Thyroid Symptoms in Women Over 60: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Feeling more tired than usual. Gaining weight despite no major changes in your diet. Becoming more forgetful. Feeling unusually cold. Dealing with dry skin or thinning hair.

After 60, it can be tempting to put these changes down to ageing.

But sometimes, there is another explanation worth considering: your thyroid.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, but the hormones it produces influence how the body uses energy and affect the heart, brain, muscles and other organs. When the thyroid produces too little hormone, the body's processes can slow down. When it produces too much, many processes speed up.

For women over 60, identifying thyroid problems can be particularly important because symptoms may be subtle and can overlap with changes commonly associated with ageing.

In fact, the American Thyroid Association notes that thyroid disorders in older adults can present differently from the classic symptoms seen in younger people. Hypothyroidism, for example, may show up primarily as fatigue, sleepiness, constipation, or cognitive changes, while hyperthyroidism may present with fewer obvious symptoms than expected.

So, how do you know when something may be more than “just getting older”?

Why Do Thyroid Problems Become More Relevant After 60?

Thyroid disorders can occur at any age, but hypothyroidism becomes more common with age and is more common in women than men. Hyperthyroidism is also more common in women and in people over 60.

The challenge is that thyroid symptoms don't always arrive dramatically.

Instead, a woman may notice that she has gradually become more tired, her skin feels drier, her digestion has slowed, or her concentration isn't quite what it used to be. Each symptom on its own may seem insignificant. Together, however, they may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Age can also make thyroid diagnosis more complicated. The American Thyroid Association points out that older adults may have fewer symptoms when hypothyroidism develops, and symptoms such as memory changes may be attributed to normal ageing rather than investigated as a possible thyroid issue.

Common Thyroid Symptoms in Women Over 60 in 2026

Thyroid symptoms can vary significantly between individuals. A woman with hypothyroidism may experience several symptoms, while another woman may notice only one or two.

Common symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid can include:

Persistent tiredness or low energy
Unexplained weight gain
Increased sensitivity to cold
Dry skin
Dry or thinning hair
Constipation
Muscle aches or weakness
Joint discomfort
Slower heart rate
Low mood
Sleepiness
Memory or concentration difficulties

These symptoms are recognised by organisations including the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the American Thyroid Association.

An overactive thyroid can produce almost the opposite pattern:

Unexplained weight loss
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Trembling hands
Feeling unusually warm
Increased sweating
Nervousness or irritability
Difficulty sleeping
Muscle weakness
More frequent bowel movements
Loss of appetite in some older adults

Interestingly, NIDDK notes that older adults with hyperthyroidism may not always have the classic presentation. Instead, they may experience loss of appetite, withdrawal from social activities, or other less obvious changes.

Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)

1. Persistent Fatigue and Sleepiness

One of the most common complaints is simply feeling unusually tired.

You may find that everyday activities take more effort, you feel sleepy during the day or you don't feel refreshed even after sleeping.

For women over 60, this symptom can easily be attributed to age, changes in sleep or lifestyle. But persistent or unexplained fatigue deserves attention, particularly when it appears alongside other symptoms.

2. Unexplained Weight Gain

Hypothyroidism can be associated with weight gain and a slower metabolic state.

However, thyroid-related weight gain should not be assumed whenever the scale goes up. Changes in physical activity, muscle mass, eating patterns, medications, and other health conditions can also influence weight.

3. Feeling Colder Than Usual

Do you find yourself reaching for a sweater when everyone else seems comfortable?

Increased sensitivity to cold is a recognised symptom of hypothyroidism.

4. Dry Skin and Thinning Hair

Dry skin and dry or thinning hair can occur with hypothyroidism.

But these changes are also common as people age, which makes context important. If skin and hair changes occur together with fatigue, constipation, cold sensitivity or weight changes, it may be worth discussing thyroid testing with your doctor.

5. Constipation and Slower Digestion

Hypothyroidism can slow bowel movements, resulting in constipation.

Persistent constipation shouldn't automatically be blamed on the thyroid, though. Diet, hydration, reduced activity, and medications are also common contributors.

6. Memory and Concentration Changes

This is one of the symptoms that deserves particular attention in older adults.

The American Thyroid Association notes that cognitive changes or memory loss may sometimes be the only noticeable manifestation of hypothyroidism in an older person.

Symptoms of an Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces more thyroid hormone than the body needs.

Because thyroid hormones influence energy use and many body systems, excess hormone can make several processes speed up.

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without intentionally changing your diet or exercise routine can be a sign of several different health conditions, including hyperthyroidism.

NIDDK lists weight loss despite increased appetite among the possible symptoms. However, older adults may instead experience reduced appetite.

2. Fast or Irregular Heartbeat

A racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeat can occur with hyperthyroidism.

