There is no general agreement about whether to screen older adults with no symptoms of thyroid disease. However, testing for thyroid problems is needed for all older adults with a recent decrease in cognition (thinking and memory) or function (ability to move and carry out activities).
Hypothyroidism
A healthcare professional should test a person with symptoms of the disease with a TSH blood test quickly. Blood tests can find hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism
A healthcare professional typically checks blood levels of thyroid hormones when hyperthyroidism is possible. They can also use imaging tests to diagnose hyperthyroidism and find out how much of the thyroid is affected.
Hyperthyroidism should be treated as soon as possible to avoid heart problems, osteoporosis (“thinning bones”), or weight loss.
Thyroid Nodules and Thyroid Cancer
If you have a nodule or nodules, a healthcare professional will need to examine them. An ultrasound (an imaging study that uses high-frequency sound waves) is often used to:
- Determine how many nodules there are
- Check their shape and structure
- Find out whether they are cancer
To determine whether a nodule is cancerous, a healthcare professional will insert a very thin needle into the nodule and use it to draw out a sample of the cells inside for analysis. This procedure is known as “aspiration”.
Your healthcare professional may also do a “thyroid scan,” which involves injecting radioactive iodine into a vein in your arm. Once the iodine reaches your thyroid gland, your healthcare provider can get images of your thyroid and the nodule.
Last Updated December 2022