Skip to main content
Tags: thyroid | disease | seniors | elderly

Thyroid Disease and Seniors: What You Should Know

By    |   Tuesday, 12 April 2016 05:59 PM EDT

Thyroid disease in seniors can be a diagnostic challenge because it is often a great “masquerader” with symptoms that are easy to miss, according to an article in the Southern Medical Journal.

The symptoms of both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) aren’t always the same as the classic symptoms in younger age groups, and they can often mimic cardiac and other symptoms that are typical for other disease that affect the elderly, the journal said.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The One Secret to a Healthy Thyroid

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are different in older patients than in younger patients Dr. Leslie M.C. Goldenberg, a geriatric internist and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, explains for the Thyroid Foundation of Canada.

For younger patients, these two conditions result in symptoms that are very different from each other, but in seniors, they can sometimes appear exactly the same in terms of symptoms, she says. Also, the symptoms particularly of hyperthyroidism may not be as pronounced in seniors as they are in younger patients.

These challenges among others make proper diagnosis extremely difficult but crucial for the health of the patient.

Hypothyroidism is much more common in patients over the age of 60, according to the American Thyroid Association. The risk continues to increase as people age. As with hyperthyroidism, the symptoms may be less pronounced or may not appear in multiples as with younger patients. The memory and cognitive difficulties associated with hypothyroidism for young patients may be dismissed as being typical of normal aging.

ALERT: Your Tiny Thyroid Causing Hidden Problems: Heart, Obesity, Worse

The American Thyroid Association estimates that as many as one in every four nursing home patients has undiagnosed hypothyroidism.

In order to diagnose the condition, physicians usually need a high degree of suspicion that underactive thyroid exists. The decision to treat hypothyroidism may depend on the results of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test, but it might be appropriate to repeat the test in a few months to confirm the results.

As for treatment, the American Thyroid Association explains that any actions to correct a thyroid imbalance are usually more gradual than in younger patients so that excess stress isn’t put on the heart and nervous system.

SPECIAL: The Real Truth About Iodized Salt the Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know

© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


FastFeatures
Thyroid disease in seniors can be a diagnostic challenge because it is often a great "masquerader" with symptoms that are easy to miss, according to an article in the Southern Medical Journal.
thyroid, disease, seniors, elderly
389
2016-59-12
Tuesday, 12 April 2016 05:59 PM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.

PLEASE NOTE: All information presented on Newsmax.com is for informational purposes only. It is not specific medical advice for any individual. All answers to reader questions are provided for informational purposes only. All information presented on our websites should not be construed as medical consultation or instruction. You should take no action solely on the basis of this publication’s contents. Readers are advised to consult a health professional about any issue regarding their health and well-being. While the information found on our websites is believed to be sensible and accurate based on the author’s best judgment, readers who fail to seek counsel from appropriate health professionals assume risk of any potential ill effects. The opinions expressed in Newsmaxhealth.com and Newsmax.com do not necessarily reflect those of Newsmax Media. Please note that this advice is generic and not specific to any individual. You should consult with your doctor before undertaking any medical or nutritional course of action.

 

Interest-Based Advertising | Do not sell or share my personal information

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© 2025 Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Download the Newsmax App
NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© 2025 Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved