Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

By James Hughes | May 9, 2025 |

Senior home care can help seniors with Hypothyroidism symptoms and challenges.

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a condition that occurs when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. This tiny gland in the neck plays a vital role in overall health, producing two hormones—thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3)—that impact nearly every cell in the body. These hormones regulate essential functions like body temperature, metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, protein production, and even heart rate.

For seniors managing hypothyroidism, proper support is crucial, and senior home care providers can help ensure they maintain their health and well-being by providing personalized assistance and monitoring.

Seniors and Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is common in individuals over 60, with the risk increasing as they age. Unfortunately, symptoms of an underactive thyroid often mimic signs of aging, leading to years of undiagnosed cases if not tested by doctors.

For those receiving senior home care, regular health screenings can help identify and manage conditions like hypothyroidism early.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

When a thyroid gland is underactive, it can take years for symptoms to become noticeable, often being mistaken for a regular part of aging. If your elderly loved one shows some of these signs and there are no other known health conditions, consider discussing it with her doctor.

Simple blood tests can check hormone levels, and addressing these issues early can improve quality of life. Senior home care services can also support managing health and well-being.

Consistent and extreme fatigue that isn’t relieved with sleep and gets worse when a large amount of activity is performed.
Being more sensitive to cold and unable to warm up. You might find your loved one constantly under a big pile of blankets as she tries to stay warm, or dressing too warmly during hotter weather.
Memory and concentration problems, sometimes known as “brain fog.” Your elderly loved one may struggle to process information or remember important information. These symptoms are often linked to dementia, but might simply be due to an underactive thyroid.
Weight gain. Another symptom that some people just attribute to getting older and being less active. But an underactive thyroid often lessens hunger as well, and the person will gain weight despite eating less.
Dry skin and hair. Hair might also begin to thin more than normal.
Constipation
Muscles may become extremely weak, making stairs difficult, or your loved one might complain of more muscle aches or stiffness.
Occasionally, hypothyroidism can increase the risk of depression.

Hypothyroidism is Easily Treated with Medication

Luckily, there are synthetic versions of the hormones your loved one needs that she can take to get her levels back to normal. The only activity your elderly loved one needs to take is to take her medications consistently.

Unfortunately, for some seniors, staying on top of medication management can be tricky. They may find themselves forgetting to take it each day, may not take it regularly, or may neglect to order refills.

A senior home care professional can help your loved one with medication management. You can have your senior home care provider check in on your loved one’s medication to see if she needs to order a refill, help her fill up pill dispensers, and provide reminders about how and when to take her medication(s).

If your loved one struggles with medication, a senior home care professional can provide the support she needs to stay healthy and get her thyroid back on track.

If you or someone you know needs Senior Home Care in Gulf Shores, AL, please contact the friendly caregivers at  Hughes Home Care. We provide quality and affordable care for your elderly loved ones in our community. Serving Mobile & Baldwin County. Call us today at (251) 517-9901

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James Hughes

Owner at Hughes Home Care

James Hughes is a graduate of The University of Alabama (Health Care Administration), the University Of Alabama, Birmingham (Physical Therapy) and is a Navy veteran.

He has three teenage children and are actively involved in their church and community – James coach’s youth football, basketball and baseball and serves at 3 Circle Church. He is a member of the Fairhope Youth Football Board and the Rock Creek POA Board.

It is his passion and commitment to providing quality and responsive service that has made their company the fastest growing home care agency in South Alabama.

He believes that being an independently owned and operated company gives him the flexibility to manage his business in a way that better serves their clients.

He understands that you have a choice of care providers and he will do his utmost to earn your trust.