Hidden symptoms of hypothyroidism in the elderly

-
Dr. Ekaterina Dudinskaya, endocrinologist, Head of the Department of Endocrinology at the Geriatric Research Center at Pirogov Medical University, revealed 6 hidden symptoms of hypothyroidism in the elderly.

According to the doctor, hypothyroidism is one of the most common disorders in the endocrine system, as its production of hormones decreases. The elderly, as a rule, are more susceptible to this disease. Diagnosing their infection is complicated due to the presence of accompanying chronic diseases.

Among the hidden symptoms of hypothyroidism in the elderly is “high blood cholesterol levels.” This indicator is usually linked to a disorder in the body's fat metabolism, but sometimes it is the only symptom that indicates hypothyroidism. Therefore, if the cholesterol level is high, it makes sense to check the thyroid gland.

She points out that the other sign is “heart failure,” because the lack of thyroid hormones leads to a decrease in the heart rate and thus a decrease in blood supply to the tissues and organs of the body, and thus less oxygen reaches them, which leads to a disturbance in the metabolism process, and a feeling of chronic fatigue, swelling, and tightness. Breathing.

In addition, a deficiency of thyroid hormones may cause “bowel movement disorder,” which leads to constipation.

“Joint pain” is a classic symptom of hypothyroidism. This may be the only sign in people over 60 years of age. As is known, elderly people often suffer from joint pain, which is usually linked to symptoms of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

The doctor recommends paying attention to the changes in walking, as in the case of hypothyroidism, “degenerative changes occur in the cerebellum,” the area of ​​the brain responsible for coordinating and balancing movement and muscle strength. But older people usually suffer from difficulties in walking and balance due to other chronic diseases.

According to her, hypothyroidism is often accompanied by “impaired memory, depression and psychosis.” Therefore, when this sign appears in an elderly person, he must conduct an additional examination of the thyroid gland.