TSH levels - Healthy vs Normal vs Optimal levels (on thyroid medication and off)
Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): https://www.restartmed.com/start-here/
The TSH is probably the single most ordered tests by doctors and it's used to test your thyroid function. There's one big problem with the TSH test, though, and that is that it isn't always accurate!
The reason for this video is to help explain some of the issues with the TSH test by looking at normal TSH ranges and values. This will help you understand where you fit on the TSH spectrum.
You should be aware that the TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone and this is a test which really helps you understand how well your pituitary gland is functioning. It does NOT necessarily give you information on how well your thyroid gland is functioning (though it can give some info on that topic).
When you look at your TSH level you really need to focus on the difference between being "optimal" and "healthy" versus being "normal".
The standard range provided by your lab company includes a combination of people and ages which are not necessarily healthy. This can make it difficult for you to compare yourself to them because you don't want to compare yourself as a 30-year-old to an 80-year-old.
With that in mind, here are the TSH ranges that I recommend:
This is the STANDARD TSH range (not the healthy range):
0.4 to 4.5 uIU/ml
You want your TSH to be in this range if you are NOT taking thyroid medication:
0.5 to 1.0 uIU/ml
You want your TSH level to be within this range if you are taking thyroid medication:
0.1 to 1.0 uIU/ml
These ranges are NOT perfect and if you look at your TSH you should also order the rest of the thyroid panel to get a complete picture. The TSH only provides about 10-20% of that picture so without these other tests you are flying blind.
These tests include:
Free T3
Free T4
Reverse T3
Thyroid antibodies
Total T3
Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:
- For thyroid hormone production and conversion: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-adrenal-reset-complex/ + https://www.restartmed.com/product/t3-conversion-booster/
- For hair loss: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-hair-regrowth-complex/
- For weight management: https://www.restartmed.com/product/gut-bomb-350-billion/ + https://www.restartmed.com/product/functional-fuel-complete/
- For gut health: https://www.restartmed.com/product/ultra-biotic-x100/
- For energy and adrenal health: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-adrenal-reset-complex/ + https://www.restartmed.com/product/power-b-complex/
I'm Dr. Westin Childs and I focus on thyroid health, hormone balance, and weight loss. I write about thyroid disorders, weight loss, insulin resistance, estrogen/progesterone balance on my blog. I truly believe that hormone balance is the key to managing your weight, your mood and your quality of life which is why I'm so passionate about it.
If you enjoyed this video please subscribe on youtube or leave a comment on my podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-westin-childs-podcast-thyroid-weight-loss-hormones/id1141207688?mt=2
This video is not intended to be used as medical advice. If you have questions about your health please consult your physician or primary care provider. Dr. Westin Childs goes to great lengths to produce high-quality content but this is NOT a substitute for medical care.
The TSH is probably the single most ordered tests by doctors and it's used to test your thyroid function. There's one big problem with the TSH test, though, and that is that it isn't always accurate!
The reason for this video is to help explain some of the issues with the TSH test by looking at normal TSH ranges and values. This will help you understand where you fit on the TSH spectrum.
You should be aware that the TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone and this is a test which really helps you understand how well your pituitary gland is functioning. It does NOT necessarily give you information on how well your thyroid gland is functioning (though it can give some info on that topic).
When you look at your TSH level you really need to focus on the difference between being "optimal" and "healthy" versus being "normal".
The standard range provided by your lab company includes a combination of people and ages which are not necessarily healthy. This can make it difficult for you to compare yourself to them because you don't want to compare yourself as a 30-year-old to an 80-year-old.
With that in mind, here are the TSH ranges that I recommend:
This is the STANDARD TSH range (not the healthy range):
0.4 to 4.5 uIU/ml
You want your TSH to be in this range if you are NOT taking thyroid medication:
0.5 to 1.0 uIU/ml
You want your TSH level to be within this range if you are taking thyroid medication:
0.1 to 1.0 uIU/ml
These ranges are NOT perfect and if you look at your TSH you should also order the rest of the thyroid panel to get a complete picture. The TSH only provides about 10-20% of that picture so without these other tests you are flying blind.
These tests include:
Free T3
Free T4
Reverse T3
Thyroid antibodies
Total T3
Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:
- For thyroid hormone production and conversion: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-adrenal-reset-complex/ + https://www.restartmed.com/product/t3-conversion-booster/
- For hair loss: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-hair-regrowth-complex/
- For weight management: https://www.restartmed.com/product/gut-bomb-350-billion/ + https://www.restartmed.com/product/functional-fuel-complete/
- For gut health: https://www.restartmed.com/product/ultra-biotic-x100/
- For energy and adrenal health: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-adrenal-reset-complex/ + https://www.restartmed.com/product/power-b-complex/
I'm Dr. Westin Childs and I focus on thyroid health, hormone balance, and weight loss. I write about thyroid disorders, weight loss, insulin resistance, estrogen/progesterone balance on my blog. I truly believe that hormone balance is the key to managing your weight, your mood and your quality of life which is why I'm so passionate about it.
If you enjoyed this video please subscribe on youtube or leave a comment on my podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-westin-childs-podcast-thyroid-weight-loss-hormones/id1141207688?mt=2
This video is not intended to be used as medical advice. If you have questions about your health please consult your physician or primary care provider. Dr. Westin Childs goes to great lengths to produce high-quality content but this is NOT a substitute for medical care.
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