What is considered subclinical hypothyroidism?
Abstract. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), also called mild thyroid failure, is diagnosed when peripheral thyroid hormone levels are within normal reference laboratory range but serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are mildly elevated. This condition occurs in 3% to 8% of the general population.
What is the most common cause of subclinical hypothyroidism?
The most common cause of subclinical hypothyroidism is a condition known as Hashimoto thyroiditis, a disease that involves inflammation and damage to the thyroid gland because of antibodies against a person’s own thyroid gland.
What levels are considered subclinical hypothyroidism?
Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined as a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level of 4.6 to 10 mIU/L. A normal TSH level is 0.4 to 4.0 and full-blown hypothyroidism is 10 or higher.
Should I take medicine for subclinical hypothyroidism?
In subclinical hypothyroidism with TSH >10 mIU/L, treatment is indicated. In milder subclinical hypothyroidism, a wait-and-see strategy is advocated to see if normalization occurs. However, individuals with cardiovascular risk and subclinical hypothyroidism may benefit from levothyroxine treatment.
How serious is subclinical hypothyroidism?
According to published research, 3 to 8 percent of people have subclinical hypothyroidism. This condition can progress to full-blown hypothyroidism. In one study, 26.8 percent of those with subclinical hypothyroidism developed full-blown hypothyroidism within 6 years of their initial diagnosis.
How quickly can TSH levels change?
Because a single test can be misleading, a second test is usually done 2 or 3 months later. In both tests, the blood is taken at the same time of day because TSH levels can fluctuate over the course of 24 hours.
Does underactive thyroid cause puffy face?
A swollen face is one of the common Hypothyroidism Symptoms that people experience. A swollen face that is caused by low thyroid function is often referred to by medical professionals as “myxoedema.”