You’re never too old to have an underactive thyroid.

When a person’s thyroid hormone level gets too low, nearly every system in the body is affected. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause many symptoms like fatigue, depression, weight gain, constipation, and dry skin.

While typically associated with underactive thyroid, all those symptoms can also be caused by other medical problems. And in people over 60, symptoms of hypothyroidism can be more confusing. Any of the following health issues in a person over 60, alone or in combination, could mean an underlying thyroid problem.

Unexplained high cholesterol is sometimes the only evidence of an underactive thyroid in an older person.

Heart failure. Some of the effects of low thyroid hormone levels — for example, reduced blood volume, weaker contractions of the heart muscle, and a slower heart rate — may contribute to heart failure.

Constipation. An older person with hypothyroidism might have constipation because of decreased movement of stool through the bowels.

Joint or muscle pain. Vague joint pain is a classic symptom of hypothyroidism. It sometimes is the only symptom of hypothyroidism in an older patient, although many experience an overall muscular aching, particularly in large muscle groups.

Mental health concerns. As with younger people, depression is common among older people with an underactive thyroid. The difference is that in older people, it can be the only symptom. An older person could also develop other psychiatric symptoms, including delusions or hallucinations.

Dementia. Debilitating memory loss can also occur as the only symptom of hypothyroidism. If you or a loved one is being evaluated for dementia, be sure that thyroid tests are part of the workup.

Problems with balance. Abnormalities in the cerebellum at the back of the brain that occur with an underactive thyroid may lead to walking problems in older people.

So, if an elderly family member is slightly depressed, has aches and pains and low energy ( sounds very familiar?), make sure to get a thyroid workup. And follow new guidelines, TSH up to 5.5 is NOT indicative of normalcy. It should be below 2.

Be Healthy!