My tsh is 5 and t4 is 1.2 (normal), what is indicated

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing.

The normal range of TSH levels is 0.4 to 4.0 so your level is higher than normal. This could mean you have hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a disorder where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones are responsible for metabolism (the way your body breaks down food to use it for energy).

The most common cause is inflammation of the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common example of this type of inflammation. It occurs when the immune system inappropriately attacks the thyroid gland.

Severe iodine deficiency can also cause hypothyrodism. The thyroid needs iodine to make thyroid hormones so if you’re lacking in it, the thyroid can’t make the required amount.

Other causes are radiotherapy (radiation fired at the neck can damage the thyroid gland) and radiation to the brain. Radioactive iodine or surgery used to treat hyperthyroidism may induce hypothyroidism. Certain medications used to treat depression, psychosis, or heart disease may also result in hypothyroidism.

Sometimes, hypothyroidism is caused by a virus. If this is the case, it may be temporary and you may not need further treatment. In children, hypothyroidism may be caused by a congenital defect, although this is very rare and occurs in only one in 4,000 children.

Hypothyroidism can also be caused by pregnancy.

If your thyroid disease isn’t caused by a virus or the result of pregnancy, then you will need hormone replacement treatment for the rest of your life to provide you with the hormones your thyroid should have been producing, so you should carry on taking them even after you feel better.

I hope this information helps,

Best,
Susan