Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Subclinical Hypothyroidism is mild thyroid failure and should be treated. Mild thyroid failure represents an early stage of thyroid disease that will commonly progress to overt hypothyroidism. Women throughout Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Miami can suffer from Subclinical Hypothyroidism and may not even know it.
Subclinical hypothyroidism occurs when thyrotropin (TSH) levels are elevated but thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels are normal. In primary hypothyroidism, TSH levels are high and T4 and T3 levels are low. TSH usually increases when T4 and T3 levels drop. TSH prompts the thyroid gland to make more hormone. In subclinical hypothyroidism, TSH is elevated but below the limit representing overt hypothyroidism. The levels of the active hormones will be within the laboratory reference ranges.
Are you at risk?
Too often women are told their thyroid is normal without having a complete thyroid tests done. What many physicians, don’t realize is that a ‘normal range’ on a laboratory report is just that: a range. A given person may require higher or lower levels to feel well and to function optimally.
What’s the next step?
At our South Florida clinic, we will review the lab results along with the clinical picture described by the patient. General oversights are particularly common with a type of thyroid disease called thyroiditis, which is about 25 times more common in women than men. A woman may experience the symptoms of disease months to years before TSH levels rise.
If you think you’re experiencing issues with your thyroid, call The Women’s Wellness Center today to schedule an appointment.
