Is a TSH of 7 high?
A TSH of 7 mIU/L is clearly above the normal range but still usually subclinical, meaning the thyroid is working harder yet keeping hormone levels normal. Values of 6.5 to 9.9 sit in the same band.
Most doctors repeat it within two months with free T4 and TPO antibodies rather than start a tablet on one result. If free T4 is low, that is hypothyroidism and treatment starts.
At 7 the conversation about treatment is closer than at 5: symptoms, positive antibodies, a rising trend, pregnancy, or a high cholesterol that will not shift all tip it toward levothyroxine.
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
Try the result lookupone number, free, nothing to installType the number you are holding and it lands in a band, with what usually happens next.
Answered by the AskDoc Medical Team · Medically reviewed under our Medical Director, MBBS · How we review
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