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Thyroid

TSH and your thyroid levels

TSH is the primary indicator of thyroid function and serves as a foundational health marker. Including regular TSH monitoring in your proactive health routine may help detect thyroid changes early, before symptoms become apparent. Your healthcare provider can guide appropriate testing frequency.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Male Your group
mu/l
Low 0.27 Normal 4.2 High
Female Your group
mu/l
Low 0.27 Normal 4.2 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

What It Measures

This test measures thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. TSH is released by the pituitary gland to signal the thyroid to produce hormones. When thyroid hormone levels are low, TSH typically rises; when they are high, TSH usually falls. It is often the first test used to evaluate thyroid function.

Why It Matters

As a key health screening marker, TSH can reveal thyroid imbalances that may affect energy, metabolism, mood, and overall quality of life. Proactive monitoring enables early intervention and may help prevent the progression of thyroid conditions. Discuss regular TSH testing with your healthcare provider.

When to Test

TSH testing may be recommended as a routine health screening, when thyroid symptoms are present, during pregnancy or when planning pregnancy, or when monitoring thyroid medication. Some people may experience fatigue, weight changes, or mood shifts that warrant thyroid evaluation. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Some people with low TSH may experience symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, tremors, heat intolerance, or difficulty sleeping. Low TSH may suggest the thyroid is producing too much hormone. Your healthcare provider can help determine the cause and appropriate management.

High Levels

Some people with elevated TSH may experience symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, constipation, dry skin, hair thinning, or low mood. High TSH may suggest the thyroid is not producing enough hormone. Discuss your results with your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

Recommendations

Male

If Low

Low TSH may indicate hyperthyroidism. Consider thyroid function panel (Free T4, Free T3) and consultation with an endocrinologist.

If High

High TSH indicates hypothyroidism. Consider thyroid hormone replacement therapy and consultation with an endocrinologist.

Female

If Low

Low TSH may indicate hyperthyroidism. Consider thyroid function panel (Free T4, Free T3) and consultation with an endocrinologist.

If High

High TSH indicates hypothyroidism. Consider thyroid hormone replacement therapy and consultation with an endocrinologist.

Lifestyle Tips

Supporting healthy TSH levels may include eating a balanced diet with adequate iodine, selenium, and zinc, managing stress effectively, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and exercising moderately. Some people find that avoiding excessive soy or processed foods may be helpful. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance for thyroid management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a normal TSH level mean?
A TSH level within the reference range generally suggests that the pituitary-thyroid communication is functioning appropriately. However, some people may experience thyroid-related symptoms even with normal TSH. Your healthcare provider will consider your full clinical picture when evaluating thyroid health.
Can stress affect TSH levels?
Chronic stress may potentially influence thyroid function and TSH levels, though the relationship is complex. Some people may see transient TSH changes during periods of significant stress. If you suspect stress is affecting your thyroid, discuss this with your healthcare provider.
How often should TSH be tested?
Testing frequency depends on your individual circumstances. Your healthcare provider may recommend annual TSH screening for general health, or more frequent testing if you are being treated for a thyroid condition, taking thyroid medication, or have risk factors for thyroid disease.

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

Whoop

A 44-biomarker comprehensive health panel inspired by WHOOP Advanced Labs — a deep look at metabolism, cardiovascular risk, hormones, liver, kidney and inflammation.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Omega-3 Index Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
€499,-

InsideTracker

A 36-biomarker performance and longevity panel inspired by InsideTracker Ultimate — covering heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, recovery and iron status.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Calcium Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Magnesium (Intracellular) Potassium Progesterone Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Vitamin D (25-OH) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Creatine Kinase (CK) Transferrin Saturation Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
€399,-

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

€26,-