Hypothyroidism what is the tsh level

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You'll likely start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. In some cases, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the body's hormone-secreting glands endocrinologist.

Infants with hypothyroidism need immediate referral to a pediatrics endocrinologist for treatment. Children or teens need to see a pediatric endocrinologist if there is any uncertainly about starting levothyroxine or proper dosing of the hormone. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor. Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For hypothyroidism, some basic questions to ask include:.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis In general, your doctor may test for an underactive thyroid if you are feeling increasingly tired, have dry skin, constipation and weight gain, or have had previous thyroid problems or a goiter. Blood tests Diagnosis of hypothyroidism is based on your symptoms and the results of blood tests that measure the level of TSH and sometimes the level of the thyroid hormone thyroxine.

More Information Hypothyroidism diet Hypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment? Hypothyroidism: Should I take iodine supplements? Soy: Does it worsen hypothyroidism? Show more related information. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. A capillary finger prick test, or blood spot test, is a somewhat controversial alternative to traditional TSH testing.

It uses a finger prick rather than a standard blood draw from your vein to evaluate thyroid function. Blood spot testing kits have also been developed so that you can monitor your TSH level from home. Proponents of this test believe that it ensures greater accuracy without requiring as much of a sample as a venous blood draw. However, since the test is not widely available right now, it's unknown exactly how well the test compares with conventional TSH testing.

Do your part to help get the most accurate results by being as consistent as possible when it comes to the conditions under which you are tested. For example, always have your test done at the same time of day, postpone your appointment if you are sick, and be sure you're always getting quality sleep.

During diagnosis, most healthcare providers use the TSH test to evaluate thyroid function and determine the optimal course of treatment. There are times, however, when knowing one's TSH may be insufficient. For instance, free T4 in addition to TSH is usually tested if a healthcare provider suspects thyroid dysfunction due to disease of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

Likewise, if the TSH is normal, but a person still has symptoms of being hyperthyroid or hypothyroid, free T4 may be checked. TSH is also not necessarily sufficient to monitor hypothyroidism during pregnancy; T4 and free T4 are often recommended. Depending on the clinical situation, other thyroid tests that may be done include T3 , free T3, reverse T3 , and thyroid antibody tests. A TSH level that is optimal for all people cannot quite be established.

That's because TSH levels vary depending on numerous factors, including your age, your thyroid condition, and possibly even how well you sleep at night or when you last ate. To gauge the optimal level for you , your healthcare provider should consider these factors along with any symptoms you are experiencing. You can also improve the accuracy of your tests by keeping any factors that may influence your results as consistent as possible.

The TSH test is the gold standard in diagnosing and monitoring thyroid disease. But as with any medical test, there are exceptions to what the test results may mean, as well as situations in which the test may be inaccurate. It is entirely possible that you may still have symptoms despite a normal TSH level. If this is the case, speak up. Even a "normal" TSH may be abnormal for you. And if you don't feel you're being heard, consider seeking a second opinion. The normal range for TSH is between 0.

A low TSH level—below 0. This means your body is producing an excess amount of thyroid hormone. A high TSH level—above 5. This means your body is not producing enough thyroid hormone. Low estrogen impairs the thyroid gland's ability to make thyroid hormones. So TSH rises to get the thyroid to produce more. High estrogen leads to increased thyroid hormone production and lower TSH.

Menopause sometimes triggers thyroid disease. They can, yes. Studies show that dietary changes can have a beneficial effect on TSH and thyroid function. While a diet designed specifically for you is best, some researchers have seen success with a Mediterranean-style diet.

Losing weight with thyroid disease can be a struggle. Our thyroid-friendly meal plan can help. Sign up and get yours free! Sheehan MT. Biochemical testing of the thyroid: TSH is the best and, oftentimes, only test needed - A review for primary care. Clin Med Res. Biondi B. Normal TSH reference range: What has changed in the last decade? Leng O, Razvi S. Hypothyroidism in the older population. If you have a history of thyroid disease, be sure to talk with your health care provider if you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant.

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. TSH Thyroid-stimulating hormone Test. What is a TSH test? Other names: thyrotropin test. What is it used for? A TSH test is used to find out how well the thyroid is working. Why do I need a TSH test? Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid, include: Anxiety Weight loss Tremors in the hands Increased heart rate Puffiness Bulging of the eyes Difficulty sleeping Symptoms of hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, include: Weight gain Tiredness Hair loss Low tolerance for cold temperatures Irregular menstrual periods Constipation.

What happens during a TSH test? Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? Are there any risks to the test? We also discuss what high and low TSH levels indicate and available treatments. The ranges tend to increase as a person gets older. Research has not shown a consistent difference in TSH levels between males and females. However, according to the American Thyroid Association , doctors generally consider levels to be within a normal range if they are between 0.

The table below provides estimates of TSH levels that are normal, low indicating hyperthyroidism and high indicating hypothyroidism :. However, there is some debate about these ranges — the author of a review has found that normal levels are more likely to fall between 0. Females are more likely to experience thyroid dysfunction than males. This includes hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The risk of thyroid problems increases during pregnancy and around menopause.

A study reports higher TSH levels in females than in males, but a study reports that males have higher median TSH levels. It appears that any such difference is small, varies with age, and is unlikely to be clinically relevant. In some people, thyroid conditions are linked with sexual dysfunction. This may affect more males than females. Blood TSH levels tend to increase as a person gets older. According to the authors of one study , the percentage of people with TSH levels between 0.

Pregnancy hormones naturally increase the levels of certain thyroid hormones in the blood. This is essential for the development of the fetal brain and nervous system.

At the same time, the levels of TSH in the blood decrease. As a result, doctors use lower reference ranges for pregnant women. The lower TSH range is decreased by around 0. Levels of TSH in the blood increase gradually during the second and third trimesters, but they remain lower than normal levels in women who are not pregnant.

Doctors carefully monitor TSH levels throughout pregnancy.