title: Approach to and treatment of thyroid disorders in the elderly.
abstract: Thyroid gland dysfunction is prevalent in older adults and may be associated with significant morbidity if misdiagnosed and left untreated. Because of a decreased number of symptoms at presentation, an increased susceptibility to adverse events if not treated, and a greater likelihood of harm from treatment, the diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders in older adults can be challenging. This review focuses on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, risks and complications, and management of thyroid disorders in older adults, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.
authors.affiliation: Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Papaleontiou
authors.forename: Megan R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Haymart
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy