Abstract

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is defined as having increased amounts of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) mixed with normal levels of free thyroid hormones in the blood or within the general population’s reference range. Patients with SCH are frequently discovered during normal physical examinations because, unlike overt hypothyroidism, they may appear without any clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism. The present review aimed at investigating the diagnosis and management of SCH. This review was performed through an electronic literature search for relevant studies identified using keywords on the MEDLINE database from 2016 to 2023, subclinical, hypothyroidism, diagnosis, treatment, and management. Using Google Scholar, relevant keywords were used to search for and discover comparable papers. The articles were chosen based on definite inclusion criteria. The papers in this review were published between 2016 and 2023. In the discussion section, the study was written under specific headings. Based on laboratory testing, the diagnosis of SCH is typically straightforward: a serum TSH level above the normal laboratory reference range and an FT4 within the reference range imply the diagnosis. It is common to categorize SCH as mild (TSH 4.5-9.9 mu/l) or severe (TSH ≥10 mu/l). According to recently released worldwide recommendations, SCH patients should be carefully evaluated for therapy while considering their age, sex, peripheral targets, and lipid metabolism. In other words, the best course of action is to thoroughly identify each patient needing treatment.

Key words: Subclinical, hypothyroidism, diagnosis, treatment and management.