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TSH - Results

Alternative Names

Thyrotropin; Thyroid stimulating hormone

Normal Values:

Normal values are 0.4 - 4.0 mIU/L for those with no symptoms of abnormal thyroid function.

However, those without signs or symptoms of an underactive thyroid who have a TSH value over 2.0 mIU/L but normal T4 levels may develop hypothyroidism in the future. This is called subclinical hypothyroidism (mildly underactive thyroid) or early-stage hypothyroidism. Anyone with a TSH value above this level should be followed very closely by a doctor.

If you are being treated for a thyroid disorder, your TSH level should be between 0.5 and 3.0 mIU/L.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean:

Greater-than-normal levels may indicate:

Congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism)
Exposure to mice (lab workers or veterinarians)
Primary hypothyroidism
Thyroid hormone resistance
TSH-dependent hyperthyroidism

Lower-than-normal levels may be due to:

Hyperthyroidism
TSH deficiency
Use of certain medications (including dopamine agonists, glucocorticoids, somatostatin analogues, and bexarotene)

Endocrine glands

Pituitary and TSH

Reviewed last on: 6/17/2008
Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

AACE Thyroid Task Force. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Evaluation and Treatment of Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism. Endocr Pract. 2002;8(6) 459.

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