Abstract
This article summarizes the current literature about serum thyroid parameters and thyroid disease during aging. Changes in thyroid function tests may be part of the physiology of aging, after exclusion of confounding variables. Overt thyroid disease requires immediate treatment. Treatment of subclinical hyperthyroidism in the elderly can be advocated, while watchful waiting may be an appropriate approach for subclinical hypothyroidism.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
MeSH terms
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Aging*
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Animals
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Humans
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Hyperthyroidism / blood
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Hyperthyroidism / etiology
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Hyperthyroidism / physiopathology
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Hyperthyroidism / therapy
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Hypothyroidism / blood
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Hypothyroidism / etiology
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Hypothyroidism / physiopathology
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Hypothyroidism / therapy
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Pituitary Gland / growth & development
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Pituitary Gland / metabolism
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Thyroid Diseases / blood
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Thyroid Diseases / etiology
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Thyroid Diseases / physiopathology*
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Thyroid Diseases / therapy
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Thyroid Gland / physiopathology*
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Thyrotropin / blood
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Thyrotropin / metabolism