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Serum thyrotropin and thyroid hormone levels in elderly and middle-aged euthyroid persons
J M Hershman1, A E Pekary, L Berg
1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, CA 90073.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels are similar in euthyroid older adults and middle-aged individuals. This study suggests the normal TSH range for the elderly is comparable to that of younger adults.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
- Thyroid Research
Background:
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a key regulator of thyroid function.
- Age-related changes in thyroid function are not fully understood.
- Establishing normal TSH ranges in older adults is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum TSH levels in euthyroid older adults (>70 years) with middle-aged adults (40-60 years).
- To investigate potential age-related alterations in thyroid hormone regulation.
Main Methods:
- Serum TSH, thyroid hormones (T4, T3), and thyroid antibodies were measured in 216 older adults and 211 middle-aged adults.
- Participants with existing thyroid disease or abnormal function were excluded.
- Measurements were performed using Abbott IMx and radioimmunoassay techniques.
Main Results:
- Overall geometric mean TSH levels did not significantly differ between older and middle-aged groups.
- Older women showed slightly lower mean TSH than middle-aged women, but this difference was not significant after excluding those with positive antibodies.
- No significant correlations were found between TSH and thyroid hormone levels or serum ferritin.
Conclusions:
- Euthyroid older persons exhibit similar serum TSH levels to middle-aged adults.
- The established normal range for serum TSH in healthy middle-aged subjects can be applied to the elderly.
- Further research may explore subtle sex-specific differences in TSH levels in aging populations.