TSH

[linde445]

My TSH is 5. What is the range for Hypothyroidism vs Hyperthyroidism?

[gimel]

The range for TSH used to be .5-5.0.  In 2001 the Endocrinologists recommended changing it to .3-3.0. The range dropped after they excluded from the data base patients who were suspect hypothyroid.  So, a TSH of 5.0 is in the hypothyroid range and if confirmed by further testing and by your symptoms, probably will result in your doctor prescribing some thyroid medication for you.  I say probably because in the wonderful world of thyroid, you can never be sure of what diagnosis you will get from your doctor.  

[azqtpies]

amen to that one! doctors are not all on the same page when it comes to the thyroid I agree! yes that would be diffently hypo! not hyper.

[stella5349]

What brought you to getting tested?

Was TSH the only test they did?

I found in my shuffle of doctors personally that no one ever seemed to use the new reference ranges at all. Even the labs that ran the test would still have outdated reference ranges on the report.

[Jennifer1987]

Iv a TSH of 6.5 and Iv had all the symptoms of hypothyroidism! Its horrible and Iv only been like this for 3 months! I don know how someone could go years without knowing they have it. I suggest you get meds before it gets worse!

[stella5349]

After I re read the post I realized your question was not totally answered.

In a picture perfect world with thyroid - anything below a .3 could be classified as Hyperthyroid

Anything above a 3.0 could be classified as hypothyroid.

The diagnoises should be more complex than what I posted - but most thyroid patients find that this is exactly how they are determined.