Thyroid

Do I worry for Borderline or Subclinical Hypo-Hyper-thyroidism?

What are subclinical or borderline thyroid problems?

When the level of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) are normal and there is a variation in the level of TSH, it is called as subclinical or borderline thyroid disorders i.e., with high TSH, it is called as subclinical hypothyroidism and low TSH called as subclinical hyperthyroidism.

You are not expected to have symptoms of low or high thyroid with these reports, so it is also called biochemical hypo- or hyperthyroidism, as the abnormality is in blood report.

Does subclinical hypothyroidism need to be treated?

There is an ongoing debate regarding the significance of Subclinical Hypothyroidism and the need for treatment. More awareness and frequent blood checking made subclinical hypothyroidism commoner.

The body always try to correct abnormality, so unless there is pressing reason we prefer to wait and see for some time with a repeated blood test.

Subclinical hypothyroidism needs to be treated in

  • Pregnant women
  • Women planning conception
  • Men taking treatment for infertility
  • People with elevated cholesterol levels
  • Cardiac abnormalities, heart failure
  • Depression

Does subclinical hyperthyroidism need treatment?

It is always better to do a retest of the thyroid functions after 3-4 weeks and then decide on the further course of action. If you are symptomatic it may be worthwhile to start on a small dose of anti-thyroid medication.

If there is failure to decrease the levothyroxine dose when TSH level is suppressed below the normal range which can occur without the free T4 level rising above normal.

This state is considered to represent subclinical hyperthyroidism and although formerly it was thought to be harmless, it is now believed to be associated with undesired effects on bone density(osteoporosis) and cardiac function and to be a possible cause of neuropsychologic symptoms and other mild manifestations of hyperthyroidism.

Is spontaneous recovery possible in subclinical thyroid disorders?

Yes, a person with both subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can spontaneously recover. This is why we prefer to wait and see for sometime before starting treatment.

admin

Share
Published by
admin

Recent Posts

Planning to travel during a pandemic?

We are at home for quite sometime now due to Covid 19 pandemic, trying our…

4 years ago

Why should I bother about Trans Fat?

What is Trans fat? Trans fat is considered the worst type of fat we can…

4 years ago

What to do if tested positive for Covid?

As per the current practice in INDIA, when you are positive you will be in…

4 years ago

How to Boost Immunity after COVID 19?

Red Bell Peppers Use bright bell peppers in Indian or continental cuisines to keep your…

4 years ago

Top 10 FAQs on Sex Hormones

What are sex hormones? Hormones which are secreted by the testis in males and ovaries…

4 years ago

Top 10 FAQs on Obesity

How does Obesity worsen the general condition? Obesity is one of the major risk factors…

4 years ago