Is Hypothyroidism Common in the Elderly

Hypothyroidism is very common in patients over 60 years of age and steadily increases with age (see Hypothyroidism brochure). Up to 1 in 4 patients in nursing homes may have undiagnosed hypothyroidism.

What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the geriatric population?

Autoimmune (Hashimoto’s) thyroiditis with destruction of functioning tissue is the most common endogenous cause of hypothyroidism in elderly patients. Checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1 that are used to treat a range of malignancies can induce a rapidly progressing form of autoimmune thyroiditis.

Can hypothyroidism develop later in life?

Thyroid disease can affect anyone — men, women, infants, teenagers and the elderly. It can be present at birth (typically hypothyroidism) and it can develop as you age (often after menopause in women).