The thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) gene has been defined as a highly mutable gene. Mutations in the TSHR gene result in either gain or loss of the receptor function. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is a clinical condition defined as an elevated serum TSH level associated with normal free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine. Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis is the most frequent cause of subclinical hypothyroidism in adults. In rare cases, a loss-of-function mutation of TSHR is the cause of SH. In the present study, a novel TSHR mutation (V87L; confirmed to be a loss-of-function mutation) was identified in a 59-year-old Chinese woman, as the potential cause of the patient's subclinical hypothyroidism. The case may provide valuable insight into the etiology of SH.