The body has a number of glands, which among its main functions is the synthesis of hormones for different metabolic functions in the human body.
However, there are some cases where this production of hormonesis affected as in the case of subclinical hyperthyroidism, which affects the quality of life of many people.
In this opportunity, we present this article where we give you information about what subclinical hyperthyroidism is and what are the possible causes of its appearance.
What is subclinical hyperthyroidism?
Subclinical hyperthyroidism is a thyroid disease considered a biochemical phenomenon in patients. This condition is framed within the pathologies called subclinical thyroid dysfunction. (1)
It is characterized by the presence in the blood of thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), produced by the thyroid gland at normal levels, but with undetectable TSH (thyroid gland stimulating hormone) levels, and which controls the amount of thyroid hormone produced. (2)
Note: Subclinical hyperthyroidism has been associated with an increased risk of hip, spine, and other fractures due to decreased bone mineral density. (3)
What causes subclinical hyperthyroidism?
Subclinical hyperthyroidism manifests itself due to a series of causes , which we mention below:
1. Graves’ disease
Graves Basedow’s disease occurs due to excessive activation of the thyroid gland .
To highlight: Some clinical studies indicate that in patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism, endogenous causes such as nodular thyroid disease, Graves-Basedow disease, subacute thyroiditis, and silent or postpartum thyroiditis occur. (4)
2. Toxic multinodular goiter
Toxic multinodular goiter is characterized by the enlargement of the thyroid gland and in some place or several of its areas they have increased in size, forming nodules that produces too much thyroid hormone .
You should know: Certain clinical studies on this disease characterized by thyroid enlargement have associated toxic multinodular goiter with subclinical or overt hyperthyroidism. (5)
3. Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis is the medical term used to describe inflammation of the thyroid gland, due to an autoimmune disease. (6)
Note: Scientific articles describe that subclinical hyperthyroidism manifests itself in patients with subacute thyroiditis and with silent thyroiditis.
4. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the mother’s hormone levels tend to adjust to meet her demands and those of the pregnant woman, which is why Subclinical thyroid dysfunction can occur , including hypothyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism.
To highlight: A scientific study indicates that the presence of hyperthyroidism in any of its modalities has a very low prevalence . (7)
What symptoms does subclinical hyperthyroidism have?
Subclinical hyperthyroidism has its characteristic symptoms, which we briefly mention below:
1. Palpitations, tremors and nervousness
One of the incidences of the subclinical picture of hyperthyroidism is on the cardiovascular system, which, despite the fact that patients are asymptomatic , Can present cardiac arrhythmias , tremors and nervousness, which can be attributed to other pathologies such as stress.
You should know: It has been described in scientific articles that subclinical hyperthyroidism can have repercussions on the cardiovascular system . (8)
2. Fatigue, insomnia and weight loss
Another of the incidences of subclinical hyperthyroidism when it is not diagnosed in time, are symptoms of fatigue, insomnia and weight loss , because this disease also disrupts the metabolic process of the organism .
3. Little tolerance to heat and sweating
Another of the medium and long-term consequences of subclinical hyperthyroidism is that patients usually have little tolerance for heat and consequently may have excessive sweating, due to Metabolic Uncontrol .
How is subclinical hyperthyroidism treated?
To treat subclinical hyperthyroidismthere are several therapeutic strategies, of which we mention two of the most used:
1. Drugs indicated by specialist
Drug therapy indicated by a specialist doctor, in this case an endocrinologist, will be aimed at restoring thyroid function.
Important: It should be noted that due to theimperceptibility of its symptoms, on those occasions where there are manifestations that are not part of everyday life, have relatives with thyroid gland disorders and are in the population at risk, you should attend the consultation so that the doctor performs a medical evaluation.
2. Surgery
In those cases, where subclinical hyperthyroidism iscaused by a thyroid neoplasm or large goiter, surgery is undoubtedly the strategy to be used to correct these malformations andrestore the functionality of the thyroid gland.
Key Findings
- Subclinical hyperthyroidism is a thyroid disease considered a biochemical phenomenon in patients.
- Subclinical hyperthyroidism has been associated with bone pathologies .
- Subclinical hyperthyroidism falls within the pathologies called subclinical thyroid dysfunction .
- Subclinical hyperthyroidism occurs in Graves-Basedow disease and toxic multinodular goiter.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.