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Subclinical Hypofunction

Meaning

Subclinical Hypofunction describes a state where an endocrine gland exhibits impaired function, evidenced by abnormal laboratory biomarkers, but the patient remains largely asymptomatic or presents with non-specific, mild symptoms that do not meet the criteria for overt clinical disease. This condition, such as subclinical hypothyroidism, represents an early or mild form of endocrine insufficiency that warrants careful monitoring due to its potential to progress to overt disease or contribute to systemic metabolic dysfunction. Clinical judgment is essential for determining the need for intervention.