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Home›New Delhi›Thyrocare Technologies Limited›Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Ultrasensitive
Test Detail
Overview
Interpreting Results
FAQ's
City Price Info
Content created by
Written by
Dr. Shreya Gupta
BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Reviewed by
Dr. Ashish Ranjan
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Want to know more?
Read our Editorial Policy

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Ultrasensitive

(TSH)
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. Sample to be given at the same time of day in follow up cases.

Overview

What is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Ultrasensitive?

The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test measures the amount of TSH in the blood and helps to diagnose thyroid disorders. The thyroid hormone plays an important role in regulating weight, body temperature, and even mood. Having an overactive or underactive thyroid can cause health issues that interfere with daily life.

A high TSH and low thyroid hormone level can indicate primary hypothyroidism whereas a low TSH and a high thyroid hormone level can indicate primary hyperthyroidism. Normal TSH ranges can alter depending on a person’s age, sex, and body weight.

Why is TSH done?

 

  • To diagnose any suspected thyroid diseases (Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism)

  • To monitor the effect of treatment in patients with thyroid diseases, e.g. in case of hypothyroid patients receiving various thyroid hormone preparations: Low values are found in states of high doses

  • To screen for any thyroid diseases during pregnancy

  • To screen for any thyroid diseases in newborns

 

 

 

What does TSH Measure?

 

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test measures the amount of TSH in your blood which helps to find out if the thyroid gland is working normally or not. Low TSH levels indicate hyperthyroidism and high TSH levels indicate hypothyroidism.

In case of hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces very high amounts of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and you may experience symptoms of weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, sweating, anxiety, increased sensitivity towards heat, etc. In case of Hypothyroidism, there is a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) which may cause weight gain, fatigue, slow heart rate, increased sensitivity towards cold, depression, dry and thin hair, etc.

There is a feedback system in the body to maintain stable amounts of the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the blood. TSH signals the thyroid gland to make and release the thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) into the blood when the level of thyroid hormones is low and can also signal the thyroid gland to lower the production of thyroid hormones when the level of thyroid hormones is very high. So, when the thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) levels decrease, the pituitary gland is stimulated to release TSH and this high TSH level, in turn, stimulates thyroid gland to release more thyroid hormone (T3 & T4) from the thyroid gland and the vice-versa happens when the thyroid hormone levels are very high.

 

 

 

Interpreting TSH 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, toxic nodule 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 am and are at a low between 6-10 pm.

 

 

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about TSH

Frequently Asked Questions about Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Ultrasensitive

Q. Why is an ultrasensitive TSH test performed?
An ultrasensitive TSH test can be done when you have symptoms of hypothyroidism (weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, hair thinning, slow heart rate, or depression) or hyperthyroidism (weight loss, muscle weakness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, or frequent bowel movement).
Q. Is fasting required for an ultrasensitive TSH test?
No, fasting is not needed before taking this test. However, your doctor will guide you if any special preparation is required.
Q. Is there any risk associated with an ultrasensitive TSH test?
There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting while the needle is pricked and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely some people may experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.
Q. Can I take an ultrasensitive TSH test during pregnancy?
An ultrasensitive TSH test along with other tests are usually recommended during pregnancy to measure the levels of thyroid hormones as thyroid disorders can complicate pregnancy.
Q. How can hyperthyroidism affect a pregnant woman and her baby?
An untreated hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight of the baby, preeclampsia (a very high rise in blood pressure in late pregnancy), thyroid storm (a sudden, severe worsening of symptoms of hyperthyroidism), and congestive heart failure.
Q. What are the causes of high TSH in a newborn?
Congenital hypothyroidism is an important cause of elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in newborns. Other causes of an elevated TSH include transient hypothyroidism due to neonatal illness, premature birth, iodine excess, or deficiency. High TSH can also be seen in case the mother is taking some medicines that could affect thyroid hormone levels or the mother has some underlying thyroid disease.
Q. What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive and there is an increased production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Causes of Hyperthyroidism include Graves’ disease, multinodular goiter, thyroid nodules, toxic adenoma, inflammation of the thyroid, eating too much iodine, and too much synthetic thyroid hormone. Diagnosis of this condition can help to relieve the symptoms and prevent long-term complications.
Q. What are the symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism include: Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats/minute — irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or pounding of your heart (palpitations), sudden weight loss, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, tremor (usually a fine trembling in your hands and fingers), changes in menstrual patterns, increased sensitivity towards heat, changes in bowel patterns (especially more frequent bowel movements), an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck, increased appetite, sweating, fatigue, muscle weakness, sleep disturbances, skin thinning, fine and brittle hair.
Q. What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid or low thyroid is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It can be commonly caused by intake of low iodine diet or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease). Less common causes include previous treatment with radioactive iodine, injury to the pituitary gland which secretes TSH, intake of certain medicines, previous thyroid surgery, or a lack of a functioning thyroid gland at birth.
Q. What are the symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as tiredness (fatigue), hoarseness, constipation, feeling cold, dry skin, dry and thin hair, puffy face, weight gain, and muscle weakness. Along with that, one may experience decreased sweating, depression, slowed heart rate, increased blood cholesterol levels, pain, and stiffness in your joints, impaired memory, problems of infertility or menstrual changes, muscle stiffness, aches, and tenderness.
Q. What additional tests your doctor may ask for in case the TSH levels are not in the normal range?
If the TSH levels are not in the normal range, your doctor may ask for the following tests to establish the diagnosis of a suspected disease: T4 thyroid hormone test, T3 thyroid hormone test, Thyroid Hormone Binding Globulin (THBG) test, and Thyroid profile.
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About Thyrocare Technologies Limited

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Thyrocare Technologies Limited is India's first and most advanced Totally Automated Laboratory having its strong presence in more than 2000 cities / towns in India and internationally. Thyrocare is India's first fully automated diagnostic laboratory with a focus on providing quality at affordable costs to laboratories and hospitals in India and other countries. Thyrocare operates with a Centralized Processing Laboratory (CPL) in Mumbai - India for esoteric tests; and Regional Processing...
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