Understanding your TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) results
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is made by the pituitary gland and controls how much hormone the thyroid produces. When thyroid hormone levels fall, the pituitary releases more TSH to stimulate the thyroid; when they are high, TSH falls. Because of this inverse relationship, TSH usually moves outside its reference range before T4 or T3 do, which is why doctors often use it as the first thyroid test.
The ranges on this page are commonly quoted adult reference ranges. Laboratories set their own, so the range printed on your report is the one that applies to your result.
Commonly quoted adult reference ranges
>>>| Parameter | Reference range | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSH, adults | 0.4–4.0 | mIU/L | Laboratories often quote different ranges in pregnancy and for older adults |
What a high TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) result can mean
TSH above the reference range suggests an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism): the pituitary is releasing more TSH to push the thyroid to work harder. Causes include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition, as well as iodine deficiency and earlier thyroid surgery or radioiodine treatment. When TSH is raised but Free T4 is within range, the pattern is called subclinical hypothyroidism. Symptoms linked to an underactive thyroid include tiredness, weight gain, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin and hair loss.
What a low TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) result can mean
TSH below the reference range suggests an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism): thyroid hormone levels are high and the pituitary has cut back TSH. Causes include Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition, as well as thyroid nodules and inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis). Symptoms linked to an overactive thyroid include weight loss, palpitations, tremor, feeling hot, sweating, anxiety and poor sleep. In people taking thyroid hormone tablets, a low TSH can mean the dose is higher than needed.
How a doctor reads the result
A doctor will usually interpret TSH alongside Free T4, sometimes Free T3, your symptoms and any thyroid medicine you take. Pregnancy and older age change the range that applies. Discuss the result with your doctor.
Follow-up a doctor may arrange
After a TSH result outside the range, a doctor may order Free T4 and Free T3, and thyroid antibodies such as anti-TPO or TSH receptor antibodies to look for an autoimmune cause. For people on thyroid medicine, TSH is the main test used to check the dose, and the doctor decides when to repeat it.
Related tests
>>>Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): preparation and listed prices
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood. The TSH test is listed at AED 50 to AED 90 across 4 labs and services: AED 50 on the Smart Care Polyclinic website (Dubai only), AED 79 on the DarDoc website, AED 80 on the Healthchecks360 website and AED 90 on the Unilabs website.
Sources: Prices on this page are the ones each lab or service publishes on its own website, read between 13 October 2026 and 7 November 2026. Zavis has published prices from 6 of the 13 labs and services it lists: of the other 7, 6 do not publish per-test prices and 1 website could not be read. The websites do not all say whether VAT or a collection fee is added to a listed price, so confirm the price with the lab before you book. How Zavis sources prices.
Listed prices for the TSH test, as each site names itFrequently asked questions
What are the commonly quoted reference ranges for TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)?
Commonly quoted adult reference ranges are: TSH, adults: 0.4–4.0 mIU/L. Laboratories set their own ranges, so the range printed on your report is the one that applies to your result.
What can a high TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) result mean?
TSH above the reference range suggests an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism): the pituitary is releasing more TSH to push the thyroid to work harder. Causes include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition, as well as iodine deficiency and earlier thyroid surgery or radioiodine treatment. When TSH is raised but Free T4 is within range, the pattern is called subclinical hypothyroidism. Symptoms linked to an underactive thyroid include tiredness, weight gain, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin and hair loss.
Is fasting needed for TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)?
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood.
How often are TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) results rechecked?
There is no single interval that suits everyone. A doctor can advise whether and how often to test, based on your health, any treatment and your earlier results.
Medical disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your full clinical picture, symptoms, and medical history. If you have concerns about your test results, always consult a licensed healthcare professional. Do not delay seeking medical advice or disregard professional medical guidance because of information on this page.