endocrine and metabolic disorders
Hypothyroidism
Geriatrics Essentials: Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is particularly common among older adults. It occurs in close to 10% of women and 6% of men>65. Although typically easy to diagnose in younger adults, hypothyroidism may be subtle and manifest atypically in older adults. Older patients have significantly fewer symptoms than do younger adults, and complaints are often subtle and vague. Many older patients with hypothyroidism present with nonspecific geriatric syndromes—confusion, anorexia, weight loss, falling, incontinence, and decreased mobility. Musculoskeletal symptoms (especially arthralgias) occur often, but arthritis is rare. Muscular aches and weakness, often mimicking Polymyalgia Rheumatica or In older patients,levothyroxinetherapy is begun with low doses, usually 25 mcg once a day. Maintenance doses may also need to be lower in older patients. 