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Up to 20% of the United States population is estimated to have subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). This refers to blood work that demonstrates the beginning of a sluggish thyroid. As a result, one may experience fatigue, cold intolerance, lack of energy, and several other signs and symptoms. The problem is that most doctors do not know how to deal with it.
Most laboratories have a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level with an upper limit of 5.0 mIU/L. The higher the TSH level, the more likely you are heading towards hypothyroidism. This inverse relationship exists since TSH is a hormonal messenger from the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. When your brain senses that you do not have enough circulating thyroid hormones, the pituitary gland releases higher amounts of TSH. The European Thyroid Association has two categories for SCH: mildly increased TSH levels (4.0-10.0 mU/l) and more severely increased TSH levels (>10 mU/l). The mild category accounts for approximately 90% of SCH cases. A typical reference range for the general adult population is 0.4 and 4.0 mU/l.
Recent research has linked SCH to several adverse outcomes, including dyslipidemia, obesity, vascular dysfunction, adverse cardiovascular outcomes, diabetes, heart failure, cancer, adverse pregnancy outcomes, neuropsychological issues, and chronic kidney disease. Therefore, additional testing may be required for those diagnosed with SCH. Based on signs, symptoms, family history, and laboratory results, clinicians should be aware of the several conditions associated with a worse outcome and SCH. However, research demonstrates that a mildly increased TSH level in seniors can be normal.
Conclusion
Make sure your doctor does not disregard an elevated TSH level. At a minimum, thyroid testing should be repeated to see if the abnormality is transient or ongoing. Often, a change in diet and supplying the right nutrients can improve thyroid balance.
Evron, J. M., & Papaleontiou, M. (2021). Decision-making in subclinical thyroid disease. Medical Clinics of North America, 105(6), 1033–1045. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2021.05.014
Pearce, S. H. S., Brabant, G., Duntas, L. H., Monzani, F., Peeters, R. P., Razvi, S., & Wemeau, J.-L. (2013). 2013 ETA Guideline: Management of subclinical hypothyroidism. European Thyroid Journal, 2(4), 215–228. https://doi.org/10.1159/000356507
