The  National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB) stated that it expected the reference range for adults to be reduced to 0.4–2.5 µIU/mL, because research had shown that adults with an initially measured TSH level of over 2.0 µIU/mL had "an increased odds ratio of developing hypothyroidism over the [following] 20 years, especially if thyroid antibodies were elevated".TSH concentrations in children are normally higher than in adults. In 2002, the NACB recommended age-related reference limits starting from about 1.3 to 19 µIU/mL for normal-term infants at birth, dropping to 0.6–10 µIU/mL at 10 weeks old, 0.4–7.0 µIU/mL at 14 months and gradually dropping during childhood and puberty to adult levels, 0.3–3.0 µIU/mL. : Section 2

Diagnosis of disease
TSH concentrations are measured as part of a thyroid function test in patients suspected of having an excess (hyperthyroidism) or deficiency (hypothyroidism) of thyroid hormones. Interpretation of the results depends on both the TSH and T4 concentrations. In some situations measurement of T3 may also be useful. A TSH assay is now also the recommended screening tool for thyroid disease. Recent advances in increasing the sensitivity of the TSH assay make it a better screening tool than free T4. Monitoring
The therapeutic target range TSH level for patients on treatment ranges between 0.3 and 3.0 μIU/mL.For hypothyroid patients on thyroxine, measurement of TSH alone is generally considered sufficient. An increase in TSH above the normal range indicates under-replacement or poor compliance with therapy. A significant reduction in TSH suggests over-treatment. In both cases, a change in dose may be required.
Pruritus vulvae is itchiness of the vulva, which is the counterpart of pruritus scroti, and may have many different causes. : 56   Patch testing may be used to diagnose the cause. Causes
This condition is a symptom of an underlying condition more often than it is a primary condition. Vulva irritation can be caused by any moisture left on the skin. This moisture may be perspiration, urine, vaginal discharge or small amounts of stool. It may be caused by vaginal infections, vulvitis, HPV (human papilloma virus) infection, anal incontinence, Bowens disease, or dietary irritants (caffeine, potatoes, chilli, capsicum, tomatoes, and peanuts). Treatment with antibiotics can lead to a yeast infection and irritation of the vulva. Some diseases increase the possibility of yeast infections, such as diabetes mellitus. Chronic inflammation of the vulva predisposes to the development of premalignant or malignant changes. == References ==