TSH Receptor Antibody (TRAb / TSI)

Specialist

also thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin

What it isAutoantibodies that bind and activate the TSH receptor on thyroid cells, mimicking TSH and driving uncontrolled thyroid hormone production.

DoesDrive the autoimmune hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease.

GoodAbsent antibodies signal no Graves' disease.

BadElevated TRAb confirms Graves' disease; very high levels suggest more severe or longer-lasting disease and predict relapse after treatment.

Standard

<1.75 IU/L.

Optimal

0–1.0 IU/L (lower is good)

Modifiers

Can rise transiently during pregnancy in those with prior Graves' disease.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Quit smoking (worsens thyroid eye disease); stress management.
Diet: Adequate selenium; anti-inflammatory pattern.
Supplements: Selenium (200µg/day, especially for thyroid eye disease).
Peptides: —
Drugs: Methimazole, propylthiouracil, radioactive iodine, thyroidectomy; teprotumumab for thyroid eye disease. --

within Thyroid