Doctors can diagnose subclinical hyperthyroidism by measuring the level of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in a patient's blood.
| Month | TSH level (mU/L\text{mU/L}mU/L) |
|---|---|
| January | 0.35 |
| February | 0.42 |
| March | 0.38 |
| April | 0.40 |
| May | 0.31 |
| June | 0.45 |
| July | 0.28 |
| August | 0.39 |
Calculate the percentage of the monthly readings that are strictly below the threshold of 0.40 mU/L0.40\text{ mU/L}0.40 mU/L.
Suggest two further steps or laboratory investigations the doctor should take to confirm whether the patient has permanent hyperthyroidism.
The doctor discusses a treatment option called carbimazole (an antithyroid medication) with the patient, providing her with the following information:
Information about Carbimazole treatment:
The patient is a 28-year-old female with moderate anxiety and hand tremors who is planning to start a family in the next year. She has a history of mild hepatic impairment from a previous viral infection.
Discuss the factors this specific patient should consider when making her decision about whether to start carbimazole treatment.