Subclinical Hypothyroidism

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Subclinical hypothyroidism is a condition that develops when your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level is higher than normal. TSH is made in the brain and controls how much thyroid hormones are made. Thyroid hormones help control body temperature, heart rate, growth, and how you gain or lose weight.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Treatment that is too early, or too much medicine to raise your thyroid hormone levels may cause problems. Without treatment, your condition may worsen and turn into hypothyroidism. With hypothyroidism, you may gain weight, have body pains, and think, move, and talk slowly. Subclinical hypothyroidism may also increase your risk of having heart disease, mental problems, and low bone density. If you have this condition while you are pregnant, you and your baby may have problems.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Heart monitor:

This is also called an ECG or EKG. Sticky pads placed on your skin record your heart's electrical activity.

Medicines:

• Thyroid hormone: You are given this medicine to bring your thyroid hormone level back to normal.
  
  
• Other medicines: You may be given medicines to control your signs and symptoms. This includes medicine to treat problems with a slow heartbeat, depression, or trouble sleeping. If another disease or condition is found, it will also be treated.

Tests:

You may need one or more of the following:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. These tests may tell your caregiver how high or how low your TSH and thyroid hormone levels are in your blood. This information may also be used to see how well any treatments are working.
  
  
• Thyroid scan: This test shows caregivers how well your thyroid is working. Radioactive dye is put into your IV or is given to you to drink. The working part of the thyroid gland absorbs (soaks up) the dye. Two to 48 hours later, caregivers put a machine called a scintillator over your neck. The machine takes pictures showing the areas of your thyroid that absorbed the dye.
  
  
• Thyroid ultrasound: This is a test using sound waves to look at your thyroid gland. Pictures of your thyroid gland show up on a TV-like screen.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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