The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces hormones, namely T3 (Triiodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine).
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, which controls the secretions of the thyroid gland. In more than 90 per cent of cases, thyroid dysfunction can be diagnosed by doing simple blood tests of TSH thyroid disorders.
Thyroid dysfunction in the elderly is not very uncommon, but it often remains undiagnosed for years together because classical signs and symptoms associated with thyroid dysfunction are lacking in the population.
Under-functioning of the thyroid gland is commonly known as primary hypothyroidism. In the elderly, it can present with atypical symptoms or a single symptom, namely sluggishness of movement, excessive sleepiness, facial puffiness, depressive mood, loss of energy and appetite, loss of libido, or sexual dysfunction.
If properly diagnosed and treated, these symptoms are completely reversible and improve the quality of life significantly in elderly patients. If it remains undiagnosed and untreated, it is associated with significant deterioration in the quality of life and increased risk for cardiovascular events.
Hyperfunctioning thyroid gland or elevated levels of thyroid hormones in the blood (T3 and T4) is known as thyrotoxicosis.