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Specific aspects of hypothyroidism in the geriatric population


Authors: Kateřina Tkáčová
Authors‘ workplace: LDN Nemocnice Valtice s. r. o.
Published in: Geriatrie a Gerontologie 2026, 15, č. 1: 38-43
doi: https://doi.org/10.61568/geri/50-6703/20260311/143077

Overview

With advancing age, there is a significant increase in the incidence of thyroid dysfunction, with hypothyroidism being one of the most common endocrine disorders in the elderly. The primary objective of geriatric care is to adopt a comprehensive and individualized patient-centered approach. In geriatric practice, we frequently encounter atypical clinical presentations of hypothyroidism that may be masked by the presence of multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy. As demonstrated in the following case report, the diagnosis of hypothyroidism in polymorbid elderly patients with polypharmacy can be considerably complicated, as its symptoms often overlap with manifestations of other diseases or physiological aging. Early recognition and adequate treatment of hypothyroidism can significantly improve the quality of life of geriatric patients and influence the prognosis of other chronic diseases.

Keywords:

anemia – Hypothyroidism – depression


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Geriatrics General practitioner for adults Orthopaedic prosthetics
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