced stomach acid and impaired B12 absorption, leading to vitamin B12 deficiency. These antibodies are associated with autoimmune gastritis and pernicious anaemia. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in extremities, memory problems, and digestive issues. Found in 85-90% of people with pernicious anaemia. Levels outside the reference range may require further clinical investigation with your GP.