Subclinical hypothyroidism is when a person’s peripheral thyroid hormone levels are within normal range, but serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are mildly elevated. Subclinical hypothyroidism is also called mild thyroid failure, and usually progresses as a person ages.
According to the National Institutes of Health, 3 percent to 8 percent of the population is estimated to have subclinical hypothyroidism, which is sometimes treated with levothyroxine to prevent thyroid hormone levels from declining further. Women are more likely than men to have clinical hypothyroidism.
Doctor: Your Tiny Thyroid Linked to Heart, Obesity, Diabetes, Arthritis and 59 Diseases! More Info Here
Even though full hypothyroidism has not yet developed in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, there may be symptoms that show themselves at the subclinical stage. Although many with subclinical hypothyroidism are not symptomatic, the Colorado Thyroid Disease Prevalence Study found that nearly 30 percent of subclinical hypothyroidism sufferers showed symptoms consistent with
hypothyroidism, according to the Endocrine Society.
Of the many symptoms of hypothyroidism, a few are most common in those with subclinical hypothyroidism,
according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Fatigue is a common symptom with subclinical hypothyroidism, and can also include lethargy and weakness. Many hypothyroid sufferers have fatigue as an early symptom. Dry skin is also characteristic of both subclinical hypothyroidism and the full disease. Cold intolerance is another symptom characteristic of mild thyroid failure.
Urgent: Dr. Brownstein Reveals Important Thyroid Information You Need to Know
Other symptoms like poor memory and slow thinking, muscle weakness and cramps, weight gain, and constipation are also slightly elevated in subclinical hypothyroidism sufferers compared to those without any signs of the malady,
according to the Endocrine Society.
Treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism can vary due to different opinions on clinical outcomes. Sometimes the condition seems to reverse itself or never progresses to full hypothyroidism, so doctors may choose to wait and retest hormone levels before deciding how to treat the condition.
WebMD points out that only 10 percent of those with subclinical hypothyroidism develop the disease within three years.
Special: Real Truth About Iodized Salt. The Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know This!
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.