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What Is a Normal Range for a TSH Level?

Normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels vary depending on a person's age and stage of physical growth. Infants and children have higher TSH levels than adults and adolescents. Abnormal TSH levels may indicate a current or potential unhealthy thyroid condition.

  1. Identification

    • Thyroid stimulating hormone levels are measured to test the overall function of the thyroid, a gland that controls metabolism and hormone regulation in the body.

    Abnormal TSH Levels

    • High TSH levels may indicate a condition known as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), while low TSH levels may indicate a hypothyroid condition (underactive thyroid).

    Normal TSH Levels in Adolescents and Adults

    • The normal TSH level for adults and adolescents who have reached puberty have is between 0.5 to 4.8 units per milliliter (uU/mL) of blood serum.

    Normal TSH Levels in Children

    • Children who have not yet reached puberty have TSH levels of between 0.6 to 5.5 uU/mL of blood serum.

    Normal TSH Levels in Infants

    • Full-term infants at four days of age have normal TSH levels of between 1.3 and 16 uU/mL of blood serum; at one to eleven months of age, full-term infants have normal TSH levels of between 0.9 and 7.7 uU/mL of blood serum.

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