January is thyroid awareness month. It’s an important time for seniors and their caregivers to understand thyroid health. Knowing basic information about the thyroid can help protect seniors against the effects and risks of thyroid disease.
The Basics: Understanding Thyroid Health
What Is The Thyroid?
An endocrine gland at the base of the neck, the thyroid is small but powerful. A thyroid affects many essential body functions, contributing to tasks like regulating body temperature and metabolism. Digestion, cognitive ability, and other functions are also affected by the thyroid.
What Kinds Of Thyroid Diseases Are There?
The most well-known thyroid condition is hypothyroidism, which means the gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Another condition is hyperthyroidism, which causes too much hormone production. Other conditions include cancer, Grave’s disease, goiter, and Hashimoto’s disease.
How Are Thyroid Problems Diagnosed?
A combination of simple tests can be used to diagnose thyroid problems. A doctor can measure reflexes, metabolic rates, and perform a clinical evaluation to check for a thyroid issue. These tests are typically performed along with blood tests that check T4, T3, TSH, antibodies, or other blood levels.
How Are Thyroid Conditions Treated?
Treatment for thyroid dysfunction is specific to each disease and patient. Typically, doctors prescribe medications to either decrease thyroid production or to replace the function of the thyroid. Treatments with iodine or therapy may be used in some situations. Surgery for the thyroid is rarely performed on older patients.
Recognizing Symptoms Of Thyroid Issues
There are over 300 symptoms of thyroid problems, many of which are common to other diseases as well. Younger patients often exhibit many symptoms, whereas seniors often experience only a few. Seniors with thyroid problems often go undiagnosed because so many symptoms of thyroid dysfunction are common to other age-related health issues.
The Most Commonly Occurring Symptoms Of Thyroid Dysfunction Include:
Cold extremities
Dry skin
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Digestive issues
Vision problems
Difficulty swallowing
Fatigue or tiredness
Since so many seniors are at risk of developing a thyroid condition and the symptoms are so diverse, it is recommended that seniors ask their healthcare provider for thyroid monitoring during regular appointments.
Home Care Tip
If you suspect a senior may have some type of thyroid dysfunction, encourage them to see their doctor. Since symptoms are commonly confused with normal aging, seniors may be reluctant to seek help. However, besides the basic bloodwork, evaluating this disease is painless. Preventing the risks of thyroid disease is worth the simple testing.
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