Thyroid function and dysfunction in the elderly

The consequences of aging function are appreciated in various ways. In fact most of the thyroid hormone abnormalities described in the elderly are secondary to associated disease or treatments. Health and nutritional status seem to be more determinant than age. However, there is an increased prevalence of dysthyroidism in the elderly. Symptoms may be misleading and induce severe general repercussions. Mild or occult forms of dysthyroidism characterized by abnormal TSH levels with normal free thyroid hormone levels are not uncommon. Their clinical significance and their prognosis without treatment are still unresolved. The frequency of dystrhyroidism during old age and the possibility of a specific treatment may be in favour of a screening by a systematic TSH determination in elderly patients.