In patients suffering from hypothyroidism, it is observed that in some cases, the TSH (thyrotropin stimulating hormone) levels are increased whereas the thyroid hormone level i.e., T4 levels are normal. This condition is referred to as the sub clinical hypothyroidism. The sub clinical hypothyroidism is believed to be an early stage of hypothyroidism. The patients in this case have mild abnormalities pertaining to serum lipoproteins and cardiac functions.

The diagnosis of the sub clinical hypothyroidism becomes difficult if we look at just the symptoms as its symptoms may be mistaken for normal conditions in our body related to age and various other factors. So, the best diagnosis for sub clinical hypothyroidism is by undergoing a blood test which checks the amount of TSH present in the blood.

The symptoms of sub clinical hypothyroidism are almost similar to the hypothyroidism and are as follows:

• Fatigue accompanied by weakness
• Dry skin
• Excessive weight gain
• Cramps
• Slowing of reflexes
• Constipation
• Slowing of the heart beat
• Dried skin
• Bad and coarse quality of hair
• Menorrhagia
• Loss of hearing etc.

The various causes associated with sub clinical hypothyroidism are as follows:

• Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis
• Treatment of the grave’s disease
• Radioactive iodine therapy carried out for hyperthyroidism
• Antithyroid medications and drugs
• Head and neck surgery
• Iodine deficiency
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery of the thyroid gland
• Grave’s disease.

After the diagnosis of the sub clinical hypothyroidism, the treatment which should be followed is:
Since in this case, the TSH levels are greater, so, the Levothyroxine is an important component used for treatment as in this case, it converts to T3 and the level of T3 and T4 is maintained in the blood. The quantity of the Levothyroxine is varied according to the conditions. The sub clinical hypothyroidism affects the bone density as well as causes cardiac problems with age.