How to Tell If Your TSH Is Normal

This video is all about explaining what the TSH is and what it means for your body. Based on newer studies and a critical look at what the TSH is, healthy TSH ranges are probably close to 1.0 (or less).

Traditionally the TSH is used as a marker to assess thyroid function in the entire body. The problem with this logic is that the pituitary is unlike the other tissues in your body in terms of how it processes and handles thyroid hormone. It has different deiodinases which breakdown thyroid hormone when compared to other tissues.

The TSH, which stands for thyroid stimulating hormone, gives you a great idea as to how responsive your thyroid gland is to thyroid medication but it can't and shouldn't be used as the only way you look at thyroid function in the body.

The TSH normally increases when thyroid hormone production is low and decreases when thyroid hormone levels are high. A high TSH is indicative of hypothyroidism while a low TSH is usually indicative of hyperthyroidism (though not always).

The TSH is used by most physicians to assess the function of the entire thyroid system but this can lead to many issues in diagnosis.

A healthy TSH is probably less than 1.0, even though the reference range usually encompasses 0.5 to 4.5 or 0.5 to 5.0.

This large reference range can take into account people of all different ages and health status. If you look at a tighter range which is closer to 0.5 to 1.0 then you can do your best to compare your results to only those people who are healthy.

It's possible to have a "normal" TSH but not a "healthy" TSH.

In addition, you'll also want to be sure that you combine the TSH test with other lab tests including:

- Free T3
- Free t4
- Reverse T3
- Sex hormone binding globulin

By ordering these tests you will have more information about how your body is creating and processing thyroid hormone and they can be used in conjunction with the TSH.

If you have a high TSH then you may need thyroid medication to help bring it down (medications such as levothyroxine, Synthroid, Tirosint, NDT, etc.).

You may be able to naturally bring down your TSH by attempting to optimize the amount of thyroid hormone that your thyroid gland produces and by taking certain supplements.

Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:

See ALL of my specialized supplements including protein powders, thyroid supplements, and weight loss products here:

Want more from my blog? I have more than 400+ well-researched blog posts on thyroid management, hormone balancing, weight loss, and more. See all blog posts here:

Disclaimer:

This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's

[drwestinchilds]

These downloads include a list of foods to avoid if you have thyroid problems, the complete list of optimal lab tests, hypothyroidism symptoms checklist, and more. Check them out! :)

[samanthablommer]

I have subclinical hyperthyroidism.
My history of lab tests for tsh alone were:

8/7/23  .281 Low = Range .45 -4.5
5/19/23 .33 low = Range .36 - 3.74
7/26/22 .102 low = Range .45 - 4.5 (7 months pregnant)
5/2/22.   .337 low  =Range .45 - 4.5 (5 months pregnant)
9/21/21  .37     = Range .36 - 3.74

I had the T3, T4, and antibodies checked and all WNL.

I was having so may hyperthyroid symptoms that I basically begged to get some relief and was put on methimazole. After watch a bunch of your videos I'm really rethinking my decision and so I purchased the hyperthyroid bundle.

My next lab panel will be in a couple weeks and I'm hoping I can just stop taking it and see if the supplements work.
I cut out caffeine about 9 months ago and i also took your advice and started to cut gluten out of my diet about a week ago.

My hope is that my hormones have been out of sorts due to pregnancy and postpardum but hypertyroid symptoms are scary and no one wants to feel palpitations (and every other symptom!)

Do you have any advise for me? My doc wanted me to see endo and I'm scheduled in a couple months (which I've seen you're not to fond of) but not sure what they will really do for me either.

I'd like to know more about the effects of methimazole. I've heard you talk about how "caustic" it is so that is a huge worry of mine.

Also, I am still breastfeeding and was told by my a Obgyn that I could take the med simultaneously which I've read is not advisable.

[marzby_luvz]

My TSH was 0.005, I was sent to an endocrinologist and took a blood test that ruled out graves disease, now im scheduled for a thyroid ultrasound to check for nodules

[anneoshea]

Hi Dr Childs,
Thank you for putting out this great information. I have listened to all your podcasts and in one you mention that you intend to do a show on 'healing the metabolism". Would be very interested in this as I've spent many years with anorexia only to overcome it and subsequently struggle with my weight. Your podcasts have been the a very informative resources for me and I really appreciate you putting out this information.

[mernagobran]

I have subclinical hyperthyroidism, TSH is 0.27, normal T3 and T4, and I have hair loss and low Ferritin. The doctor prescribed Methimazole 5mg twice a week for 3 months.
I took Kelp for hair, but it made my hair fall out more, that's why the doctor prescribed Methimazole for me. What do you think?

[elkadosh]

Thank you so much for your deeply informative videos. I am on my 5th Endocrinologist because in truth they have no clue except what "the #s from the blood tests show" which as you so clearly point out are not entirely accurate between my thyroid and my body tissue in general. They're terrified of Iodine, too highbrow for questions but happy to swipe my insurance card & write scripts that don't help. Please keep these videos going. I'm learning so much now.

[teac]

Excellent explanation!!! Wish I Could have you for my doctor.

[gskylexkk]

Most Dr just put people on thyroid meds as soon as their TSH is out of range, but you can't compare a 60 year old to a 20 year old and saying both should have a TSH of less than 1 to be healthy. Statistics shown that almost 20% of over 60s have their TSH elevated.

