Normal TSH Levels in the Thyroid

According to labtestsonline.org ("Lab Tests Online"), it is recommended by the American Thyroid Association that an individual 35 years of age and older should get a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test done at least once every five years, whether they have a pre-existing thyroid condition or not.

Function

• TSH levels are measured to determine whether or not an individual has a thyroid disorder. Once a diagnosis is made, TSH levels are measured again to determine if the proper treatment and medication has been administered. TSH levels can also diagnose hypothyroidism in infants.

Types

• A low TSH result means that the thyroid gland is producing an excessive amount of hormones, meaning that the individual has hyperthyroidism. A high TSH result means that the thyroid is not producing enough hormones, which is indicative of hypothyroidism.

Normal TSH Levels

• According to nih.gov, normal TSH levels in a person who has never had a thyroid disorder should be between 0.4 and 4.0 mIU/L.

Normal TSH Levels for Thyroid Patients

• An individual who is undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism should have a TSH level between 0.5 and 3.0 mIU/L.

Prevention/Solution

• If an individual has a TSH level that is out of range, he must work with a doctor to treat the thyroid. Blood tests will then be given to test measure the individual's TSH levels.