TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive
Understanding TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive
What is TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive?
The TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive test helps measure the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the body. This test is used to assess thyroid function and detect possible thyroid gland disorders. It is also performed with T3 and T4 tests as part of thyroid profile testing.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), also known as thyrotropin, is produced by the pituitary gland present in the brain. TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Together, TSH, T3, and T4 hormones play a vital role in controlling how your body uses and stores energy and maintaining body weight and temperature.
The TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive test is highly accurate and can detect even small changes in the levels of TSH. This test helps diagnose and monitor various thyroid disorders, such as:
- Goiter,
- Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
These disorders are a result of either an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). A TSH screening test, along with thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) tests, is also recommended for women during pregnancy to check if they have adequate amounts of TSH, as this hormone is necessary for the healthy development of babies and to avoid pregnancy complications.
TSH levels may show marked fluctuations in an individual due to a number of factors, like aging, cold weather, or the time of day when they are evaluated. So, the daytime testing for TSH measurements is usually preferred. No special preparations are needed for a TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive test. However, do let the doctor know about all the medications being taken, as some of those can affect thyroid function. Biotin (vitamin B7) is a commonly taken over-the-counter supplement that can lead to some aberrancy in the thyroid function test results, even when the values are actually normal. Therefore, avoid taking biotin 2 days before this test.
Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to the doctor about your specific test results. The test results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate an overall treatment plan. Also, narrate the complete medical history to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings.
Lifestyle Tips For Optimal TSH Levels:
🥤Hydration: Stay hydrated. Dehydration can temporarily alter thyroid hormone levels.
🥗Eat (diet): Eat iodine-rich foods (e.g., dairy products, eggs, fish, nuts and seeds, berries, etc.) essential for thyroid hormone production.
🚴♀️Activity (exercise): Exercise helps manage symptoms like weight changes, and mood changes, and by improving overall thyroid health.
😴Lifestyle (stress and sleep): Practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing, and prioritize quality sleep—both are vital for thyroid balance.
👨⚕️Talk to Your Doctor (Consult): Always consult a doctor before taking thyroid medication or making changes in medication doses.
🚭Habits (Alcohol and Smoking): These habits can suppress thyroid function
What is TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive used for?
The TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive test can be done:
A. In Symptomatic Individuals
1) Hypothyroidism
- Weight loss
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Trouble sleeping
- Sweating or being very sensitive to heat
2) Hyperthyroidism
- Weight gain
- Being very sensitive to cold
- Dry, thinning hair
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
- Fertility problems in women
B. In High-Risk Groups
- Personal history or strong family history of thyroid disease
- Past history of neck irradiation
- Previous thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine ablation
- History of autoimmune disorders
C. In Special Population
- Pregnancy
- Elderly (males above 60 years, females above 50 years)
D. In Individuals With Lifestyle-Related Risks
- Follow a low iodine intake
E. In Individuals With Certain Health Conditions
- Thyroiditis
- Damage to the pituitary gland
- Congenital hypothyroidism
F. In Routine Follow-Ups
- After a thyroxine (T4) dose change
- If you’re taking a medicine that interferes with your body’s ability to use thyroxine
- Congenital hypothyroidism
What does TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive measure?
The TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive test measures the levels of TSH hormone in the blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland located in the brain. Its function is to stimulate and regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland. It signals the thyroid gland to increase or decrease the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 (essential for regulating our body’s metabolism, temperature, heart rate, and growth) when their levels are low or high, respectively. Therefore, when the levels of T3 & T4 decrease, the pituitary gland is stimulated to release TSH. This high TSH level, in turn, stimulates the thyroid gland to release more thyroid hormones (T3 & T4); the vice-versa happens when the levels of thyroid hormones increase.
Interpreting TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive results
Interpretations
The TSH normal range may vary from lab to lab.
The TSH normal range for different age groups is given below:
Patients (Age) TSH Normal Range
|
Premature Infants (28-36 Weeks) |
|
|
1st Week of Life |
0.20-27.90 mIU/L |
|
Term Infants (>37 Weeks) |
|
|
Serum or Cord Blood |
1.00-39.00 mIU/L |
|
1-2 Days |
3.20-34.60 mIU/L |
|
3-4 Days |
0.70-15.40 mIU/L |
|
5 Days-4 Weeks |
1.70-9.10 mIU/L |
|
1-11 Months |
0.80-8.20 mIU/L |
|
1-19 Years |
0.50-4.30 mIU/L |
|
≥20 Years |
0.40-4.50 mIU/L |
|
Pregnancy |
|
|
First Trimester |
0.26-2.66 mIU/L |
|
Second Trimester |
0.55-2.73 mIU/L |
|
Third Trimester |
0.43-2.91 mIU/L |
- If your TSH level is increased, it usually indicates that you have hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism.
