Boston: Hypothyroidism Levels - 5 Most Useful Tips on Interpreting Your TSH Test Result

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Till early 1970s, doctors all around the world used various symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism to detect issues with the thyroid gland. After 1975, TSH test became the standard test for determining the T4 hormone production levels. Almost all the laboratories across the globe started doing this test to analyze the presence of thyroid gland issues and possible hypothyroidism levels. Even now, this test is considered as the most accurate test to analyze hypothyroidism levels. Hence, it is important to learn the various aspects of this test before going for a diagnosis. Following are some useful tips on how to interpret TSH test and analyze your hypothyroidism levels.

1. A great number of laboratories consider the range of 0.4 mU/L to 4.0 mU/L as a TSH production indicating normal functioning of the thyroid gland.


2. If your TSH test results are above 2.5mU/L, your doctor may ask you to do a blood test for anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies.


3. You should repeat TSH tests every year, if you are having a TSH level above 2.5 mU/L.


4. If you have a low TSH level, and still having symptoms of hypothyroid, you should go for other tests such as T4 and free T3 tests


5. The TSH test may not be accurate if your pituitary gland is not functioning well. If your pituitary gland does not produce enough TSH, your thyroid gland will also reduce production of T4. This is known as secondary hypothyroidism, which is a very rare case most of the time.

These days, more and more medical practitioners are emphasizing on the fact that TSH test results alone, cannot be considered as the measure for hypothyroidism levels, neither it may not provide valid results in most cases. However, the debate still goes on.

Source by Jane Jack Collins

Hypothyroidism Levels - 5 Most Useful Tips on Interpreting Your TSH Test Result