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What Does My Thyroid Test Result Indicate?
Brief Answer:
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
The upper limit of normal for TSH is typically that of the laboratory reference range. This is so because different lans may use different methods/ kits for measuring the TSH even if the units of measurement for reporting are the same.
This is assuming the lab is in alignment with the latest scientific evidence for using the right methods for testing and is uptodate with literature on appropriate cut offs.
If such accurate information is not available or the lab is not considered reliable then the latest ATA (American Thyroid Association) guidelines suggest using 4.12 as the upper limit of normal.
By this standard your result of 4.79 is mildly elevated.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I recommend the following:
This condition is called subclinical hypothyroidism. In non-expert language this means the thyroid gland is slightly under active.
However before one concludes this with confidence, it is advisable to repeat the tests after 6 to 8 weeks. I suggest checking only the TSH and free T4, along with thyroid auto antibodies : anti TPO (thyroid peroxidase) and anti thyroglobulin.
This does not require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day.
If the TSH is still high along with a normal free T4, regardless of the antibody results, then it is likely to be the same diagnosis I mentioned above.
Furthermore, there are various permutations and combinations of the test results that are possible which require complex assessment by an endocrinologist because differentiating between these requires the opportunity to examine the individual.
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
The upper limit of normal for TSH is typically that of the laboratory reference range. This is so because different lans may use different methods/ kits for measuring the TSH even if the units of measurement for reporting are the same.
This is assuming the lab is in alignment with the latest scientific evidence for using the right methods for testing and is uptodate with literature on appropriate cut offs.
If such accurate information is not available or the lab is not considered reliable then the latest ATA (American Thyroid Association) guidelines suggest using 4.12 as the upper limit of normal.
By this standard your result of 4.79 is mildly elevated.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I recommend the following:
This condition is called subclinical hypothyroidism. In non-expert language this means the thyroid gland is slightly under active.
However before one concludes this with confidence, it is advisable to repeat the tests after 6 to 8 weeks. I suggest checking only the TSH and free T4, along with thyroid auto antibodies : anti TPO (thyroid peroxidase) and anti thyroglobulin.
This does not require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day.
If the TSH is still high along with a normal free T4, regardless of the antibody results, then it is likely to be the same diagnosis I mentioned above.
Furthermore, there are various permutations and combinations of the test results that are possible which require complex assessment by an endocrinologist because differentiating between these requires the opportunity to examine the individual.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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