Thyroid medication has no effect on death rates in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism

Treating subclinical hypothyroidism with levothyroxine has no effect on overall mortality rates, according to research. Subclinical hypothyroidism is a mild form of underactive thyroid disease where patients have raised levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) but a normal concentration of free thyroid hormone. This condition is associated with certain risk factors for increased mortality such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.