What's normal range for TSH test

[chayamalka]

My friends are telling me the normal range for the TSH test is 0.3 to 3. I thought it was 4.2. Did the range change? My last TSH test was 6. What is the normal range?

[laura1967]

Yes the new range for TSH is .30-3.0. At a 6.0 you are hypo. Did you also have a free t4 and free t3 done? You need all now to get a complete look at what is going on with your thyroid. I would also suggest autoimmune thyroid disease testing for hashimoto's and graves.

[frogbain]

My wife was tested and TSH levels were 68. Not 6.8 but 68. W e retested and should get results in a couple days but this seems alarming. Anyone have levels this high?

[goolarra]

When I was diagnosed, my TSH was 67.2.  Some people are in the hundreds when they finally get a diagnosis.  However, with a level of 68, you definitely don't want to delay getting treatment.  Usually, upon starting medication, that level will have a very quick initial drop.  As Laura suggested, do get FT3 and FT4 for a better picture.

[ram381]

I've read that those are more current numbers, but unfortunately the lab I use still says .45 to 4.5 is normal. My normal is .5 to .8, no higher.

[ram381]

WHAT? she is definitely extremely hypo. I was at 15 and felt like **** when first diagnosed. I feel sorry for her.

[frogbain]

Just got a call from endo 15 min. after posting orig. message. TSH shot up to 120. Really scared us. Is there some sort of pool here where we win prize for highest TSH levels?.....Fun and jokes aside ran to pharmacy and got first prescription for Armour thyroid. Wish us luck.

[stella5349]

Yeah - that's high - good to know you got meds.

What dosage of Armour are you starting with. You may drop quickly with Armour - Don't let that happen to fast.

If you need and suggestions on it - I may be able to help you sort some stuff out.

I have been on it now a year and 1/2

Good Luck

[frogbain]

My wifes script. is for 60 mg a day. y not let drop happen to fast

[goolarra]

Has an FT3 and FT4 been done?  This is absolutely essential.  You should know those numbers ASAP (like TODAY)  Ask your endo for results.  You don't mention symptoms.  Is she having hypo symptoms?  High TSH is a good indicator of hyporthyroidism, but in and of itself is not a diagnosis.  Other things can cause your TSH to be high.  More later, but I think you should question whether or not these have been done, and if not, get them done today.

You have a long way to go to win the prize!  Several hundreds is not at all unheard of...scary...but, there are those out there.

[frogbain]

goolara Yes T3 and T4 have been done. I dont think it is a concern but ill chack into it. Yes she has already been diagnosed with Hashimoto and has several classical symptoms of Hypothyroidism.
She started yesterday with armour. She is already complaining about stomach pains. Took one 60mg pill last night.
I heard (on this board) that taking smaller doses throught day may work better?

Also concerned about dropping TSH levels too fast. Is this a concern?
TIA

[goolarra]

The concern is not so much dropping the TSH too fast as it is increasing the T3 and T4 in the bloodstream too fast. (These usually go hand-in-hand.)  T3 and T4 can cause their own problems if the patient is started on too high a dose.  It's best to be conservative at the beginning and work up to the correct dose.  This is especially true if the patient is 1) over 50, 2) has been hypo for a long time or 3) has other health issues that the thyroid hormones might affect.  With a TSH of over 100, I would guess that at least #2 might apply.

I've never been on Armour, so I can't comment on the dose.  Most people I know who are on it do split the dose rather than taking it all at once.  Most people try to take their thyroid meds,whatever they may be, early in the day.  That way you get the benefit while you're awake and it's less likely to interfere with your sleep.

Hope the tummy ache goes away.