Hypothyroidism in the elderly. When symptoms are not a 'normal' part of aging

Clinical findings alone may not lead to prompt diagnosis of hypothyroidism in elderly patients. Therefore, routine thyroid function tests may be warranted in older patients, especially women. Serum thyrotropin (TSH) is the most sensitive marker for hypothyroidism, although the test is more costly th...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inPostgraduate medicine Vol. 90; no. 8; p. 141
Main Authors Stuck, L M, McFarland, K F
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.12.1991
Subjects
Aged
Aging - metabolism
Female
Humans
Hypothyroidism - diagnosis
Hypothyroidism - etiology
Hypothyroidism - metabolism
Male
Sex Factors
Thyroid Function Tests
Thyroxine - therapeutic use
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:Clinical findings alone may not lead to prompt diagnosis of hypothyroidism in elderly patients. Therefore, routine thyroid function tests may be warranted in older patients, especially women. Serum thyrotropin (TSH) is the most sensitive marker for hypothyroidism, although the test is more costly than that for serum thyroxine (T4). Patients with overt hypothyroidism who have elevated TSH and low T4 levels require replacement therapy. In addition, patients who have a TSH level higher than 20 microU/mL or who have a mildly elevated TSH level and high titers of antithyroid antibodies may benefit from prophylactic treatment. The usual recommended replacement dose is 0.05 to 0.1 mg/day of levothyroxine sodium (Levothroid, Synthroid).
ISSN:0032-5481
DOI:10.1080/00325481.1991.11701145