Helm Health

thyroid · TSH

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone

The pituitary's signal to the thyroid. High TSH usually means an underactive thyroid; low TSH an overactive one. Interpret with free T4.

This page is general wellness education, not medical advice. Your own lab’s reference range and your clinician’s interpretation always take precedence.

Typical reference range

GroupGeneral range
Adults0.4 – 4 mIU/L

Units: mIU/L. Ranges vary by lab and assay — read yours against the range printed on your own report.

What high Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone can mean

  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis
  • Recovery from illness

What low Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone can mean

  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Graves' disease
  • Excess thyroid medication

Related markers

Sources