The following table shows TSH levels for children by age, according to a study from based on data from healthy children:. High TSH levels indicate hypothyroidism. People develop hypothyroidism when their thyroid produces low levels of hormones. When the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, the pituitary gland produces more TSH to compensate.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:. Low TSH levels indicate hyperthyroidism. This is also known as an overactive thyroid. If the thyroid gland is secreting levels of hormones that are too high, the pituitary gland produces less TSH. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:. The TSH test involves a healthcare professional drawing blood from a vein in the inner arm.
They then send the blood sample to a laboratory for testing. Usually, people do not need to prepare for a TSH test. However, if the doctor is testing the blood for more than one issue, a person may need to fast or prepare in another way. The doctor will provide this information beforehand. If a person has abnormally high or low TSH levels, the doctor needs to run at least one other diagnostic test to identify the underlying cause. These tests look at levels of specific thyroid hormones and antibodies.
Doctors can treat hypothyroidism with medications, such as levothyroxine, that replace the missing thyroid hormones. A person should take this medication once a day, or as prescribed by their doctor. The doctor will monitor how well the treatment is working by running additional blood tests every few months.
According to the Food and Drug Administration FDA , people should take levothyroxine once a day: in the morning and on an empty stomach, at least half an hour before eating. They recommend that a person tells their doctor if they eat soybean flour, walnuts, dietary fiber, or cottonseed meal, as these can affect how the body processes levothyroxine.
Treatments for hyperthyroidism focus on reducing thyroid hormone levels to prevent long term health complications. A test to measure the level of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin TSI in your blood is available.
Your doctor may order it if you have signs of…. A T4 test is a blood test that measures your levels of the hormone thyroxine. A T3 test is a blood test that helps your doctor determine if you have a thyroid problem. The thyroid gland produces a hormone that controls how your cells use energy. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the body produces excessive amounts.
Learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. High cholesterol levels can stem from your diet, especially if you eat foods high in saturated fats, like red meat and butter. Sometimes, though, your…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Purpose Preparation Procedure Results What is a thyroid-stimulating hormone test? Why is a thyroid-stimulating hormone test performed? When thyroid hormone levels are low, the pituitary gland increases secretion of TSH and indicates that your thyroxine dose should be increased.
If your TSH level is low, your thyroid hormone dose is excessive and should be reduced. In most patients on thyroxine replacement, the goal TSH level is between 0. Patients who have had thyroid cancer are usually on higher doses of thyroxine and their target TSH level is lower than normal.
Some variation is normal because your pituitary gland sends out TSH in pulses, not a steady stream. TSH levels are likely to be higher at night and lower during the day. Some people, including those who are pregnant or those with a history of thyroid cancer , have different TSH goals. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools.
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