Health

Thyroid Health Over Time: Navigating Changes from Adolescence to Ageing

Navigating Changes from Adolescence to Ageing

Even the best of us will experience the effects of age over time. Although we might try to deny this unenviable fact, it is simply a part of life. While the ageing process can be a bit frustrating, those who are suffering from a chronic thyroid condition may find the transition even more challenging. Furthermore, the associated symptoms may change or become more intense as the years progress. This is the reason why treatments intended for younger individuals may not be able to produce the same results when applied to an older generation. We will therefore take a brief look at some suggestions and lifestyle options that could provide impressive results.

Medication Modifications

Our metabolism naturally slows as we become older. This is just as true for those who have already been diagnosed with hypothyroidism (a condition primarily associated with a sluggish metabolic rate). Interestingly enough, such a scenario can actually represent a double-edged sword. While it may be more difficult to lose weight, the chances are high that your dosages of thyroid medication will reduce. This is important, as individuals who continue taking the same concentrations may begin to experience side effects as they age. Speak with your physician or a thyroid specialist if you feel that this is the case.

Challenges when Diagnosing Adolescents

Up until relatively recently, many thyroid conditions were misdiagnosed or confused with a wide array of common health issues. This often occurred with adolescent patients, as doctors would attribute the symptoms to other illnesses or even equate them to psychosomatic disorders. Such perspectives arose from less-than-optimal diagnostic tools alongside a lack of appreciation for how prevalent thyroid-related conditions were actually present within the general population.

The problem here is that as opposed to prescribing proven treatment options such as the T3 tablets online at internationalpharmacy.com, patients would instead continue to suffer in silence. This is why even those who are otherwise young and healthy should consult with an expert if their symptoms hint that an issue is present.

What About the Symptoms Themselves?

Another reason why thyroid disorders were notoriously challenging to diagnose can be attributed to how the symptoms differ between older patients and younger individuals. For example, studies have found that those aged 40 years and over tend to experience greater levels of fatigue and more prolonged periods of lethargy when compared to adolescents and young adults. This is ultimately why a more flexible approach is now required between the initial

diagnosis and the subsequent treatment.

What Steps Can You Take?

Answering this question will partially depend on your age and lifestyle. Regardless of both, here are some suggestions that should always be adopted:

  • Remain as physically active as possible.
  • Embrace a thyroid-healthy diet (plenty of online research is available).
  • Stick to your current medication regimen.
  • Obtain plenty of sleep.

While managing thyroid conditions may be challenging, you can still enjoy a rewarding lifestyle with a flexible mindset.