What it measures
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is made by the pituitary gland and tells the thyroid how much hormone to make. When thyroid hormone is low, TSH rises, and when it is high, TSH falls. It is usually the first test of thyroid function.
Why people test it
- The usual first test when tiredness, weight change, low mood or feeling cold suggest an underactive thyroid.
- Monitored in people taking levothyroxine to check the dose.
- Checked in people with a family history of thyroid disease or other autoimmune conditions.
- Measured in people on medicines that can affect the thyroid, such as amiodarone or lithium.
Typical range
Ranges vary between labs with the method used, age and sex, and your report shows the lab's own range. One NHS trust's lab uses 0.2 to 4.3 mIU/L for adults. Source: Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust: Blood Sciences Reference Range Database v3.20.
Finger-prick or vein?
A finger-prick sample is usually fine for TSH.