If your doctor has told you that you have tested positive for the presence of "thyroid antibodies," but you have a normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level, what does that mean? Typically, it means that you have autoimmune thyroid disease, and that your thyroid is in the process of autoimmune dysfunction. The level of dysfunction may not be significant enough to register as an out-of-range TSH level, but the presence of antibodies may in fact generate hyperthyroid or hypothyroid symptoms.
Many doctors will not treat patients who present clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism, test positive for Hashimoto's antibodies, but have a normal TSH level -- known as being "euthyroid" -- or, "in the normal range."
There are, however, some endocrinologists, as well as holistic MDs, osteopaths and other practitioners who believe that the presence of thyroid antibodies alone is enough to warrant treatment with small amounts of thyroid hormone. If you've tested positive for antibodies, and have a TSH in the "normal range," but still don't feel well, you may with to consult with a practitioner who has this philosophy.
