TSH Test interpetation | Understand your tsh test results

TSH Test Interpretation Disagreements in Medical Community

There is no consensus about the best TSH test interpretation. TSH, or thyroid stimulating hormone, is produced by your pituitary gland and is essentially the gas pedal for how much thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) your thyroid produces. It is an important test when diagnosing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

When TSH levels are “high,” it indicates that your body is not producing enough thyroid hormone (see hypothyroidism syptoms article) and that your pituitary gland is trying very hard to tell your thyroid to produce more. When TSH levels are “low,” it indicates that your pituitary has taken its foot off of the gas pedal and is telling your thyroid to slow down production of T3 and T4.

However, exactly what “low” and “high” TSH levels actually are disputed in the medical community.

Nearly all medical practitioners would probably agree that a range of 1.0 uIU/ml – 2.0 uIU/ml indicates an optimally functioning, healthy thyroid. Many physicians accept a range for TSH somewhere in the region of .45 uIU/ml – 4.5 uIU/m, give or take a little depending on the source. The diagnostic range for “primary” or, in layman terms “bonafide”, hypothyroidism is more than 5.0, with more than 10.0 being thyroid failure. Less than .3 is diagnostically considered “primary” hyperthyroidism.

These numbers aside, there is a dirth of evidence – and many functional medicine practitioner strongly agree – that TSH levels above 2.0 uIU/ml indicate a lower than optimally functioning thyroid. That is, a less than healthy thyroid.

Evidence For interpreting TSH Test Results

It will only take you a little bit of time researching “normal”  TSH levels to ascertain that normal is different from person to person. That being said, a recent study reported in Lancet reported teh following results from TSH testing:

  • TSH greater than 2.0 increased 20 year risk of hypothyroidism (also reported in the Whickham Survey)
  • TSH 2.0-4.0 hypercholesterolemia and cholesterol levels declines in response to T4 therapy
  • TSH>4.0 Greater risk of heart disease
  • TSH>4.0 Many people will experience symptoms of hypothyroidism

Other studies confirm the finding above. It’s rather condemning of the “old” TSH range that levels above 2.0 response positively to thyroid medication.

In 2003 the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists released a press release supporting the upper limit of the reference range from 5.0 uIU/ml to 3.0 uIU/ml. Likewise, functional medicine practitioners usually look for levels below 2.0, as the belief is that a less than healthy thyroid is not desirable.

What is Normal TSH Level

See this article for a full analysis of normal TSH levels.

As said, there is not necessarily a “normal” TSH level per se, but functional medicine practitioners look for TSH levels in the 1.0-2.0 range as an indication of a healthy thyroid. Other factors that will influence your apparent “normal” value are:

  • Genetic factors
  • How healthy you feel
  • Any signs of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism

Of course, much higher TSH levels, such as anything above 10, are significant signs of hypothyroidism.

 

DISCLAIMER

The statements on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any  health education and or products mentioned or discussed on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The health related and medical information and on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician, client-nurse practitioner or patient-pharmacist relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. You understand the service provided by MY LABS FOR LIFE, LLC is a service provided at your request and not suggested by our medical director or education staff.

It is recommended the reader of this site consult with a qualified health care provider of their choice when using any information obtained from this site and affiliate sites. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

In concert with evidence-based information, this site proposes certain theoretical methods of functional and nutritional support that may not be supported by conventional or mainstream medicine. Any information obtained from this site is left to the discretion and is the sole responsibility of the user of this site.

The contributors of this site cannot be held responsible for the information or any inadvertent errors or omissions of the information. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter this site. The contributors of this site shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site.

Categories : Thyroid disease