On the other side of the spectrum, we expect those who are over the age of 70 to be a point or two higher with their TSH scores (and that is completely healthy).
Adults between the ages of 19 and 69, though, are important to consider. If they have no nodule, goiter, or calcification, but with hypothyroid symptoms, the ideal score will be somewhere between 0.5 – 1.9.
If these levels remain the same, save for no hypothyroid symptoms, then a TSH of 0.4 – 0.9 serves as a strong frame of reference.
Pregnancy is also important to consider:
- In the first trimester: 0.1 – 1.9
- In the second: 0.2 – 2.0
- In the third: 0.3 – 2.0
Do you have nodules, calcifications, a history of thyroid cancer, or a goiter? Then a target TSH for you would be between 0.4 – 0.9 (barring considerations such as age or cardiovascular contraindications).
In those that have congestive heart failure of atrial fibrillation, the preferred TSH range for you would be somewhere between 1.0 – 2.0.
Ethnicity
What kind of role does ethnicity play in TSH? Studies have shown that the TSH is lower in black non-Hispanics than in white non-Hispanics of Mexican Americans1.