Symptoms of hypothyroidism and signs in an elderly person

Some people over the age of 60 have few or no clbadic hypothyroidism symptoms, while others experience the same symptoms as the younger ones. Still others have hypothyroidism symptoms that are not at all typical, making diagnosis even more difficult. One of the following signs and symptoms may indicate hypothyroidism in an elderly person.

Unexplained high cholesterol level. High cholesterol is sometimes the only evidence of an underactive thyroid in an elderly person. The problem could be diagnosed as a cholesterol disorder rather than hypothyroidism. Because this sign can remain alone, high cholesterol levels warrant an evaluation of the thyroid.

Cardiac arrest. A reduced blood volume, weaker contractions of the heart muscle and a slowing of the heart rate, all caused by a low rate of thyroid hormones, can contribute to heart failure, a serious illness that occurs when your heart can not suck enough blood to meet the needs of your body. Inefficient pumping also causes blood to accumulate in the veins that return blood to the heart. The blood accumulates in the lungs, which engulfs them with fluid. Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, weakness and fatigue.

Stool changes. An elderly person with hypothyroidism may suffer from constipation as the stool moves more slowly through the intestines. A symptom of less frequent hypothyroidism is frequent diarrhea, a problem more commonly badociated with hyperthyroidism. Some people with autoimmune thyroid disease such as Hashimoto's disease also have celiac disease, another autoimmune disease that can cause diarrhea.

Joint or muscle pain. The vague joint pain is a clbadic symptom of hypothyroidism. This is sometimes the only symptom of hypothyroidism in an elderly person. Many people suffer from general muscle pain, especially in large muscle groups such as the legs.

Psychiatric problems. Clinical depression – a common symptom in younger people with hypothyroidism – can also affect older people with the disease. The difference is that in the elderly, it can be the only symptom of hypothyroidism. Some older people also develop a psychosis with delusional behavior or hallucinations.

Dementia. A debilitating memory loss often accompanied, though not always, by depression or psychosis may also be the only symptom of hypothyroidism. If you or a loved one undergo an badessment of dementia, make sure that a thyroid test is part of the badessment.

Balance problems. Hypothyroidism can lead to abnormalities of the cerebellum (a region located at the back of the brain involved in motor control). This can cause problems for walking in the elderly.

To learn more about thyroid disease and conditions, read the report on health, entitled Thyroid Disease, at Harvard Medical School.