TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is made by the pituitary gland in the brain. It tells the thyroid gland in your neck how much thyroid hormone to make. When the thyroid is underactive, TSH usually goes up; when it is overactive, TSH usually goes down. That is why TSH is often the first test doctors order for thyroid problems. Thyroid issues are common in India, especially in women, and a simple blood test can show them.
हिंदी में पढ़ें| Level | Value (mIU/L) |
|---|---|
| LowMay point to an overactive thyroid | Below about 0.4 mIU/L |
| NormalLabs vary slightly | About 0.4 – 4.5 mIU/L |
| HighMay point to an underactive thyroid | Above about 4.5 mIU/L |
| PregnancyYour doctor decides the right range | Lower targets, set by trimester |
Ranges differ a little from lab to lab.
This is mildly above the usual range. Doctors often repeat TSH with free T4 after some weeks before deciding if anything is needed.
This is clearly high and usually suggests an underactive thyroid. See your doctor soon; they will check T4 and discuss next steps.
This is low and may suggest an overactive thyroid or a high thyroid tablet dose. Your doctor will check T3 and T4 to understand why.
TSH shows how hard the brain is pushing the thyroid to work. It is checked in people with tiredness, weight change, hair fall, irregular periods, feeling too cold or too hot, and during pregnancy planning. People taking thyroid tablets usually recheck every 6–12 months, or 6–8 weeks after a dose change, as their doctor advises. It is often done with T3 and T4.
No fasting is needed for TSH. TSH is a little higher in the early morning, so try to give repeat samples at about the same time. If you take thyroid tablets or biotin supplements, ask your doctor whether to give the sample before your dose.
See a doctor if your TSH is outside the range on your report, or if you have constant tiredness, weight change, a swelling in the neck, a racing heartbeat, tremors or irregular periods. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, share any thyroid report with your doctor early.
No, fasting is not required for TSH. A morning sample is preferred, and repeat tests are best done at a similar time of day so results can be compared fairly.
TSH 4.8 is just above the usual upper limit of about 4.5. Many labs and doctors treat such mild changes carefully and repeat the test with free T4 before deciding. Check the range on your own report.
In pregnancy the target is usually lower than in other adults, especially in the first trimester, and it differs by trimester. Your doctor or gynaecologist will tell you the right range for you.
The sample is collected at your home and tested at a Thyrocare partner lab. The report is sent to you on WhatsApp and email, usually within a day or two.
This page is general information, not medical advice. The normal range printed on your own report is the one that applies, and only a doctor can tell what your result means for you.
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