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Subclinical hyperthyroidism

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By Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS

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You may have a very mild form of hyperthyroidism called subclinical hyperthyroidism if your thyroid tests show that:

Subclinical hyperthyroidism is different from hyperthyroidism, because your TSH levels are low but your thyroid hormone levels are normal.

If you have subclinical hyperthyroidism, you may have no symptoms at all or you may lose weight or feel anxious.

People with subclinical hyperthyroidism have a greater chance of having some of the more serious problems related to hyperthyroidism such as heart and bone problems. But experts do not know whether the benefits of treating subclinical hyperthyroidism outweigh the risks. For this reason, if you have subclinical hyperthyroidism, your doctor will probably just watch you closely.

Credits

Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology & Metabolism
Last Updated December 3, 2007
Last Updated: 12/03/2007