By Dr. Sunny Ramchandani, President of Flagship Medical Group

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of thyroid health and the important role the thyroid gland plays in overall wellness. Thyroid dysfunction affects nearly 25% of adults aged 65 and older, with symptoms that often go unnoticed or are mistaken for normal aging.

Learning more about thyroid health can help seniors recognize potential warning signs, understand how thyroid function affects the body, and know when to seek medical guidance. With awareness and appropriate care, many thyroid conditions can be effectively managed.

Understanding the Thyroid and Its Role in the Body

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. It produces hormones that help regulate many essential body functions, including metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, digestion, and energy levels.

When the thyroid is functioning properly, these systems work together to keep the body balanced. When hormone production becomes too high or too low, it can affect nearly every part of the body, sometimes in subtle ways.

Why Thyroid Health Matters for Older Adults

Approximately 12% of the US population will develop thyroid dysfunction throughout their lifetime, with adults aged 60+ facing an increased risk. Changes in energy levels, weight, mood, or memory are often attributed to normal aging or other chronic conditions, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.

Thyroid hormones play a key role in regulating how the body uses energy and help support many essential systems, including the cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous systems. When thyroid hormone levels are not balanced, these systems may be affected in subtle but significant ways.

Maintaining healthy thyroid function supports steady energy, heart and bone health, and cognitive function. Over time, untreated thyroid imbalances may contribute to heart rhythm changes, shifts in bone density, or changes in mood and mental clarity. Including thyroid health as part of routine medical care promotes stability, supports daily comfort and mobility, and contributes to long-term wellness and independence.

Common Thyroid Conditions

Thyroid conditions often develop slowly over time. Because symptoms can be mild or resemble typical age-related changes, thyroid disorders may go unrecognized without evaluation. Understanding common types of thyroid dysfunction can help seniors recognize concerns and seek appropriate care.

1. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
   Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones. This is the most common thyroid condition among seniors and often develops gradually. Symptoms may be subtle at first and can easily be mistaken for normal aging if not evaluated.
   
   
2. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
   Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too many hormones. Although less common, it can place strain on the heart, bones, and nervous system if left untreated, making early identification especially important.

Both conditions can affect daily comfort, energy levels, and overall health. With proper medical care, regular monitoring, and open communication with your healthcare provider, thyroid conditions can be managed safely. Early awareness and appropriate treatment supports long-term wellness, independence, and quality of life for older adults.

Treatment Options

Treatment for thyroid conditions depends on the type of disorder, its severity, and your overall health. The goal of treatment is to restore hormone balance, relieve symptoms, and support long-term wellness.

Medication Management
For hypothyroidism, treatment often involves taking a daily thyroid hormone replacement medication to help bring hormone levels back into a healthy range. For hyperthyroidism, medications may be prescribed to reduce hormone production or help manage symptoms such as changes in heart rate or feelings of nervousness. Your healthcare provider will adjust medication doses over time to reflect your individual needs.

Regular Monitoring and Follow-Up
Routine blood tests help your healthcare provider understand how well your thyroid is functioning and how your treatment is working. Because thyroid hormone needs may change with age or other health conditions, regular follow-up visits are an important part of ongoing care. These check-ins allow treatment to remain safe, effective, and aligned with your overall health goals.

Additional Therapies When Needed
In some cases, additional treatment options may be recommended, such as radioactive iodine therapy or, less commonly, surgery. These approaches are considered carefully, and are typically used when medication alone does not provide enough support.

With proper treatment and consistent follow-up, most thyroid conditions can be well controlled with ongoing care. Because symptoms may change over time, it is important to share any concerns or new symptoms with your doctor, even if they seem minor. Regular monitoring helps ensure your treatment continues to support overall stability and well-being. By staying informed and engaged in your care, you can play an active role in supporting your thyroid health and quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Thyroid-related symptoms can vary from person to person. Because these symptoms often overlap with other health concerns or chronic conditions, they may be overlooked or attributed to causes unrelated to thyroid health. Signs to be aware of include:

• Ongoing fatigue or changes in energy levels, even with adequate rest
  
  
• Unexplained weight changes, including weight gain or weight loss without changes in diet or activity
  
  
• Sensitivity to cold or heat, or feeling uncomfortable in temperatures that were previously tolerable
  
  
• Changes in heart rate, such as palpitations or an unusually slow heartbeat
  
  
• Mood or cognitive changes, including low mood, anxiety, memory concerns, or difficulty concentrating
  
  
• Sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep

Not everyone will experience the same symptoms, and their presence does not necessarily mean a thyroid condition is present. However, persistent or unexplained changes should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

When to Consider Talking to a Provider About Thyroid Health

It is not always clear when thyroid evaluation or testing may be helpful. Paying attention to ongoing or unexplained changes in how you feel can provide important clues. Speaking with your healthcare provider allows thyroid health to be considered alongside other aspects of your overall care.

Consider discussing thyroid health with your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Persistent symptoms such as fatigue, changes in weight, or temperature sensitivity that do not improve over time
  
  
• Changes that interfere with daily activities or quality of life, including mobility, sleep, or concentration
  
  
• A personal or family history of thyroid disease, which may increase the likelihood of developing a thyroid condition
  
  
• The presence of other chronic health conditions, particularly those affecting the heart, bones, or metabolism

Your healthcare provider can help determine whether thyroid testing is appropriate based on your symptoms, health history, and current medications. A simple blood test can evaluate thyroid hormone levels and provide valuable information to guide next steps. When concerns are addressed early, thyroid conditions can often be identified and managed more effectively.

Strategies to Support Thyroid Health

While many thyroid conditions require medical treatment, everyday habits can play an important role in supporting overall metabolic and hormonal health. Small, consistent lifestyle choices can help the body function more efficiently and support energy, balance, and overall well-being.

• Eating balanced meals: Nutritious meals that include a variety of whole foods help support overall metabolic health and provide steady energy.
  
  
• Staying physically active: Regular movement, tailored to your ability level, supports circulation, muscle strength, and energy levels.
  
  
• Managing stress: Ongoing stress can affect many body systems, including hormone balance. Gentle stress-management practices may support overall wellness.
  
  
• Maintaining consistent sleep routines: Quality sleep helps the body regulate energy, mood, and essential hormone functions.

Consistent, daily habits can make a meaningful difference in supporting thyroid health. Eating balanced meals, staying physically active, managing stress, and maintaining healthy sleep routines all contribute to overall wellness and energy. When practiced regularly, these everyday strategies help support the body’s natural balance and long-term well-being.

Supporting Thyroid Health with Flagship Health

Thyroid health is an important part of overall wellness, especially as we age. By staying informed, paying attention to changes in how you feel, and addressing concerns early, small and proactive steps can make a meaningful difference over time. With awareness and consistent care, many seniors are able to support thyroid health and maintain comfort, balance, and quality of life.

At Flagship Health, we understand that managing thyroid health is part of a broader picture of aging well. Our team is committed to supporting seniors and veterans through personalized, comprehensive care that considers the whole person. Whether you are experiencing new symptoms, monitoring an existing condition, or simply seeking guidance, our providers are here to help support your health and independence.

Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

About Dr. Ramchandani

Dr. Sunny Ramchandani is the President of Flagship Medical Group with over 20 years of experience caring for patients, including extensive work with the senior population. A former White House Fellow and Navy physician, he previously served as Chief Population Health Officer at Naval Medical Center San Diego and helped lead national health reforms in Afghanistan. Dr. Ramchandani holds degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy, Yale School of Medicine, and Harvard School of Public Health.