How does hypothyroidism affect the elderly?
For example, memory loss or a decrease in cognitive functioning, often attributed to advancing age, may be the only symptoms of hypothyroidism present. Symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism may include weight gain, sleepiness, dry skin, and constipation, but lack of these symptoms does not rule out the diagnosis.
What is the most severe complication of hypothyroidism?
Myxedema. This rare, life-threatening condition is the result of long-term, undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Its signs and symptoms include intense cold intolerance and drowsiness followed by profound lethargy and unconsciousness. A myxedema coma may be triggered by sedatives, infection or other stress on your body.
How is hypothyroidism treated in the elderly?
Overt hypothyroidism is classically treated using L-thyroxine; elderly patients require a low initial dose that is increased every 4 to 6 weeks until normalization of TSH levels. After stabilization, TSH levels are monitored yearly.
What is a normal TSH level for a 70 year old woman?
Low TSH levels usually mean that you’re producing too much thyroid hormone.
| Age range | Normal | Low |
|---|---|---|
| 18–30 years | 0.5–4.1 mU/L | < 0.5 mU/L |
| 31–50 years | 0.5–4.1 mU/L | < 0.5 mU/L |
| 51–70 years | 0.5–4.5 mU/L | < 0.5 mU/L |
| 71–90 years | 0.4–5.2 mU/L | < 0.4 mU/L |
What does severe hypothyroidism feel like?
Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness, and irritability.
What does hypothyroidism do to hands?
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism can show up in the hands and nails. Hypothyroidism can cause dermatologic findings such as nail infection, vertical white ridges on the nails, nail splitting, brittle nails, slow nail growth, and nails lifting up.
What is normal TSH level in elderly?
Normal serum TSH ranges are higher in the elderly patient; thus, higher serum TSH goals may be needed as a patient ages. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) suggests raising the target serum TSH to 4-6 mIU/L in people age 70 to 80 years.