TSH

Price: 15 د.ا

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is secreted by the pituitary gland and is the primary regulator of thyroid activity. By stimulating the thyroid to produce the hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), TSH controls your metabolism, energy levels, and many critical bodily functions.

Normal TSH Reference Ranges

(Measured in micro-international units per milliliter, µIU/mL)

Age & Group	TSH Range (µIU/mL)
Newborns (1–6 days)	0.70 – 15.20
Infants (6 days–3 months)	0.72 – 11.00
Infants (3 mo–1 yr)	0.73 – 8.35
Children (1–6 yr)	0.70 – 5.97
Children (6–11 yr)	0.60 – 4.84
Adolescents (11–20 yr)	0.51 – 4.30
Adults, Males (20–39 yr)	0.30 – 3.18
Adults, Females (20–39 yr)	0.30 – 3.94
Adults, Females (> 39 yr)	0.27 – 4.20

Why Measure TSH?

A TSH test is the cornerstone for diagnosing and managing thyroid disorders:

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): Elevated TSH as the pituitary tries to “push” the sluggish gland.
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid): Suppressed TSH due to feedback inhibition from excess thyroid hormones.

It’s often paired with Free T3 and Free T4 measurements for a complete thyroid panel.

Signs & Symptoms of Thyroid Dysfunction

Condition	Common Symptoms
Hypothyroidism	Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, depression, dry skin, hair loss
Hyperthyroidism	Weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety/nervousness, heat intolerance, excessive sweat

Interpreting TSH Abnormalities

• High TSH
  • → Primary hypothyroidism
  • Pituitary overproduces TSH in response to low T3/T4 levels.
• Low TSH
  • → Primary hyperthyroidism
  • Pituitary suppresses TSH as T3/T4 circulate in excess.
• Central (Secondary/Tertiary) Hypothyroidism
  • Low or inappropriately normal TSH despite low thyroid hormones—due to pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a high TSH level indicate?
   It typically signifies hypothyroidism, meaning the thyroid gland is underactive and not producing enough hormones.
2. What does a low TSH level mean?
   A low TSH suggests hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid is overactive and hormone levels are elevated.
3. Can stress affect TSH levels?
   Yes. Acute or chronic stress can transiently influence TSH, but persistent TSH abnormalities usually reflect true thyroid disease.
4. Is fasting required for a TSH test?
   No. You can eat and drink normally before having your blood drawn for TSH.
5. How often should TSH be tested?
   For known thyroid disorders, testing every 6–12 months is recommended to guide treatment. Asymptomatic individuals with normal TSH generally do not require routine screening.

Medical Laboratory Professionals’ primary duty is the patients, placing their welfare above their own needs and desires thus ensuring that each patient receives the best service and the highest quality of care according to current standards of practice. High quality laboratory services are safe, effective, efficient, timely, equitable, and patient-centered. Medical Laboratory Professionals work with all patients and samples without regard to disease state, ethnicity, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Medical Laboratory Professionals prevent and avoid conflicts of interest that undermine the best interests of patients. Learn More