The hayware-hormone problem

Too little of two active thyroid hormones (a condition called hypothyroidism) can make you cold,tired,forgetful,and depressed.Too much of those hormones (hyperthyroidism)can make you sweaty,shaky and irritable.A third -thyroid-stimulating hormone (tsh)-keeps the others in balance.But in subclinical thyroid disease.TSH levels become abnormally loe (below 45) or abnormally high (above 45), while the active hormones remain in the normal range.
Should subclinical thyroid disease be treated? A review of 195 studies found little evidence that medication improve long term-risks for mild cases.But close monitoring is in order,says kenneth Borman,md., president-elect of the AMERICAN THYROID ASSOCIATION ;Over 10 years ,10 to 20 percent of people with subclinical hypothyroidism davelop overt disease.''That less likely to happen with subclinical hypothyroidsm may be at the higher risk of hypertension and high cholesterol.
Get tested if you experience symptoms or have a family history of of thyroid disease,or if you've ever had any thyroid abnormallity,including after pregnancy.If youR TSH is abnormal have a follow up test within the next three months.Some subclinical disorders resolve on their own,but if yours doesnt the test,along with a measure of the other major thyroid hormones,will help determine whether you're a candidate for treatment...