What does this mean?

[genuinecuriosity]

Hi,

just wondering if someone could better explain these results to me?

Thanks!

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Sensitive Site/Specimen 26 Jan 2016 1250 Units Ref Rng

Thyrotropin Sensitive PLASMA 1.23 < i> < o> mcIU/mL (0.27-5.00)

[eeng]

This means your TSH level (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is 1.23 (range 0.27 to 5.0). I believe the rest of the information refers to the precise details of how the lab did the test.

The TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary to tell the thyroid how hard to work. It is therefore the input to the thyroid, not the output. However most doctors use it to tell how well your thyroid is working, which is a reasonable guide for many patients but not if their pituitary isn't working.

If you are taking thyroid medication then you may feel better on a slightly higher dose (most people feel best with their TSH at or below 1) and if you don't take thyroid medication it means that your thyroid is probably OK (most people without thyroid problems have a TSH between about 0.5 and 1.5). However if you have thyroid symptoms it is worth looking at the output of the thyroid (FT3 and FT4) as well as the TSH so be sure the thyroid is working properly. The FT4 and FT3 levels should be healthy, not just at the bottom of the range.

I hope this helps.