What is the American Thyroid Association TSH level for the elderly?
According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), normal serum TSH ranges are higher in older adults compared to younger patients, meaning a mildly elevated TSH may be normal with age. So, what is the American Thyroid Association TSH level for the elderly? Rather than a single strict number, the ATA suggests considering higher target TSH ranges for older individuals with hypothyroidism. This approach accounts for the natural physiological changes associated with aging and helps to reduce unnecessary overtreatment of subclinical hypothyroidism in older populations.