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Topic Overview

A health professional diagnoses mild, or subclinical, hypothyroidism through a medical history and physical examination. If your health professional suspects you have subclinical hypothyroidism, you will have lab tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Subclinical hypothyroidism is diagnosed when you have:

Recommended Related to Thyroid Disorders

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Also called Hashimoto's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease, a disorder in which the immune system turns against the body's own tissues. In people with Hashimoto's, the immune system attacks the thyroid. This can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid does not make enough hormones for the body's needs. Located in the front of your neck, the thyroid gland makes hormones that control metabolism. This includes your heart rate and how quickly your body uses calories...

Read the Hashimoto's Thyroiditis article > >

Some people with subclinical hypothyroidism may test positive for antithyroid antibodies, which indicates they have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which may cause a gradual loss of thyroid gland function.

Subclinical hypothyroidism should be watched closely. Up to 20% of women over the age of 60 have subclinical hypothyroidism; about 2% to 5% of people with subclinical disease develop hypothyroidism every year.1, 2

Some studies have shown that older adults with subclinical hypothyroidism may be more likely to have heart failure, but more research is needed.

Current research does not provide clear evidence to support treatment of every person with subclinical hypothyroidism, and many doctors disagree whether it should be treated. When making the decision to treat subclinical hypothyroidism, you and your health professional will talk about the benefits of treatment (reduced symptoms) compared to the cost of medicine and monitoring symptoms. Some studies have shown that treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism may lower cholesterol levels, but more research is needed.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 16, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

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