Longevity is not only defined by how long a person lives but the health of that person. The thyroid plays a key role on many levels in determining this. Thyroid hormones have a vital role in metabolism, but also in growth and development. Aging itself is associated with some normal changes in thyroid function. However, alterations in thyroid function have also been implicated in the development of age-related diseases.

Studies have shown that over time the median levels of circulating thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) tend to increase with increased years. Persons 80 years of age and older tend to have higher TSH levels compared to persons in their middle age or younger. This trend continues to be seen in people with even more advanced age of over 100 years. This suggests a beneficial effect of a slightly higher TSH to longevity.  

There are changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis that occur as a natural adaptation when we age. Unfortunately, given the importance of the thyroid for optimal health and how imbalances in thyroid function, even subtle changes, can go along with chronic disease, it can be very difficult to tell normal changes from detrimental changes. Furthermore, thyroid disease itself, whether alterations in thyroid function or structure, like thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer, increases as we age.

Understanding the extent of the influence of thyroid disturbances on age-related disease states is essential. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been implicated in inflammation. Inflammation is at the root of most acute and chronic disease states, such as insulin resistance, diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and cancer. Addressing underlying contributors to ongoing inflammation, such as gut dysbiosis, intestinal permeability, and critical micronutrient deficiencies, is essential to regaining and maintaining optimal thyroid function at any age of life.

Caring for persons with thyroid issues at different stages of life can be challenging. Our goals are different for different populations. For example, caring for a woman with hypothyroidism who wants to become pregnant or who is pregnant may be quite different from a person with hypothyroidism in their seventies with heart disease.  This is where personalized integrative care is key.

Through the review of current scientific evidence, this presentation will help guide the audience through further understanding and addressing the intricate and complex relationship of thyroid and longevity. 

Session Learning Objectives:

1.) Review thyroid hormone’s impact on growth and aging, as well as how thyroid function changes over time.

2.) Summarize the current research on the beneficial changes of thyroid function regarding longevity.

3.) Discuss the possible effects of thyroid hormone imbalance in the development of age-related diseases.

4.) Evaluate how caring for persons with thyroid issues changes in different stages of life may be approached.