What is the difference between hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone to support normal body function.

Subclinical hypothyroidism is a milder or earlier stage of thyroid dysfunction. In this stage, laboratory values may still appear within the standard range, but patients may already experience symptoms of low thyroid function. Identifying subclinical thyroid issues often requires a deeper evaluation beyond a single screening test.