How common is it

Does anybody know the percentage of population with positive antibodies is it common to have them with normal tsh

[Marz]

Have no idea about percentages and I doubt anyone will. Supposedly it is the most common of Thyroid illness throughout the world. Auto-immune disease seems to be on the increase.

Yes when I was diagnosed my TSH was within the range but the Anti-TPO was very high indeed. Same for my hubby.

I understand in the UK that when the TSH is within range they do not test for anti-bodies.....crazy or what ?

[Hidden in reply to Marz]

We're you experiencing symptoms ? I am not . I am very rarely ill , I have asked for the test because I am paranoid after reading the Internet now too scared to get results

[Marz]

Have you been diagnosed with a thyroid problem ? Do not be scared about anti-bodies - I can't really answer your question honestly as I have/had a very complicated medical history which caused me to feel quite poorly. So not sure if it was that or the Under Active Thyroid due to the Hashimotos.

All I can say is that studying the sites and posts posted here by others has been really helpful in gaining back my health.

Just take things a step at a time and keep reading the tags on the right of this page and also the main Thyroid UK website. Being paranoid is not a happy place to be - just try to relax and wait and see.

[Hidden in reply to Marz]

Plucked up the courage went to docs all tests inc antibodies came back normal . Thanks for your help.

[Marz in reply to Hidden]

Well there you are - great news. Just be aware of Docs using the word ' normal ' when they actually mean ' in range '. What is normal for one person may not be normal for you. If you have your results - with the ranges - then post them here and we can comment and give you more assurance. You are entitled to have a print-out of your results. Good to keep so you can monitor your own progress and take charge !