What's so sad or maybe frustrating is that a person can present every hypothyroid or hyperthyroid symptom and their blood tests still not indicate a problem. Think of how many elderly people suffer from a wide variety of mental health issues that could possibly be thyroid related but the few lab tests they get don't even check for that possibility.

Thyroid problems in the elderly, even when they are diagnosed, are apparently seldom treated - most can't endure surgery, medications can make other health problems worse, etc.

I've recently joined a wonderful thyroid forum-style website and it's amazing how many members talk about how their mental/emotional issues changed dramatically once they received an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

theodora, sudden elevation in BP and heart rate with palpitations 24/7 sent me to the doctor 2 years ago this summer. My internist swore up one side and down the other that I was bound to have heart disease, that my symptoms were classic when it came to women having heart disease. She acknowledged that my blood tests and thyroid tests indicated slight (at the time) hyperthyroidism but wouldn't have it any other way than I had heart disease and depression.

I immediately saw a cardiologist and had all the nuclear tests, echocardiogram, etc., and he said my heart was strong - my symptoms were stemming from being hyperthyroid.

I went back to the internist who seemed quite irritated with me for wanting a referral to see an endocrinologist but thank goodness I kept pushing. I saw the cardiologist 2 weeks ago to get his O.K. for thyroid surgery (I now have multiple nodules) and he repeated his original diagnosis, that my heart is fine.

I am so hopeful that getting off the wild ride that hyperthyroidism has had me on since 2009 and maybe the stability of thyroid hormone replacement will dramatically help with my other health problems.