One major health issue affecting many seniors is thyroid dysfunction. It is essential to understand its causes, symptoms, and available treatments for seniors to continue leading a healthy lifestyle. The good news is that senior home care providers can help seniors find valuable information about this issue and encourage them to talk with their medical team about any concerns they have.
Thyroid Disease: What Is It?
The thyroid is a little gland in the neck that resembles a butterfly. It generates hormones that control energy levels, metabolism, and other body processes. When this gland produces too much or too little hormone, it can cause thyroid disease, which can result in several health problems.
The two conditions related to this are as follows:
Hypothyroidism: Insufficient hormone production by the thyroid gland results in hypothyroidism. This condition can cause exhaustion and weight gain. It can also cause seniors to have bouts of sadness, as well as slow down their metabolism more than it is already slowed down by age.
Hyperthyroidism: This condition results from the thyroid gland producing an excessive amount of hormones, which speeds up metabolism and causes symptoms like anxiety, a rapid heartbeat, and weight loss.
Signs to Watch For
The symptoms of thyroid disease might be subtle and easily confused with those of other age-related conditions. However, with the help of senior home care, seniors can document concerns to discuss with their medical team.
The following signs might point to a thyroid issue:
- Fatigue: Excessive tiredness or lack of energy.
- Weight Changes: Unexpected increase or decrease in weight.
- Mood swings: Feeling irritable, depressed, or anxious.
- Heart Problems: This could include an erratic or fast heartbeat.
- Sensitivity to Temperature: Seniors may complain about feeling excessively cold or hot.
- Skin and Hair Changes: Brittle nails, thinning hair, or dry skin are all possible indicators of thyroid issues.
Risk Factors
Seniors might be at a higher risk for thyroid issues if there is a history of issues in their family. It’s also worth noting that more women than men have problems with their thyroid. Additionally, both Grave’s disease and Hashimoto’s are linked to the thyroid. Another factor to consider—and discuss with the medical team—is that certain medications might impact thyroid function.
Identification of Thyroid Issues
A physical examination and blood tests to detect thyroid hormone levels are necessary for the diagnosis of thyroid disease. Depending on the nature and severity of the illness, there are many therapy options after diagnosis, including synthetic thyroid hormone replacement therapy, radioactive iodine therapy, antithyroid drugs, and thyroid gland excision surgery.
Seniors with thyroid issues need to make and keep regular check-ups, which senior home care can assist with. It’s also important for them to eat a healthy diet and follow any instructions they get from the medical team.
For many seniors, thyroid dysfunction is a serious health concern, but it is controllable with the right diagnosis and care. Senior home care can help seniors understand thyroid issues and encourage them to talk and follow up with their medical team for continued care.
Sources: https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-disease-older-patient/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/hypothyroidism-symptoms-and-signs-in-an-older-person
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8541-thyroid-disease
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