Is a TSH of 5.4 high?
A TSH of 5.4 mIU/L is mildly raised: above the usual 0.4 to 4.0 range, in the band doctors call subclinical hypothyroidism. The same applies to 5.0, 5.5, 5.8 and 6.0.
It is not treated on the spot. About a third of results in this band are normal when repeated, so the usual step is a second TSH in six to twelve weeks with free T4 and thyroid antibodies (TPO) on the same sample.
Treatment with levothyroxine is usually offered if it stays raised and you have symptoms, if the antibodies are positive, or if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. Tiredness alone, with a TSH of 5.4, is more often something else.
Source: NIDDK, thyroid tests
See a doctor promptly if
- Drowsiness, confusion or slow breathing in someone known to have an underactive thyroid. This needs emergency care.
- Very low body temperature with slowed thinking and extreme tiredness
- A resting heart rate under 50 beats per minute with dizziness or fainting
- New neck swelling, trouble swallowing, or a hoarse voice lasting over three weeks
- A high TSH found during pregnancy or while trying to conceive
- New chest pain or a racing heartbeat after starting thyroid hormone replacement
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Answered by the AskDoc Medical Team · Medically reviewed under our Medical Director, MBBS · How we review
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