Thyroid conditions can develop at any juncture of your life, but certain ages are vulnerable to their onset. Some thyroid conditions appear in childhood or adolescence, whereas some grow even during fetal development and in newborns. Some conditions are more prominently seen among women between 30 and 40, while others are highly preventable and more common among men above 50. Your lifestyle factors, hormonal changes, and genetic factors trigger thyroid dysfunctions, leading to immediate doctor consultation. Dr. Anshul Gupta specializing in functional medicine and integrative medicine, shall be your best option for getting thyroid conditions treated, irrespective of age.

Comprehending the onset age of thyroid problems

As thyroid issues can occur at any stage, mostly because of poor diet, degrading lifestyle, hormone fluctuation and autoimmune factors, even fetuses and newborns are no exception. Problems arise in fetuses either from maternal iodine deficiency or autoimmune antibodies that attack the placenta. Newborns may develop genetic hypothyroidism with either a malfunctioning or an absent thyroid gland. Due to iodine deficiency, autoimmune conditions or puberty-related hormonal changes trigger thyroid malfunction, which is more common among girls than boys. 

Among young adults, ranging between 20 and 30, women are much more prone to autoimmune conditions, hormonal changes and pregnancy, whereas men are affected by lifestyle degradation and genetic factors. Among middle-aged adults (40-50 years), thyroid disorders mostly emerge from prolonged activities, stress or inadequate diet, whereas women are susceptible because of menopause. Among elderly people (60+), both men and women experience higher susceptibility toward thyroid dysfunction because of declining age, chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, lifestyle factors, and medication side effects. With a deep understanding of functional medicine, Dr. Anshul Gupta follows a holistic and personalised approach to uncover the root causes of thyroid dysfunction and cure it effectively. 

Thyroid issues in fetuses and newborns 

Among newborn babies, hypothyroidism or Graves' disease is a rare condition, but it is fatal if not identified and treated. This condition usually occurs during pregnancy if the mother is suffering from Graves' condition or she has been treated before pregnancy. The mother's body produces antibodies to stimulate the thyroid gland, leading to the production of an increasing amount of thyroid hormone. These antibodies mistakenly attack the placenta, causing the fetus's thyroid gland to produce excessive thyroid hormone, resulting in premature birth or a fatal fetus. But after birth, newborns are not exposed to the mother's antibodies, which makes Graves' condition temporary, but the duration can vary among children. Although surgical removal of the thyroid gland, radiation treatment, medicines and damage to the pituitary gland are the causes of hypothyroidism among children, restricting child's growth. 

Thyroid issues in children and teenagers 

The rising thyroid disorders among children and teenagers have been concerning. With proper understanding of its root causes and prominent symptoms, these can be restricted. 

Boys

Thyroid issues among boys of this age are not as common as in girls, but it is rooted in genetic hypothyroidism, iodine imbalance and autoimmune conditions. Most common symptoms are delayed growth and puberty, fatigue, weight fluctuation, puffy face, hair thinning and brittle nails and enlarged thyroid, in some cases. 

Girls 

Extreme iodine deficiency, puberty-related hormonal changes and autoimmune conditions and even congenital hypothyroidism present since birth that can develop in their later periods of childhood and adolescence. Due to thyroid imbalance, hormones fluctuate, leading to irregular periods, abrupt weight gain if you are suffering from hypothyroidism or weight loss for hyperthyroidism, fast heartbeats, anxiety, and a deteriorating hair condition with delayed or early puberty changes as well. 

Thyroid disorders in young adults (20s-30s) 

Some prominent thyroid disorders observed among young adults are

Men

Even among men of this age group, thyroid problems are less common compared to women. These problems are rooted in genetic issues, autonomy and conditions, iodine imbalance, stress-induced hormonal imbalance, and lifestyle factors like poor diet and sleep issues. In most cases, thyroid symptoms are similar, including fatigue, weight gain or loss, hair thinning, decreasing muscle strength, certain mood swings and eroded fertility.

Women

Women belonging to this age group are also significantly susceptible to thyroid disorders because of Hashimoto's condition and Graves disease, pregnancy-related hormonal imbalance, stress-induced hormonal fluctuation, nutritional deficiency and inadequate diet. Some prominent symptoms are irregular periods, increasing infertility, weight fluctuation, hair loss, dry skin and brittle nails with extreme intolerance to heat or cold as per hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid conditions in middle-aged (40s-50s)

Thyroid conditions have taken a prominent place in this phase of individual life as well. 

Men

Autoimmune conditions are a common cause of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism among men and women. Besides this factor, the lack of physical activity, improper diet, extreme stress, degrading lifestyle and iodine imbalance are also counted as risk factors. Improper weight as per the age and height, fatigue, hair thinning, tiredness, lower metabolism, anxiety, memory issues, depression and erectile dysfunction are common symptoms among men.

Women

Women belonging to the 40 to 50 group are prone to hormonal changes, especially during perimenopause or menopause, that can overlap with thyroid irregularities. Alongside genetic factors and autoimmune activity, lifestyle stress factors and hormonal shift are considered as vulnerable factors for thyroid disorders. Autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves’ disease are prevalent among women in this age group. Irregular heavy menstruation, brittle hair and nails, goiter, frequent noticeable weight fluctuations, anxiety, mood swings and palpitations are some common symptoms. 

Thyroid issues in older adults (60+) 

Even among elderly people, thyroid dysfunction is an active condition both within men and women.

Men

With declining age, thyroid hormone production also decreases because of prolonged iodine imbalance, and additional side effects from other medications like amiodarone and lithium for psychiatric conditions. Slower heart rate, memory decline, weight gain, increasing level of constipation and muscle weakness are some of the common symptoms.

Women

Besides age-related decline of hormonal and thyroid functioning after menopause, the prevalence of long-standing autoimmune conditions is a common risk factor responsible for thyroid dysfunction at this age. Women suffering from thyroid irregularities will witness fatigue more often, thinning hair and nails, dry skin and puffy face, with a toll on mental health through depression, anxiety and mood swings. In addition to this, increasing intolerance to cold and heat, abrupt improper reflexes and degrading cognitive changes are also counted. 

Conclusion

At any age or life’s phase, thyroid issues can arise with different causes and symptoms. This is why early detection is important to ensure efficient management of thyroid dysfunction. Dr. Anshul Gupta, with his functional and integrative medicine approach, holistically distinguishes the root causes and symptoms of thyroid conditions among various age groups of men and women. So, whether you're in your 20s, 40s, or 60s, get yourself checked by Dr. Anshul Gupta and manage your thyroid levels with the right care.