What is the interpretation of a Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level of 1.02 and a Thyroxine (T4) level of 132?

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Interpretation of TSH 1.02 and T4 132

Normal Thyroid Function

These laboratory values indicate normal thyroid function (euthyroidism) and require no treatment or intervention. 1, 2

Understanding Your Results

  • TSH of 1.02 mIU/L falls well within the normal reference range of 0.45-4.12 mIU/L, representing optimal thyroid function close to the geometric mean of 1.4 mIU/L found in disease-free populations 1, 3

  • T4 of 132 nmol/L (assuming units of nmol/L, equivalent to approximately 10.2 mcg/dL) is solidly within the normal range, confirming adequate thyroid hormone production 1, 2

  • The combination of normal TSH with normal T4 definitively excludes both overt and subclinical thyroid dysfunction with greater than 99% accuracy 1, 3

Clinical Significance

  • TSH is the most sensitive screening test for thyroid function, with sensitivity above 98% and specificity greater than 92% 1, 4

  • Your TSH value indicates the pituitary-thyroid feedback loop is functioning normally, with appropriate thyroid hormone production 3, 5

  • Individual variation in thyroid function tests within a person over time is quite narrow (typically <10%), meaning these values likely represent your stable baseline 6

What This Rules Out

  • Hypothyroidism (overt or subclinical): TSH would be elevated above 4.5 mIU/L 1, 2

  • Hyperthyroidism (overt or subclinical): TSH would be suppressed below 0.1-0.45 mIU/L 1, 7

  • Central hypothyroidism: Both TSH and T4 would be low or inappropriately normal with symptoms 1

No Action Required

  • No treatment is indicated - these values represent normal thyroid function 1, 2

  • No repeat testing is necessary unless symptoms of thyroid dysfunction develop (unexplained fatigue, weight changes, temperature intolerance, palpitations) 1, 2

  • Routine screening intervals are not recommended for asymptomatic individuals with normal thyroid function tests 1

Important Context

  • TSH values can be transiently affected by acute illness, certain medications, or recent iodine exposure, but your normal values make these concerns irrelevant 1

  • If you are currently taking levothyroxine, these values suggest appropriate dosing with TSH in the target range of 0.5-4.5 mIU/L 1

References

Guideline

Initial Treatment for Elevated TSH

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Management of Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Research

[The interpretation of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) assay].

Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde, 2003

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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