Recognizing Thyroid Disease as You Age

Thyroid disease impacts about 20 million Americans, but many don’t even know they have it. Your thyroid creates and produces hormones that play a role in many different systems throughout your body. When your thyroid makes either too much or too little of these hormones, it’s called thyroid disease. There are several different types of thyroid disease, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

According to the American Thyroid Association, up to one in four adults in nursing homes may have undiagnosed hypothyroidism. It’s important to be aware of this as diagnoses are common in older generations. At AdventHealth Well 65+, we’re here to keep you healthy and informed.

Read on to learn what you should know about thyroid diseases in older adults, its warning signs and what causes it.

What Is Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid disease is the term for a group of medical conditions that keep your thyroid from making the right amount of hormones. A healthy thyroid produces hormones that keep your body functioning normally.

When the thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone, your body uses energy too quickly — this is called hyperthyroidism. Along with making you tired, hyperthyroidism can make your heart beat faster, cause you to lose weight without trying and make you feel anxious.

Your thyroid can also make too little thyroid hormone — and this is called hypothyroidism. When you don’t have enough thyroid hormones in your body, it can make you feel tired, you might gain weight, and you may have trouble tolerating cold temperatures.

These two main disorders can be caused by a variety of conditions and can also be passed down through families.

What are the Warning Signs of Thyroid Disease?

If you’re experiencing the following problems, schedule an appointment with your AdventHealth Well 65+ provider as soon as possible so you can get tested for thyroid disease:

Difficulty with temperature changes: If your thyroid does not make enough hormones, you might have trouble handling colder temperatures. You might have difficulty enduring hot weather when your thyroid gland is too active.

Digestive Issues: Hyperthyroidism can cause very loose stools. Alternatively, hypothyroidism can cause constipation.

Mood issues: If your thyroid makes excessive amounts of hormones, you might be more angry or frustrated. You may be anxious about your career, relationships and other aspects of your life.

Skin problems: If you are suffering from hypothyroidism, your skin may become dry. If you have hyperthyroidism, your skin may become oily.

Weight fluctuations: If your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, your metabolism could slow down, which may cause you to gain weight quickly. You may have trouble shedding those extra pounds with diet and exercise. In contrast, hyperthyroidism could speed up your metabolism and cause you to suddenly lose weight.

The sooner you begin treatment, the better it is for your overall health. It’s common for the older generation not to show many signs of thyroid disease, making it extremely important to regularly see your AdventHealth Well 65+ provider and notify them if anything seems unusual.

What Causes Thyroid Disease?

The two main types of thyroid disease are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Both conditions can be caused by other diseases that impact the way the thyroid gland works.

Illnesses or conditions that can cause hyperthyroidism are:

• Excessive iodine
• Graves’ disease
• Nodules
• Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland)

Illnesses or conditions that may cause hypothyroidism are:

• A non-functioning thyroid gland
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Iodine deficiency
• Postpartum thyroiditis (usually temporary)
• Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland)

Those with diabetes are at greater risk of developing thyroid disease. Since Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, it makes you more likely to develop another one. For those with Type 2 diabetes, the risk is lower, but you would still be more likely to develop thyroid disease later in life.

Since genetics play a role, if you have family members with thyroid disease, this puts you at a higher risk for developing it yourself.

According to the National Library of Medicine, those with atrial fibrillation (AFib) have a greater chance of developing hypothyroidism, with AFib being present in 20-35% of older patients with hypothyroidism. It’s important to know this so you can seek the help you deserve. If you have AFib and suspect you may have thyroid disease, visit your AdventHealth Well 65+ provider immediately.

What Should You Do if You Suspect You Have Thyroid Disease?

Finding a skilled doctor is an important part of your treatment plan. Your AdventHealth Well 65+ doctor will order a blood test for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, also called serum thyrotropin) that is used to screen for thyroid problems. Because TSH stimulates the production of your thyroid hormones, TSH is high when your body is not making enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) and low when it makes too much (hyperthyroidism).

Medications, radioactive iodine or surgery to remove the gland are treatment options for hyperthyroidism. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause bone loss or an irregular heartbeat.

As you age, you have a higher chance of developing thyroid disease. According to the National Library of Medicine, 15.25% of people 65 and older developed hypothyroidism. It’s important for you to visit your primary care provider (PCP) to regularly receive screenings to help prevent a diagnosis.

While there is currently no cure for hypothyroidism, there are medications that can treat the disease. The medication aims to treat the symptoms, improve your body’s thyroid function, restore hormone levels and allow you to live a more fulfilling, normal life.

Compassionate Care for All

At AdventHealth, we care for all of you in body, mind and spirit. If you’re experiencing symptoms of thyroid disease that impact your daily life, make an appointment with your Well 65+ provider today. You deserve to feel whole.