- If your TSH level is decreased, it usually indicates hyperthyroidism. Graves' disease, multinodular goiter, and toxic nodules are some of the common causes of hyperthyroidism.
Note: TSH normal range levels show circadian variation (fluctuates during the 24-hour cycle), reaching peak levels between 2-4 a.m. and at a low between 6-10 p.m.
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive
Frequently Asked Questions about TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive
Q. Why is the TSH Ultrasensitive test performed?
Q. Is fasting required for the TSH Ultrasensitive test?
Q. Can my TSH Ultrasensitive test show variable results?
Q. Is there any risk associated with the TSH Ultrasensitive test?
Q. Can I take the TSH Ultrasensitive test during pregnancy?
Q. What are the causes of high TSH in a newborn?
Q. What is hyperthyroidism?
Q. What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
Q. What is hypothyroidism?
Q. What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Q. What additional tests can be done with TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive?
Q. What is the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive price?
Q. What is the normal TSH range for males?
Q. Is the TSH range different for women during pregnancy?
Q. What is subclinical hypothyroidism?
Book a TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive test at home near me
References
- Thyroid Function Tests [Internet]. Alexandria, VA: American Thyroid Association; [Accessed 07 Feb. 2023]. Available from: https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-function-tests/
- British Thyroid Foundation. Thyroid Function Test [Internet]. Scotland: British Thyroid Foundation; 2021 [Accessed 07 Feb. 2023]. Available from: https://www.btf-thyroid.org/thyroid-function-tests
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Thyroid Tests [Internet]. National Institute of Health; May 2017 [Accessed 07 Feb. 2023]. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/thyroid
- Adhimoolam M, Arulmozhi R. Effect of antiepileptic drug therapy on thyroid hormones among adult epileptic patients: An analytical cross-sectional study. J Res Pharm Pract. 2016 Jul-Sep;5(3):171-4. [Accessed 07 Jul. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4966235/
- Pirahanchi Y, Toro F, Jialal I. Physiology, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; Updated 01 May 2023 [Accessed 07 Jul. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499850/
- Dong BJ. How medications affect thyroid function. West J Med. 2000 Feb;172(2):102-6. [Accessed 09 Feb. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1070767/
- Block-Galarza J. Thyroid Function Tests [Internet]. Alexandria, VA: American Thyroid Association; [Accessed 07 Jul. 2023] Available from: https://www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/ct-for-patients/december-2018/vol-11-issue-12-p-3-4/#:~:text=Most%20commonly%2C%20biotin%20use%20can,hormone%20dose%20is%20too%20high
- Thyroid Cancer Risk Factor [Internet]. American Cancer Society: 23 Aug 2024 [Accessed 25 Apr. 2025]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/thyroid-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
- American Thyroid Association. Hypothyroidism: A guide for patients. 2nd ed. [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 May 7]. Available from: https://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Hypo_brochure.pdf
- American Thyroid Association. Hyperthyroidism: A guide for patients. [Internet]. 2023 [Accessed 25 Apr. 2025]. Available from: https://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/hyperthyroidism.pdf
- Fatourechi V. Subclinical hypothyroidism: an update for primary care physicians. Mayo Clin Proc. 2009;84(1):65-71. [Accessed 25 Apr. 2025]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2664572/
- Ybarra J, Fernandez S. Rapid and reversible alterations in thyroid function tests in dehydrated patients. Nurs Clin North Am. 2007 Mar;42(1):127-34, viii-ix. [Accessed 25 Apr. 2025]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17270596/
- Shulhai AM, Rotondo R, Petraroli M, Patianna V, Predieri B, Iughetti L, Esposito S, Street ME. The Role of Nutrition on Thyroid Function. Nutrients. 2024 Jul 31;16(15):2496. [Accessed 25 Apr. 2025]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11314468/
- Sawicka-Gutaj N, Gutaj P, Sowiński J, Wender-Ożegowska E, Czarnywojtek A, Brązert J, Ruchała M. Influence of cigarette smoking on thyroid gland--an update. Endokrynol Pol. 2014;65(1):54-62. [Accessed 25 Apr. 2025]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24549603/
- Balhara YP, Deb KS. Impact of alcohol use on thyroid function. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Jul;17(4):580-7. [Accessed 25 Apr. 2025]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3743356/
Other tests
