BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Thyroid Health TSH debate

Six years ago, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommended using a new thyroid TSH reference range of .3 to 3.0. Six years later, however, laboratories across the U.S. still use the older range of .5 to a top level of 4.5 to 6.0.
Endocrinologists' inability to agree is causing confusion and inadequate diagnosis and treatment for thyroid patients. Because while some doctors consider a TSH level above 3.0 as evidence of hypothyroidism, others refuse to acknowledge the new guidelines, and instead cling stubbornly to the older range. And some general practice or family doctors, unaware of the controversy at all, simply review the lab reports, and base their decisions on whether the lab is flagging results as "high" or "low." And given that labs are still using the old range, that means many patients falling in the 3.0 to 5.0 range in treatment limbo.

Endocrine Today has two important new articles that address the TSH controversy, and they are must reading for all thyroid patients. I urge all thyroid patients to read these articles, so you can understand what is going on with your doctors about this issue. To contine reading, go to the following link:
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Stacie,

not only does the AACE recommend a more narrow diagnostic and treatment TSH but the U.S. Gov.-National Institutes of Health does as well.
Here's a quote from their TSH page on their MedLinePlus website:

"However, those without signs or symptoms of an underactive thyroid who have a TSH value over 2.0 mIU/L but normal T4 levels may develop hypothyroidism sometime in the future. This is called subclinical hypothyroidism (mildly underactive thyroid) or early-stage hypothyroidism. Anyone with a TSH value above this level should be followed very closely by a doctor.
...
If you are being treated for a thyroid disorder, your TSH level should be between 0.5 and 2.0 mIU/L."

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