How to Understand TSH Test Results
TSH, or thyroid stimulating hormone, is the hormone that controls the function of your thyroid gland. A TSH test can be used to detect thyroid dysfunctions, such as an over- or underactive thyroid. This test may be administered if you are experiencing symptoms of an over- or underactive thyroid, such as excessive weight loss/gain, feeling overtired, feeling too hot or cold, or having heart palpitations. A doctor may also order regularly scheduled TSH tests you to determine the effectiveness of your current thyroid medication if you are taking one.
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Instructions
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Take a blood test. Your TSH level is determined by a blood test. A doctor will order your test, then you can obtain your TSH test results from the lab.
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Read the number result for your TSH level. A normal level is considered .3 to 3.0. Low is considered 1.0 to 2.5. High is considered up to 6.0. The levels that are considered low and high may vary slightly from one hospital to another, according to MedHelp.org.
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Determine what your level means, with the help of your doctor. A high TSH level indicates hypothyroid, or an underactive thyroid. This means your thyroid is not responding properly to the stimulation of TSH, due a thyroid dysfunction. A low level indicates hyperthyroid, or an overactive thyroid. High or low TSH levels both indicate a deficiency, and further testing will be required to determine why there is a problem.
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Follow up with your doctor if your test indicates a high or low TSH level. Further testing will likely be ordered to determine why your TSH levels are off. Your doctor may order a T4 or T3 test. T4 and T3 are hormones produced by the thyroid gland, and if production of these hormones is inadequate, it can be what is affecting a high/low TSH level.
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Tips & Warnings
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include tiredness, feeling cold, gaining weight, or experiencing changes in your skin or hair.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which causes the metabolism to speed up, include losing weight, having heart palpitations, sweating or experiencing insomnia.
Treatment for hypo- or hyperthyroidism include taking replacement thyroid hormones or surgically removing of all or part of the thyroid gland.
