Thyroid factor antibody in healthy subjects

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have been coughing for awhile followed by hives. Lately, my blood test reveals elevated antibody to a thyroid factor. What does it mean?

Dear Saiying: The presence of thyroid factor antibodies in the blood, may suggest the diagnosis of an auto-immune disorder, where an immune response is mounted against normal tissues and substances present in the body. However some patients who are healthy may test positive for one or more thyroid antibodies. These tend to be higher in women and increased age. I can only assume you have no apparent thyroid dysfunction, as you do not mention any symptoms you have of thyroid dysfunction, or any abnormal thyroid function tests, just the presence of this antibody. You may never experience thyroid dysfunction, or you may develop it in the future. Therefore no treatment is necessary at the present time.