Thyroid changes with aging: significance and management.

A number of changes in thyroid physiology occur with normal aging, including a modest fall in T3 levels and a reduction in the rate of turnover of thyroid hormones. Additionally, the diagnosis of either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can be more difficult in the elderly because the symptoms may be more subtle. Hyperthyroidism may be disguised by a very apathetic presentation, without many of the typical adrenergic symptoms such as tachycardia and nervousness. Some of the many ways in which hypothyroidism may present include occult congestive heart failure or a severe fecal impaction.