Therefore measurement of both hormones provides an even more accurate evaluation of thyroid function. If the T4 is low and the TSH is normal, that is more likely to indicate a problem with the pituitary. Most would consider a level above 50 to be somewhat elevated. A fasting insulin of 10-13 generally indicates some insulin resistance, and levels above 13 indicate greater insulin resistance. Good control reduces the risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
Elevated levels are a risk factor for coronary artery disease.
Increased levels are associated with increased risk of heart disease. The HDL level is usually estimated by taking total cholesterol and subtracting LDL, rather than by direct measure. Some doctors will suggest an oral glucose tolerance test in addition to the tests above for insulin resistance. Nearly all patients with PCOS will have at least some subtle laboratory abnormalities, though the levels may not be outside normal limits. Lab values that are at the upper or lower end of the normal range may show a tendency toward a problem rather than a discrete abnormality.