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Hyperthyroidism in the elderly is a serious clinical condition that is associated with significant morbidity. It may be difficult to diagnose due to the confounding effects of drugs and acute or chronic illnesses on the interpretation of thyroid function tests.
HYPOTHYROIDISM IN THE OLDER PATIENT. Hypothyroidism is very common in patients over 60 years of age and steadily increases with age (see Hypothyroidism brochure). Up to 1 in 4 patients in nursing homes may have undiagnosed hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. This condition also is called overactive thyroid. Hyperthyroidism speeds up the body's metabolism. That can cause many symptoms, such as weight loss, hand tremors, and rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Hyperthyroidism is common in females. Without early identification and treatment, the condition may lead to infertility, pregnancy complications, or early menopause, among other health issues.
In turn, subclinical hyperthyroidism, characterized by serum TSH levels below lower limit of the reference range and normal serum FT 4 levels, is observed in about 8% of individuals aged 65 years and older . Subclinical hyperthyroidism may be associated in older adults with decreased bone mineral density and fractures , or cognitive impairment ...
In older adults, hyperthyroidism is sometimes mistaken for depression or dementia. Older adults may have different symptoms, such as loss of appetite or withdrawal from people, than younger adults with hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) happens when your thyroid creates and releases more hormones than you need. It has multiple possible causes. The main thyroid hormones are triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
While some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in older patients are similar to those in younger patients, symptoms of both disorders often manifest in subtle ways in older patients, masquerading as diseases of the bowel or heart or a disorder of the nervous system.
Hyperthyroidism, although less common in the elderly if present, is associated with significant cardiac morbidity and mortality. Radioiodine therapy is considered a safe primary treatment in the elderly with hyperthyroidism. Management of subclinical hypo- and hyperthyroidism is still controversial.
Blood tests that measure the hormones T-4 and T-3 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) can confirm a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. A high level of T-4 and a low level of TSH is common in people with hyperthyroidism. Blood tests are particularly important for older adults because they may not have classic symptoms of hyperthyroidism.