[bankerssilvermoon]

I understand that low iron decreases your thyroid hormone. My doctor did a TSH test and it was high higher than normal but my iron was very very low and I was diagnosed with anemia.

[Korean.drama]

Normal Value
Premature 28-36 Weeks 0.7 - 27.0
Cord Blood >37 Weeks 23 - 13.2
Birth - 4 D 1.0 - 39.0
4D - <6M 0.7-4.8
6 M-<14 Y 0.7-4.2
14 Y- 19 Y 0.5 - 3.4
Adult
21-54 Y 0.4 - 4.2
55 - 87 Y 0.5 - 8.9 I don't understand ??

[jaderose]

Thankyou for explaining more about hypothyroidism it really helps me understand more about my condition.

[jannlittle]

Other labs when I was younger.. before menopause.. 1.5 tsh. I was healthy then.. after menopause I fell apart.. and I’ve slowly started having a tsh higher and higher. At age 60-62.. I noticed that I was tired, hair breaking off, fingernails were splitting.. tsh went up.. and was 2 or 2.5 slowly rising but I thought later it was from supplementing with iodine.. and now my thyroid is crazy.. my feet, legs, arms, hands freeze.. not like cold feet when I was younger.. the skin hurt and I feel like my blood is cold.

[lancebaierful]

what should i do if my cFeb 16, 2024 8:42
am
Total Thyroxine 7.1 ug/dl 5.5-11.0 ug/dl
Feb 16, 2024 8:42
am
Free
Triiodothyronine
4.0 pg/ml 2.8-5.3 pg/ml
Feb 16, 2024 8:42
am
Calcitonin Level 22 pg/mL
Comment:

ADDITIONAL


The testing method
is an
electrochemilumines
cence
assay manufactured
by Roche
Diagnostics Inc.
and
performed on the
Cobas system.
Values obtained
with different
assay methods or
kits
may be different
and cannot be used
interchangeably.
Test results
cannot be
interpreted as
absolute evidence
for the presence
or absence of
malignant disease.
Test Performed by:
Mayo Clinic
Laboratories -
<=14.3 pg/mL H
Printed by: Lance B Baier on 02/19/2024 at 9:12 pm from myHealth patient portal Patient Portal
Page 1 of 6

[catsobriety]

Hey @Dr.Westin, I could really do with some advice, last year I start experiencing really bad panic attacks, they seemed to come out of no where, along with horrific night sweats, that woke me every night with a bed soaked through, I’ve experienced hair loss, weight loss, increase in appetite and an anxious feeling even though I personally have nothing to be anxious about, my mood is up and down, I’ve recently had blood tests and my TSH came back at 0.5, I’m told this is normal for a 34 yr old female, but something is telling me I could be suffering with this issue considering it’s known in my family history, the strangest thing is the anxious feeling when sitting rested with absolutely nothing playing on my mind, I don’t feel this is a “normal” state of rest and nothing driving this, is it possible my TSH is not where I need to be looking? I’d appreciate your thoughts

[brynieriky]

Hi I have a TSH of 7.0
I am 36, female, very active lifestyle, healthy diet not on any medication or have ever been.
My BP is 160/110. My height is 151 cm weight 64 kg so a bit overweight. I feel fatigued all the time and am starting medication this week.

[They.luv.kya_]

Hi, My TSH level was 12.18 uIU/mL, and T4 FREE 1.08 ng/dL, I also had all symptoms of Hypothyroid, fatigue, dry skin and hair loss, weight gain, aches in the joints. My Dr. started me on Levothyroxine 50 mcg, I felt better immediately and lost 7 lbs within a week also I had alot more energy, in general felt great. After about 2 weeks muscle soreness, one day I have energy and then no energy. What is you take on these sytmptoms?

[precioustreasures]

I believe in your explanation doc..i am diagnosed with hyperthyroid..and after some time of adjustment on methimazole intake i reached 4.41 UII/ml which is on between normal range (0.15 - 7.0) my previous result 8 mos ago was 0.015 TSH. i am cutrently taking methimazole at 10mg 3x per day=30mg..i can now feel start gaining weight and sleep better than before.. can u give me advise more what foods to avoid and how should i adjust my medication further. Thank you.

[trinitygardner]

I’m 20 and thought I had an under active thyroid. My tsh was 2.4. Doctor said that is perfect. Is that true?

[breathlessMay]

Dear Dr. Childs, thanks for the informative video.

I have a question (and I know you get lots of these), but I am going through the preliminary diagnosis and am told I have Hypothyroidism. (Male, 39yrs, weight 69kgs, no other known problems).

- My TSH basal ulU/ml is shown as: 35, 18+ (its range is shown as 0, 27-4.2)
- FT3 pg/ml is 2, 20 (range is 2 - 4.4)
- Ft4 pg/ml is 5, 50- (range is 9.3 - 17)

My doctor simply prescribes Thyroxin 50mg but no further explanation as to the causes, or any other guidelines.

Could you please advice how I could get your advice further? or help with interpreting the high value of 35, 18 ?

I only coincidently went in for a blood work and did not experience anything major fatigue or such and am afraid to start hormones for the fear that this will become a lifelong thing. 

(last year I have been on very strict keto on and off, always doing intermitted and felt very good ...in fact, was getting very hard to eat more than once a day...and I may have overdone black coffee and green smoothies),

Thank you!

[vinaysawant]

Thank u for valuable video .
My TSH count was 100 before 2 week yesterday I had tested the count became 84 now. Pls suggest the diet