What Is a Healthy Range of TSH?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.