Thyroid Disorders In The Elderly

Abstract

Thyroid disorders are common in elderly and it often goes undiagnosed because of atypical presentations much different from those in the younger population. Even though manifestations of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are very different in younger patients, there are similarities between the two conditions in the elderly. Interpretation of thyroid function tests in older adults is difficult due to age-dependent physiological changes in thyroid function and coexistent chronic illness. Untreated thyroid dysfunction is associated with significant morbidity in the elderly.