Now that we know what labs to order for a proper thyroid workup, let's talk about thyroid ranges for these.

I always let patients know that these lab ranges do not operate in a vacuum. Basically, this means I look at them from a functional perspective. How are they working (or not working) together and are things working properly and efficiently?

But at the same time I think it's important that you have a rough idea of what numbers we're looking and aiming for.

TSH:

I like this below 2.0, especially if someone is on thyroid medication, even more so if they are on natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) medications. Examples of these are nature-throid, armour thyroid and WP thyroid. This is the least important lab to me when someone is on thyroid medication but it's often the only lab that is checked (unfortunately!).

Free T4:

I like this greater than 1 and up to around 2.

Free T3:

This is the most important number. Generally I like this between 3-4, even up to 4.5. This number will vary with NDT depending on how long before getting labs drawn you took your medicine. Ideally labs would be drawn 3-4 hours after your last medication dose.

Reverse T3:

My range for this is below 15 but some people vie for less than 12.

Antibodies:

I generally utilize the normal lab range for these and they seem to work just fine.

What else do you need answers for?

McCall