TSH

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Endocrine glands

Pituitary and TSH

Thyrotropin; Thyroid stimulating hormone

Normal values are from 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L for those with no symptoms of an under- or over-active thyroid.

If you are being treated for a thyroid disorder, your TSH should be between 0.5 and 2.0 mIU/L. This means that you are being treated appropriately.

Some people with a TSH value over 2.0 mIU/L, who have no signs or symptoms suggestive of an under-active thyroid, may develop hypothyroidism sometime in the future. Anyone with a TSH above 2.0 mIU/L, therefore, should be followed very closely by a doctor.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.

Greater-than-normal levels may indicate:

• Congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism)
• Primary hypothyroidism
• TSH-dependent hyperthyroidism
• Thyroid hormone resistance
• Exposure to mice (lab workers or veterinarians)

• Hyperthyroidism
• TSH deficiency
• Medications (dopamine agonists, glucocorticoids, somatostatin analogues, bexarotene)

Review Date: 03/03/2006
Reviewed By: David Juan, MD, Specializing in Endocrinology Issues, Good Hand Medical Center and Alperin Medical Clinics, Santa Clara, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.