Subclinical Hypothyroidism;Controversial Subjects and Therapeutic Regimen

준임상적 갑상선기능저하증;논란이 되는 주제들

  • Park, Ji-Hun (Department of Oriental Rehabilitation Medicine, Ilsan Oriental Medical Hospital, Dongguk University) ;
  • Kim, Ho-Jun (Department of Oriental Rehabilitation Medicine, Ilsan Oriental Medical Hospital, Dongguk University) ;
  • Lee, Myeong-Jong (Department of Oriental Rehabilitation Medicine, Ilsan Oriental Medical Hospital, Dongguk University)
  • 박지훈 (동국대학교 한방병원 재활의학과) ;
  • 김호준 (동국대학교 한방병원 재활의학과) ;
  • 이명종 (동국대학교 한방병원 재활의학과)
  • Published : 2006.12.30

Abstract

Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined as a normal serum free thyroxine level combined with an elevated thyroid stimulating hormone level. The causes of subclinical hypothyroidism are the same as those of overt hypothyroidism. There is good evidence that subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with progression to overt disease. The management of subclinical hypothyroidism is remains controversial. Patients with a serum thyroid stimulating hormone level greater than 10 mU/L have a higher incidence of elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations; however, evidence is lacking for other associations. There is insufficient evidence that hormone treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism is beneficial. The use of thyroid stimulating hormone level lone as a diagnostic and assessment tool for hypothyroidism is inadequate because this test cannot identify numerous conditions this sentence is unclear in its meaning. Using an expanded list of clinical signs and symptoms associated with dysfunction of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid axis, it is possible to hypothesize that subclinical hypothyroidism may be more common in a population of patients with early signs of age-related diseases than most practitioners realize. To improve thyroid function in subclinical hypothyroidism patients, practitioners should become familiar with foods and nutrients that can hinder or support thyroid function.

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