TSH

The first step in thyroid testing.

TSH: butterfly-shaped frosted glass sculpture symbolizing the thyroid gland
Image generated with AI.

TSH is the signal your brain sends to your thyroid. The typical adult range is about 0.4–4.0 mIU/L; the upper limit can reach 4.5 depending on the lab.

The range differs in pregnancy. Biotin supplements can distort the result.
TSH (mIU/L)Possible meaning
<0.4Thyroid may be overactive; checked together with fT4 and fT3
0.4–4.0Typical range
>4.0Thyroid may be underactive; checked together with fT4
Sources
  • American Thyroid Association — hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism guidelines

General information only; not diagnosis or treatment. Review your results with your clinician.