Subclinical hypothyroidism symptoms

Kimberly Langdon M.D. What is subclinical hypothyroidism? If you experience non-specific symptoms like mild fatigue, slight cold intolerance, or reduced ability to lose weight, and your may be experiencing subclinical hypothyroidism. This state is a mild form of hypothyroidism, a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined by elevated TSH levels and T4 levels within the normal reference range. TSH is very sensitive to changes in T4. The smallest decrease in T4 can substantially increase TSH. Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Symptoms of subclinical hypothyroidism Many patients with subclinical hypothyroidism report no symptoms. Clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism present when the disease is fully developed. Still, it is not uncommon to have some more mild symptoms in the earlier stages of hypothyroidism (subclinical). There may be a correlation between higher TSH levels and the severity of symptoms. Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include: ‍ • Weakness, lethargy, fatigue • Dry skin • Coarse hair • Cold intolerance • Constipation • Weight gain • Muscle cramps • Voice hoarseness • Irregular periods ‍ Check your symptoms with this quiz: ‍ Causes of subclinical hypothyroidism The cause(s) of subclinical hypothyroidism are the same that cause overt hypothyroidism. Autoimmune thyroiditis, or Hashimoto's disease, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. The treatment of hyper...

If the second test shows high TSH but T-4 and T-3 are in the standard range, then the diagnosis is a condition called subclinical hypothyroidism. It usually doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms. TSH tests also play an important role in managing hypothyroidism over time. They help your health care provider find and maintain the right dosage of medication for you. The results of these blood tests can be affected by some medicines or supplements. This includes biotin, a vitamin taken as a stand-alone supplement or as part of a multivitamin. Before you have blood tests done, tell your health care provider about any medicines or supplements you take. Treatment Treatment for hypothyroidism usually includes taking the thyroid hormone medicine levothyroxine (Levo-T, Synthroid, others) every day. This medicine is taken by mouth. It returns hormone levels to a healthy range, eliminating symptoms of hypothyroidism. You'll likely start to feel better one or two weeks after you begin treatment. Treatment with levothyroxine likely will be lifelong. Because the dosage you need may change, your health care provider may check your TSH level every year. Finding the right dosage To find the right dosage of levothyroxine for you, your health care provider checks your level of TSH about 6 to 8 weeks after you start taking the medicine. You may need another blood test to check TSH again six months later. Too much levothyroxine can cause side effects, such as: • Tiredness. • Increased appetite....