TSH test

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Endocrine glands

Pituitary and TSH

Thyrotropin; Thyroid stimulating hormone

Normal values are 0.4 - 4.0 mIU/L (milli-international units per liter).

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.

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

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)

Review Date: 12/10/2010
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviwed by Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (4/19/2010).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).