You’ve noticed some physical changes lately; is your body showing its age, are you stressed, or is something amiss that requires expert evaluation and medical treatment?
Board-certified otolaryngologist Nilesh Patel, MD, explains that some thyroid disorders present symptoms commonly associated with aging. You need medical attention for a thyroid disorder, but you may mistake some lesser-known thyroid symptoms for age-related changes.
Have you gained weight rather quickly, even though you haven’t changed your eating and exercise habits? Unexplained weight gain along with extreme fatigue are hallmark symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
On the other hand, have you dropped weight without trying? Perhaps you feel restless and suddenly can’t seem to sit still. You get anxious in circumstances that would normally arouse no emotion. Anxiety, hyperactivity, and sudden weight loss are classic symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Some thyroid disorder symptoms mirror symptoms of aging or stress. These lesser-known indicators of thyroid imbalance include:
Your skin’s natural oils decrease as you age. Your scalp gets drier just like the rest of your skin. The result? Dry, brittle hair. If your hair is very dry and brittle and you’re not past middle age, however, you could have a thyroid disorder.
As hormone production declines in middle age, your hair follicles aren’t as robust and active as they were when you were young. Blood flow and nutrient delivery to your scalp may decline, causing your hair to thin. If you’re losing hair or your eyebrows are becoming sparse, a thyroid disorder may be to blame.
Sometimes, older adults can lose much of their sense of taste and /or smell. When your sense of taste or smell dissipates and makes food less enjoyable earlier in life, however, your thyroid may be the underlying cause.
Slower nerve regeneration may be the culprit behind taste and/or smell loss in seniors. On the other hand, thyroid disease causes a drop in thyroid hormone levels, which can damage nerves that send signals for taste and smell to your brain.
One-third of Americans over the age of 65 suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), and one-third of all rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cases develop after the age of 60. Both types of arthritis cause joint pain and stiffness, and symptoms worsen without treatment.
No matter your age, joint pain, stiffness, and weakness can also be lesser-known signs of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. When arthritis isn’t present, a thyroid condition may be the problem.
Although some seniors are sexually active, many have ‘retired’ that part of their lives. If you’re middle-aged or younger, or if your libido level has changed significantly at any age, it may be time to have your thyroid hormone levels checked.
When you’re deficient in thyroid hormone, your body’s production of sex hormones is lower than normal. Low thyroid hormone can also cause vaginal dryness or erectile dysfunction (ED).
Does the skin around your eyes look swollen? Swelling around the eyes (periorbital edema) is a lesser-known symptom of a thyroid disorder.
Thyroid disease can cause infertility. If you’re having trouble conceiving after 12 months of trying (or after six months if you’re aged 35 or older) you should have your thyroid checked.
As an otolaryngologist, Dr. Patel specializes in head and neck disorders, including thyroid disorders. Dr. Patel can determine whether your thyroid levels are normal or abnormal and develop an effective treatment plan to restore your health.
If you suspect you have a thyroid disorder, call Nilesh Patel, MD, in Midtown, New York City, today, or schedule an appointment online at your convenience.
