Subclinical hyperthyroidism: to treat or not to treat?

• Published in: Postgraduate medical journal Vol. 80; no. 945; pp. 394 - 398
• Main Authors: Hoogendoorn, E H, den Heijer, M, van Dijk, A P J, Hermus, A R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London The Fellowship of Postgraduate Medicine 01.07.2004; BMJ; Oxford University Press; BMJ Group
• Subjects: Best Practice; Biological and medical sciences; BMD; Bone Density; bone mineral density; Cardiac arrhythmia; cardiac effects; Dementia - etiology; Endocrinopathies; General aspects; Health risk assessment; Heart Diseases - etiology; Humans; hyperthyroidism; Hyperthyroidism - complications; Hyperthyroidism - therapy; Medical sciences; Mood Disorders - etiology; Mortality; Non tumoral diseases. Target tissue resistance. Benign neoplasms; osteoporosis; Pituitary gland; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Quality of Life; subclinical hyperthyroidism; Thyroid cancer; thyroid stimulating hormone; Thyroid. Thyroid axis (diseases); TSH; Endocrinopathy; Medicine; Treatment; Hyperthyroidism; Thyroid diseases
• ISSN: 0032-5473; 1469-0756
• DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.2003.017095

Subclinical hyperthyroidism may be defined as the presence of free thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine levels within the reference range and a reduced serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. In this review the prevalence of low TSH in the population and health consequences of subclinical hyperthyroidism, for example, effects on heart and bone mass, are discussed. Guidelines for treatment are given, based on expert opinion.