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SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM
A report from the University of Nebraska shows that people with an abnormal TSH thyroid test should receive thyroid pills, even if they have no symptoms of low thyroid function.
A blood test called TSH is the most dependable test to diagnose low-thyroid function. Most people who have high blood levels of TSH have signs of low thyroid function including tiredness, weakness, weight gain, and decreased deep tendon reflexes. However, some people have high blood TSH levels have no signs or symptoms of low thyroid function. Doctors call this subclinical hypothyroidism and they usually do not prescribe thyroid replacement pills.
This study shows that people with low TSH tests and no symptoms can have abnormal cholesterol levels as the only sign of low thyroid function and therefore should be treated with thyroid pills. If further studies confirm this one, doctors should prescribe thyroid pills for most people who have high blood levels of TSH signifying low thyroid function. See report #G171.
Effects of subclinical hypothyroidism and its treatment on serum lipids. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 2003, Vol 37, Iss 5, pp 725-730 BA Ineck, TMH Ng. Ng TMH, Univ Nebraska, Med Ctr, Dept Pharm Practice,986045 Nebraska Med Ctr, Omaha,NE 68198 USA
Checked 8/9/05