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What Is a Healthy Range of TSH?

Everyone's body functions are different. Some people have faster metabolisms; some are slower. However, if your level of TSH--thyroid stimulating hormone--is outside the healthy range, your metabolism may not be where it should be, and other health complications can occur.

  1. Explanation

    • The pituitary gland makes TSH, which tells the thyroid gland how much of two hormones, T3 and T4, to produce. When the T3 and T4 levels drop too low, the pituitary gland makes more TSH; when they are too high, it makes less.

    Too Much

    • If your body produces too much T3 and T4, you have hyperthyroidism. Symptoms can include sudden and unexplained weight loss, nervousness or irritability, sensitivity to heat and insomnia.

    Too Little

    • If your T3 and T4 levels are too low, you have hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include weight gain despite no increase in calories, tiredness, aches and stiffness, and increased sensitivity to cold.

    Just Right

    • Until the early 2000s, the range of TSH considered healthy was 0.5 to 5.0. However, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists changed its guidelines, and the current healthy range is now 0.3 to 3.0.

    Treatment

    • You should see your doctor if you think your thyroid levels are not within the normal range. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be treated, improving your quality of life.

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