3.17b_02 Subclinical Hypothyroidism Diagnosis and Management

Subclinical hypothyroidism diagnosis and management
Session overview
Description
This session covers the presentation, diagnosis, investigation and initial management of hypothyroidism in primary care.

This session was reviewed by Khyati Bakhai and last updated in June 2021.

Learning objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• describe the main causes of hypothyroidism in the UK
• explain how to interpret thyroid results when the TSH is abnormal but free T4 is within normal limits
• describe how to assess the risk of progression from subclinical hypothyroidism to overt disease

In the UK, hypothyroidism is usually due to autoimmune hypothyroidism, thyroid damage after surgery or radioactive iodine therapy. The incidence of overt hypothyroidism is estimated at 40 per 10,000 women a year and 6 per 10,000 men a year. The prevalence is 1.9% in women and 0.1% in men.

In addition, it is thought that there are a considerable number of undiagnosed patients who suffer from ‘subclinical hypothyroidism’.