Subclinical hypothyroidism

Subclinical hypothyroidism is usually a laboratory diagnosis without significant symptoms and is defined by an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (thyrotropin, TSH) with normal thyroid hormone levels. On laboratory checks after two to three months, spontaneous normalization is found in 50 % of all cases in the sense of a transient elevation. With persistently elevated TSH levels, subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with evidence of thyroid-specific antibodies in the sense of autoimmune thyroiditis. Physiologically higher TSH levels are found in old age. It can therefore be assumed that the diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism is made and treated too frequently in older people over 70 years of age. Studies have so far failed to show a positive effect of substitution therapy of subclinical hypothyroidism, especially in elderly patients. On the other hand, there is a not inconsiderable risk of overtreatment with the development of subclinical hyperthyroidism. Its negative consequences in the form of atrial fibrillation and osteoporosis impair the quality and duration of life. Therefore, the indication for substitution therapy of subclinical hypothyroidism should be made with caution. One group in which diagnosis and therapy require special sensitivity is pregnant women. Here, two individuals, mother and child, must be treated. Varying target values and dosages in relation to the gestational age must be taken into account.