You received your test results but still need help determining if they fall under the normal range. Read this section to know if your results range between the T3, T4, and TSH normal range.
What Do T3, T4, and TSH Test Results Mean?
Diagnosing the tests will determine the number of hormones produced by the pituitary gland. Whether they fall under the T3, T4, or TSH normal range or are slightly more than normal - the diagnosis can help you with an adequate cure in case you have any thyroid issues.
What Is T3, T4, TSH Test Normal Range?
Need to understand whether your test results come under the T3 T4 TSH normal range? Read this section to decipher your results.
- T3 (triiodothyronine): The normal range is usually between 100-200 ng/dL. High levels of T3 may indicate an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), while low levels of T3 may indicate an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).
- T4 (thyroxine): Normal range is usually between 5-11 μg/dL. High levels of T4 may indicate hyperthyroidism, while low levels of T4 may indicate hypothyroidism.
- TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone): Normal range is usually between 0.4-4.5 mIU/L. High levels of TSH may indicate an underactive thyroid gland, while low levels of TSH may indicate an overactive thyroid gland.
If your levels fall outside of the normal range, your healthcare provider will likely recommend additional tests and evaluations to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal results. These may include imaging tests, such as a thyroid ultrasound, or further blood tests to evaluate other hormones and markers of thyroid function.
What Medical Conditions Can Cause High T3, T4, and TSH Levels?
If your test results show higher than normal levels, the following medical conditions might be causing your thyroid symptoms.
- Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to elevated T3 and T4. In turn, this can cause the pituitary gland to produce less TSH, resulting in low levels of TSH
- Thyroid nodules or goiter: These are growths or enlargements of the thyroid gland that can cause it to produce too much thyroid hormone and result in elevated T3 and/or T4 levels
- Thyroiditis: This refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can cause it to release excessive amounts of thyroid hormone and result in high T3 and/or T4 levels.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the body's demand for thyroid hormone increases, which can cause the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone and result in elevated T3 and/or T4 levels.
What Medical Conditions Can Cause Low T3, T4, and TSH Test Levels?
If your test results show lower than normal levels, the following medical conditions might be causing your thyroid symptoms.
- Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, resulting in low levels of T3 and/or T4. In turn, this can cause the pituitary gland to produce more TSH, resulting in elevated levels of TSH
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis: This is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the thyroid gland, leading to reduced production of thyroid hormone and low T3 and/or T4 levels
- Pituitary gland dysfunction: The pituitary gland produces TSH, so dysfunction of this gland can lead to low TSH levels and subsequently low T3 and/or T4 levels
- Congenital hypothyroidism: This is a rare condition in which babies are born without a functioning thyroid gland or with an underdeveloped thyroid gland, leading to low T3 and/or T4 levels