How to Reverse Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Subclinical hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces higher than normal levels of the thyrotropin-stimulating hormone (TSH), but levels of free thyroxine (T4, the main hormone that is secreted by the thyroid) do not fall below levels that are considered normal. This condition is typically one of the first stages of hypothyroidism, a disease in which the thyroid does not produce sufficient levels of the thyroid hormone that regulates the rate at which the body burns calories. Subclinical hypothyroidism can be reversed by therapeutic treatment with levothyroxine, which is a synthetic form of thyroxine.

Things You'll Need

• Endocrinologist
• Levothyroxine prescription

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Instructions

Causes

• 1

  Visit your endocrinologist. Indicate any symptoms you may be experiencing. Ask to be screened for subclinical hypothyroidism.

• 2

  Make a follow-up visit to your endocrinologist. If subclinical hypothyroidism is diagnosed, discuss treatment options, which will most likely involve a prescription of levothyroxine. A low dosage is levothyroxine is typically prescribed on a daily basis. A low dosage is considered between 25 and 50 micrograms (µg).

• 3

  Visit endocrinologist six to eight weeks after commencement of treatment. Have doctor do a screening to measure how treatment is working. The dosage may be increased if levels of TSH are still above normal and decreased if below normal. Dosages that are too high can result in rapid weight loss, sweating and restlessness.

• 4

  Visit endocrinologist shortly after the six-to-eight week visit to discuss results of the screening to measure how treatment is working. Discuss possible adjustments to treatment.

• 5

  Repeat Step 4 every six months.