Reunion273,

That would be the TSH level (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) and it is a pituitary hormone rather than a thyroid one but is very accurate and sensitive in reflecting how well the thyroid gland is functioning. It will actually become abnormal in early-onset thyroid disease cases, even before the thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) fall outside of normal range.

TSH begins to rise when the thyroid gland begins underfunctioning (hypothyroidism). Many blood testing labs have a normal-values range that is approximately from "0.5 to 5.0", so that anything above 5.0 is indicative of a hypothyroid condition.

Some thyroid specializing MDs and endocrinologists believe that a TSH at 10.0 and above, reveals "overt" hypothyroidism (full blown), regardless of where the T4 and/or T3 levels are at. With a TSH of "65" as yours is, your T4 and T3 are likely below normal and you are in need of thyroid hormone replacement therapy to correct the hypothyroidism. The treatment is simple and consists of taking a pill containing the proper dose-level of thyroid hormone to correct your low levels of them.