Thyroid Problems in the Later Years

1. Thyroid Problems in the Later Years

2. Thyroid is a butterfly shaped endocrine gland (glands which secrete hormones directly into the blood) that is located in front of the food pipe, more commonly known as “Adam's Apple”. The main hormones released by the thyroid are triiodothyronine, abbreviated as T3, and thyroxine, abbreviated as T4. These hormones regulate the growth and functioning of various systems in the body. The hormonal output from the thyroid glands in turn is dependent on thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which is secreted from the anterior pituitary gland.

3. Thyroid problems are common among the elderly, especially among women above the age of sixty. Recent studies suggest that thyroid gland dysfunction is common in the elderly and is associated with significant morbidity if left untreated. Hypothyroidism occurs in 10% of females and 2% of males in patients older than 60 years. The symptoms for thyroid are very similar to general ageing symptoms. Hence many a times, thyroid goes undetected in aged people.

4. But thyroid, if not detected in time and treated, can become life threatening. Hypothyroidism can be a risk factor for high cholesterol and various cardiac problems. Besides, hypothyroidism is a cause for osteoporosis, a bone disease especially prevalent among elderly women, resulting in decrease of bone mass.

5. Types of ThyroidDepending on the amount of thyroid hormone that is being produced by the thyroid gland, the disease can be classified into two types:

6. Symptoms As mentioned before, the symptoms of thyroid can easily be mistaken to be general old age health problem. Hence if any of the following symptoms are prevalent for a long period of time, one should immediately go and see a doctor.Fatigue-Feeling exhausted even at the end of a good night's sleep or not being able to sleep the whole night and then dozing off the whole of the following day can be because of thyroid. Weight Change - Unexpected weight change (both increase and decrease in weight) might just be a result of thyroid.Depression or anxiety - including sudden onset of panic disorder - can be symptoms of thyroid disease.

7. Symptoms (Continued…) Cholesterol Issues - Persistent high or low cholesterol can be a sign of thyroid.Family History - A family history of thyroid problems puts one at a high risk to have thyroid.Bowel Problem - Constipation or diarrhea, both can be signs of thyroid.Neck Discomfort - Swollen neck, a hoarse voice or a visibly enlarged thyroid can all be signs of a "goiter" -- an enlarged thyroid gland that is a symptom of thyroid disease.Hair/Skin Changes - Sudden hair loss and deterioration in the quality of skin (skin becoming coarse and thick or fragile and thin) can be caused by thyroid.Muscle and Joint Pain- Pain in the joints and muscles, weakness of the arm, can be traced back to being symptoms of thyroid too.

8. Treatment If any of the above symptoms seems familiar, do not ignore it as a general sign of ageing. It is advisable to see a doctor immediately. Thyroid can be treated with antithyroid drugs and radioactive iodine in case of patients with hyperthyroidism and with pure synthetic thyroxin for patients with hypothyroidism.

9. Eat Well & Take Care of Your Thyriod