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Subclinical Hyperthyroidism

Topic Overview

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

Subclinical hyperthyroidism is different from hyperthyroidism. 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 may just watch you closely.

Related Information

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology
Last Revised November 4, 2011

Last Revised: November 4, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology

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