What should my TSH level be for a thyroid blood test?

What should my TSH level be for a thyroid blood test?

The American Thyroid Association recommends that you keep your TSH within a narrow range of 0.5 to 2.5 mU/L, but don’t be alarmed if your test results vary a little. Some variation is normal because your pituitary gland sends out TSH in pulses, not a steady stream.

What does it mean when a TSH reading is high?

Interpreting the results of a TSH test can be confusing, because high readings indicate a low – performing thyroid. When the thyroid gland is not producing adequate amounts of T3 and T4 hormones, the pituitary gland repeatedly releases TSH into the bloodstream to stimulate the thyroid gland.

Where does a TSH blood test take place?

A TSH test is a blood test that measures this hormone. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located near your throat. Your thyroid makes hormones that regulate the way your body uses energy.

What happens if your TSH level is too low?

Low TSH levels can mean your thyroid is making too much of the hormones, a condition called hyperthyroidism. A TSH test does not explain why TSH levels are too high or too low. If your test results are abnormal, your health care provider will probably order additional tests to determine the cause of your thyroid problem. These tests may include:

What should my TSH number be for a blood test?

TSH stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone– a standard blood test will produce a number of how well your thyroid is performing. Normal range for an adult is typically considered to be between .4 and 4.0 (1); however, in my practice I would say ideal is between 0.5 and 1.5.

What does it mean when your TSH level is below normal?

So, when you’ve gone for a checkup and your TSH comes in below normal (which means that TSH is being suppressed because thyroid hormone levels are already high), your doctor may want to reduce your dosage of thyroid hormone because you are already hyperthyroid.

Is the TSH test accurate for hypothyroidism?

And if you’re TSH is 1.5 mIU/L or greater, then you are hypothyroid whether you’ve been diagnosed or not. But we recommend and prefer to use far more accurate thyroid testing. What Thyroid Testing Is Accurate?

Is the TSH test the gold standard for thyroid disease?

The TSH test is the “gold standard” in diagnosing and monitoring thyroid disease, but as with any medical test, there are exceptions and variations to what the test may mean, as well as situations in which the test may be inaccurate. If your TSH levels don’t seem to reflect how you are feeling, speak up.