Common mistakes around TSH Männer

Common mistakes around TSH in men include assuming the same reference range as for women. Men typically have lower baseline TSH, so standard lab cutoffs may misclassify euthyroid individuals as hyperthyroid. Age is another factor: TSH increases with age, and a value normal for a 70-year-old might indicate subclinical hypothyroidism in a younger man. Relying solely on TSH without measuring free T3 and T4 is a frequent error, as it misses central or peripheral thyroid disorders. Medications like biotin (common in hair supplements) or glucocorticoids can falsely lower TSH. Circadian variation (TSH peaks at night) and acute illness or fasting also affect results. Additionally, autoimmune thyroiditis (TPO antibodies) is underdiagnosed in men because it is less expected. These insights are based on clinical practice and guidelines, not on the provided context documents. Therefore, the evidence level is practice-based.