Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Thyroid dysfunctions are common endocrine disorders. With an increasing number of older persons in European societies, the number of older patients affected will also rise. The physiology of thyroid hormones and their regulation change with increasing age. ⋯ Patients older than 65 years with subclinical hypothyroidism and a TSH level > 10 mU/l should also be treated, in particular when cardiovascular comorbidities are present. Levothyroxine treatment has to be monitored on a regular basis, as overdosing is also harmful. For patients with TSH concentrations between 7 and 10 mU/l there is no clear indication to initiate a levothyroxine treatment, as they do not have a clearly elevated mortality and morbidity, also quality of life does not improve.