Marker group

Thyroid Function

Plain-English guides to the thyroid function markers we measure and what your results mean, written to inform the conversation with your practitioner.

Markers in this group

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)TSH is the signal your brain sends to tell your thyroid how hard to work. A TSH blood test is the usual first check of thyroid health — a normal result largely rules out a thyroid problem, while a result outside the range tells your GP where to look next. It is one of the most common tests in Australia, and most issues it picks up are common and manageable.

Reading results in this group

a little low

Your thyroid gland regulates metabolism, energy, and many body functions. Low TSH or elevated thyroid hormones may indicate the thyroid is overactive. Thyroid conditions are common in Australia, particularly in women, and are very manageable once identified.

Feeling jittery, experiencing unexplained weight changes, or noticing a racing heart?

Possible reasons:

This can relate to medication timing, recent illness, or pituitary-thyroid regulation.

Next steps: Discuss with your GP. They may consider repeat testing or additional thyroid hormones.

in range

Your thyroid function markers are in the expected range, supporting healthy metabolism and energy regulation.

Possible reasons:

Stable dosing, timing, and health often support in-range results.

Next steps: No follow-up is usually needed.

a little high

Elevated TSH may indicate your thyroid is underactive, which is common and manageable. Symptoms do not always match numbers; the full thyroid panel helps with interpretation.

Feeling unusually tired, gaining weight despite no change in habits, or feeling cold all the time?

Possible reasons:

This can relate to medication timing, iodine intake, or thyroid regulation.

Next steps: Discuss with your GP. They can determine if any further assessment or monitoring would be helpful for your situation.

Test your thyroid function

NATA-accredited testing. Results in 2–5 days. No GP referral required.

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