Thyroid Disorders

Some people over age 60 have few, if any, classic hypothyroidism symptoms, while others experience the same symptoms younger people do. Still others have hypothyroidism symptoms that are not typical at all, making the diagnosis even more difficult. Any of the following signs and symptoms can indicate hypothyroidism in an older person.

Unexplained high cholesterol: High cholesterol is sometimes the only evidence of an underactive thyroid in an older person. The problem might be diagnosed as a cholesterol disorder rather than hypothyroidism. Because this sign may stand alone, high cholesterol warrants a thyroid evaluation.

Heart failure: Reduced blood volume, weaker contractions of the heart muscle, and a slower heart rate—all caused by low thyroid hormone levels—can contribute to heart failure, a serious condition that occurs when your heart can't pump out enough blood to meet the needs of your body. The ineffective pumping also causes blood to back up in the veins that return blood to the heart. Blood backs up all the way into the lungs, which causes them to become congested with fluid. Symptoms of heart failure include breathlessness, swelling in the ankles, weakness, and fatigue.

Bowel movement changes: An older person with hypothyroidism might have constipation because stool moves more slowly through the bowels. A less common hypothyroidism symptom is frequent bouts of diarrhea—a problem more typically associated with hyperthyroidism. Some people with an autoimmune thyroid disease such as Hashimoto's also have celiac disease, another autoimmune condition that can cause diarrhea.

Joint or muscle pain: Vague joint pain is a classic hypothyroidism symptom. It sometimes is the only symptom of hypothyroidism in an older person. Many people experience general muscle aches, particularly in large muscle groups like those in the legs.

Psychiatric problems: Clinical depression—a common symptom in younger people with hypothyroidism—can also affect older people with the condition. The difference is that in older people it can be the only hypothyroidism symptom. Some older adults also develop psychosis with delusional behavior or hallucinations.

Dementia: Debilitating memory loss that is often, but not always, accompanied by depression or psychosis can also be the lone symptom of hypothyroidism. If you or a loved one is being evaluated for dementia, make sure that a thyroid test is part of the evaluation.

Balance problems: Hypothyroidism can lead to abnormalities in the cerebellum (a region at the back of the brain that's involved in motor control). This may cause problems with walking in older people.

Other symptoms associated with Thyroid Disorders: Have you ever thought, "Could it be my thyroid?"

(1) If you're always cold or tired,
(2) You can't lose weight,
(3) You have brittle hair and fingernails, or
(4) You have other unexplained health issues

The answer may be "yes."

Untreated, a thyroid disease can make you feel lousy. It can also increase your odds of having high cholesterol, developing atherosclerosis, and having a heart attack.

Tests
Fortunately, new tests are making it possible to give you a precise account of how well your thyroid gland is functioning and help determine the cause of the problem. Then, for many forms of thyroid disease, treatment is usually a matter of taking the correct amount of medication. You can go on with your life with your disease in check.

Harvard Health Report
But what are the risk factors for thyroid disease? The symptoms? The treatments? You'll find out in Thyroid Disease, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. It explains the mechanics of the thyroid gland and the disorders that can trigger a thyroid condition. Most important, it gives you the information you need to work with your doctor to quickly and effectively detect thyroid disease and to optimize a treatment plan that will work best for you.

The report explains how thyroid hormone controls your body's metabolism and what occurs when your thyroid produces too little thyroid hormone (called hypothyroidism) or too much (called hyperthyroidism). You will learn about medications that can cause temporary hypothyroidism; about Graves' disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism; and the role of nodules and goiters in thyroid disease for older adults.

There's no need to wonder — or to worry. You can learn the facts about thyroid disease, its diagnosis, and its treatment. This report can help you understand the latest advances in diagnosing and treating thyroid disease and use that knowledge to take active steps for your health.

Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/thyroid-disease-understanding-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=HB20190223-Thyroid&utm_id=1242089&dlv-ga-memberid=56138162&mid=56138162&ml=1242089