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Haims: Changes in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism

By Judson Haims
Valley Voices

Aging is a normal process the body goes through, but not all of the symptoms that are frequently attributed to the normal aging process should be directly connected to aging — some may be associated with other illnesses such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Symptoms like fatigue, depression, forgetfulness, and sleeplessness can often be easily attributed to “just getting old,” yet, as is the case with many other illnesses, these symptoms may indicate another problem area that should be medically evaluated.

How your thyroid works

Thyroid hormones affect every cell and all the organs of the body. Too much thyroid hormone speeds things up and too little thyroid hormone slows things down. Genetics, an autoimmune attack, pregnancy, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and environmental toxins can all play a part in wreaking havoc on your thyroid. These hormones:

  • Control the rate at which your body burns calories.
  • Effect the rate of your heartbeat
  • Can raise or lower your body temperature.
  • Change how fast food moves through your digestive tract.
  • Affect muscle strength.
  • Control how quickly your body replaces dying cells.

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of the hormone thyroxine. Hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.



When the thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism), the body’s metabolic processes become accelerated, often causing people to experience nervousness, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, hand tremor, excessive sweating, sudden weight loss, and sleep problems.

Often overlooked

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are often overlooked in medical evaluations of the elderly. However, due to the high incidents and prevalence of these diseases in our elderly, it is wise to carefully review with your medical providers the possibility of such illness being the cause of the above-mentioned symptoms.

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According to Dr. Ruchi Mather with the Division of Endocrinology, thyroid disease increases with age (especially in woman over the age of 65); “approximately 15% of all patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism are over the age 60.” Even though this disease does affect those at younger ages (30-40), it is much more difficult to diagnose as we age.

Knowledge is the key. Tests, such as T4 and T3U (or T3 uptake), can be performed to help evaluate the presence of either hyper or hypothyroidism. Replacement hormone therapy (L-T4) is effective in hypothyroidism, whereas in hyperthyroidism (the overproduction of thyroid hormone) an antithyroid medication is often prescribed to reduce the production of the thyroid hormone with sedatives and beta-blockers utilized to treat the associated rapid heart rate and nervousness.

The issue of concern here is that often seniors are never diagnosed properly as having hyper or hypothyroidism, but rather are told their symptoms are typical of anyone in their stage of the aging process.

Bottom line

As we age, our medical needs will increase.  Understanding what is changing with our bodies and how we can adjust to changes becomes ever more important. Ask questions of your doctor. Being proactive in your health and understanding your body does not mean you are second-guessing anyone. You are your best advocate.

Judson Haims is the owner of Visiting Angels Home Care in Vail, Beaver Creek and throughout Eagle County.  His contact information is http://www.visitingangels.com/comtns or 970-328-5526.


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