News from our Home Care Agency: Watch for Thyroid Disorders!

The thyroid is an extremely important gland in the human neck that produces hormones and influences your body’s metabolic rate. But as you get older, thyroid disease becomes more and more common, leading to a variety of health problems that can be life threatening. According to the National Institutes of Health, “thyroid disorders are common in the elderly, and are challenging to diagnose and treat due to atypical presentations and the presence of a wide variety of comorbid conditions.” Fortunately for seniors, many have dedicated their lives to studying the thyroid. Home care agency experts share some signs that a senior’s thyroid gland might not be operating properly.

Changes in weight

Your thyroid helps control your metabolism, so if you notice a drastic weight change in a senior citizen that you’re caring for, there’s a chance they could be suffering from thyroid disease. Home care agency experts recommend keeping a close eye on the weight of seniors to ensure that they’re staying healthy.

Emotional changes

If you find that your emotions are constantly changing and all over the place, it’s worth looking into thyroid disease as the possible cause. An overactive thyroid can give you extra anxiety, while an underactive thyroid can result in symptoms of depression.

Energy levels

Having low energy levels is a hallmark sign of thyroid issues, especially in seniors. While you can’t rule out other causes to the low energy levels, it’s worth looking into thyroid disease, especially if you are experiencing other symptoms. An overactive and underactive thyroid can both lead to diminished energy levels.

Though small, the thyroid gland is a vital part of the human body. That being said, an underactive or overactive thyroid is not all that uncommon among adults, especially those who are a little bit older. Home care agency experts recommend keeping a close eye on some of the common symptoms of thyroid disease and to constantly check in with your doctor to make sure that all of your levels are okay. While some of the symptoms could be related to another disease, it’s always worth checking to make sure it isn’t your thyroid. Many thyroid diseases can be fixed with daily medication, so be sure to speak with your doctor or caregiver if you suspect something may be off with your levels.