Subclinical Hypothyroidism
When your body is producing an abnormally low amount of the thyroid hormone, you have hypothyroidism. This hormone controls your development and growth, as well as some cellular processes. Subclinical hypothyroidism is the state in which the symptoms of this condition are not visible. While they do have a normal amount of the hormone, when blood tests are taken the TSH shows higher numbers.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism & TSH
TSH stands for thyroid-stimulating hormone, also known as thyrotropin, which is a peptide hormone secreted by thyrotrope cell is located in the pituitary gland. The higher numbers indicate that the pituitary gland is having to work too hard to maintain that normal level. When a patient’s TSH goes above a certain level, she is most likely going to advance to hypothyroidism with visible symptoms.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism Can Go Untreated
Subclinical hypothyroidism is not always treated, though most often endocrinologists will treat a person that also has high cholesterol levels. By replacing thyroid hormones in the system, cholesterol levels can be expected to improve. If there is no cholesterol problem and the patient has no ill effects from the condition, the doctor will most likely keep an eye on her and repeat the blood tests in four to six months to make certain there are no changes for the worst.
Any increasing of symptoms should be acted on. Just because you aren’t feeling the effects of this condition, be aware that it is in fact an autoimmune hypothyroid disorder and needs to be dealt with. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, often associated with goiter (which usually can be avoided by simply using iodized salt), and primary myxedema, which can destroy the thyroid, can result from untreated, progressing subclinical hypothyroidism.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism: What Are The Risks?
Who is at risk for this condition? It is actually rather common, found mostly in women, though a small percentage of men also have it. Prevalence does seem to increase with age. Patients who are taking lithium or who already have Hashimoto’s disease are at higher risk, as are those who have silent, infectious, or postpartum thyroiditis.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism & Replacement Hormones
Patients who are taking inadequate amounts of replacement hormone, as well as those who have been taking anti-thyroid medications to excess, plus those who have diminished thyroid function as a result of long term, permanent treatment, a familial history of the condition, or high cholesterol are also at risk.
Subclinical hypothyroidism also increases your risk of atherosclerosis, a serious condition in which the arterial walls get clogged with fatty substances.