Changes in thyroid function with age: results from the Pizarra population-based longitudinal study

Results of studies examining the influence of age on thyroid function and TSH levels, in the absence of thyroid disease, remain controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the course of thyroid function over 11 years in a population with normal thyroid function.

This is a population-based prospective study started in 1995-1997 (first phase), and reassessed 6 (second phase) and 11 years later (third phase).

The TSH and FT4 in the third phase were significantly increased (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively), with the values being higher particularly from the age of 50 years. In those persons with a baseline TSH≥1.2 and <3 μIU/mL, the OR of having a TSH of 3-5 μIU/mL in the third phase was 6.10 (p=0.004). In those with a baseline TSH≥3 and ≤5 μIU/mL, the OR of having a TSH of 3-5 μIU/mL in the third phase was 20.8 (p<0.0001). Similar results were found for FT4.

In a population free of clinical thyroid disease, TSH and FT4 values rise over the years. This increase occurs in all age groups, but depends mainly on the basal concentrations of TSH and FT4.