Thyroid Disorders Among Seniors You Should Know

Whether you have thought about it earlier or not thyroid disorders are pretty common among seniors aged 70 or above. The research conducted on this reveals that 1 in 10 seniors above the age of 70 has the problem of thyroid disorders. 

Most adult children or families have no idea of the thyroid disorders among seniors like the types of thyroid disorders among seniors. 

Consequently, we have come up with this blog to help you understand thyroid disorders among seniors. 

Kinds of Thyroid Disorders Seniors Have

There are numerous kinds of thyroid disorders elderly are prone to which in turn can impact the thyroid hormones produced. The most common thyroid disorders among seniors include hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. 

Hypothyroidism- Hypothyroidism among seniors occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This results in a slow metabolism and causes the senior body to use more energy slowly. 

Hyperthyroidism- This condition refers to the overproduction of thyroid hormones. This results in their body using the body’s energy more quickly compared to other times. Some of the symptoms of this condition among seniors include anxiety, heart palpitations, rapid weight loss, and excessive sweating. 

Causes of Thyroid Disorders Among Seniors

Senior women are more likely to develop such conditions than senior men. Compared to younger adults, seniors are likely to develop hyperthyroidism. Some common causes of thyroid disorders among the elderly include: 

Diabetes

One of the most prominent causes of thyroid disorders among the elderly is diabetes. Seniors having diabetes are more prone to develop thyroid disorders than others, especially type 1 diabetes. 

Medications 

Seniors taking medications for one or the other health condition can also make seniors develop thyroid. The medications having high amounts of iodine and radioactive treatments are the ones that harm seniors. 

Genetics 

Genetics is another cause of thyroid disorders among the elderly. When thyroid disorders run in families, it indicates a genetic component. Consequently, seniors having a family history of thyroid are most likely to have it. 

Iodine deficiency

Seniors’ diet also tends to decide if seniors will develop iodine deficiency or not. Iodine is necessary to produce hormones properly. Not including the right amount of iodine in seniors’ diets can lead them to develop hypothyroidism, especially in areas with low iodine levels. 

Autoimmune disorders

Autoimmune conditions among seniors also attack thyroid glands. Seniors having severe diseases can cause the thyroid gland to produce too many hormones which in turn results in hyperthyroidism. 

Environmental factors

Seniors exposing themselves to certain environmental toxins such as radiation or pollutants can also make themselves prone to thyroid problems. 

Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders 

Thyroid disorders symptoms are not the same for everyone and vary greatly. Mostly, these symptoms also overlap with other health conditions seniors may have. Consequently, let us learn about some of the thyroid symptoms in seniors. 

Signs of Hypothyroidism

Some of the most common signs of underactive thyroid disorders among the elderly include: 

• Muscle weakness
• Weight gain
• Cold intolerance
• Dry skin and hair 
• Forgetfulness
• Fatigue 
• Depression 

Signs of Hyperthyroidism 

Let’s have an insight into some of the most common signs of Hyperthyroidism among seniors. 

• Vision problems or eye irritation
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Heart palpitations
• Excessive sweating
• Anxiety and irritability
• Hand tremors
• Intolerance for heat 

Make sure to speak to physicians or doctors if you notice these signs among them. Most people confuse these signs with aging but these could indicate severe thyroid problems and require personal care. If left untreated, these can turn into something severe.