Thyroid disorders are a leading cause of illnesses in the U.S., and many doctors are not catching what is called “subclincal thyroid disease” or they may suggest patients don’t need to worry about it.

This condition refers to a patient producing adequate amounts of active thyroid hormones — T3 and T4 — while thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is elevated or suppressed.

Subclinical patients are asymptomatic — they do not report any thyroid-related issues. Scientists examined 17,740 elderly subjects with subclinical thyroid disease, and followed the subjects for 10 years. Hypothyroidism was associated with a 75 percent increase in mortality while subclinical hyperthyroidism was found to cause a 133 percent increased risk.

There is no need to wait to treat a thyroid illness. If your doctor tells you your subclinical thyroid illness does not need treatment at an early stage, I suggest finding another doctor.

Your life may depend on it.