This symptom deserves particular attention in older adults because untreated hyperthyroidism can increase the risk of cardiovascular complications, including abnormal heart rhythms.

3. Feeling Hot or Sweating More

If you suddenly feel unusually warm or begin sweating more than usual, an overactive thyroid is one possible explanation.

Again, this isn't specific to thyroid disease, so testing is important rather than self-diagnosis.

4. Tremors and Muscle Weakness

Shaky hands and muscle weakness are recognised symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

For an older woman, new weakness can have many causes, so it shouldn't automatically be attributed to thyroid function.

5. Changes in Mood and Sleep

Nervousness, irritability, difficulty sleeping and fatigue can occur with hyperthyroidism.

One reason thyroid disorders can be confusing is that fatigue can occur with both an underactive and an overactive thyroid-the surrounding pattern of symptoms is what helps clinicians investigate further.

Thyroid Symptoms Women Often Mistake for Ageing

One of the biggest challenges with thyroid health after 60 is knowing when an ordinary change has become something worth investigating.

“I'm tired because I'm getting older.”

Occasional tiredness is normal.

But persistent fatigue, excessive sleepiness or a noticeable reduction in your usual energy can have many possible causes, including thyroid dysfunction.

The American Thyroid Association notes that fatigue and sleepiness are among the symptoms that may occur with hypothyroidism in older adults.

“My metabolism has slowed down.”

Metabolism and body composition can change with age. However, unexplained or significant weight gain can also occur with hypothyroidism.

The key is not to assume that every change in weight is thyroid-related-or to assume that it isn't.

“I'm becoming forgetful.”

Everyone occasionally forgets names, appointments or where they left their keys.

But noticeable changes in memory or cognitive functioning shouldn't automatically be dismissed as ageing. The ATA specifically identifies cognitive decline and memory loss as potentially important presentations of hypothyroidism in older adults.

“My hair and skin are changing because I'm older.”

Ageing can affect both skin and hair.

However, dry skin and hair changes can also occur with hypothyroidism, particularly when they appear alongside fatigue, constipation, cold sensitivity or weight changes.

“My heart is racing because I'm anxious.”

A racing or irregular heartbeat should not simply be attributed to stress or anxiety.

Hyperthyroidism can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, and untreated hyperthyroidism can increase cardiovascular risks.

Can Thyroid Supplements Help?

This is where thyroid wellness requires a little more nuance.

A thyroid-support supplement is not the same as thyroid medication.

If you have diagnosed hypothyroidism, your doctor may prescribe thyroid hormone replacement. Supplements should not be used as a substitute for prescribed treatment.

The American Thyroid Association explains that levothyroxine is commonly used to replace thyroid hormone in people with hypothyroidism, while treatment and monitoring in older adults need particular care.

So where can nutritional support fit in?

The thyroid relies on various nutrients for normal hormone synthesis and metabolism. Selenium, for example, plays important roles in thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism. However, evidence does not mean that everyone with a thyroid condition automatically benefits from taking extra selenium or other nutrients. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements notes that clinical studies of selenium supplementation in autoimmune thyroid disease have produced mixed results.

Final Note

Your 60s aren't a reason to become suspicious of every change in your body.

They're a reason to become more attentive to your body's baseline.

If your thyroid is functioning normally, focus on the fundamentals: a balanced diet, adequate protein, regular movement, quality sleep, and appropriate nutritional intake.

If you have a thyroid condition, follow your prescribed treatment and use supplements only as appropriate for your individual situation.

And if you're looking for nutritional support, a thoughtfully formulated product such as Terrapy ThyroVital can be explored as part of a broader wellness routine-not as a replacement for diagnosis or treatment.

FAQs: Thyroid Symptoms in Women Over 60

What are the most common thyroid symptoms in women over 60?

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, sleepiness, weight gain, cold sensitivity, dry skin, hair changes, constipation, muscle problems, and cognitive or memory changes. Hyperthyroidism may cause weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, heat intolerance, sweating, tremors, muscle weakness, and sleep difficulties.

Can thyroid problems cause fatigue after 60?

Yes. Fatigue and sleepiness can occur with hypothyroidism, while fatigue can also occur with hyperthyroidism. However, fatigue has many possible causes, so it should not be considered proof of a thyroid problem.

Can thyroid problems cause weight gain after 60?

Hypothyroidism can contribute to weight gain, but weight changes after 60 can also be related to diet, physical activity, muscle loss, medications, and other health conditions.

Can thyroid problems cause hair loss in older women?

Thyroid dysfunction can be associated with dry or thinning hair. However, hair loss has many possible causes, including nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, medications, and other health conditions.

Can thyroid problems cause memory problems or brain fog?

Yes. Cognitive changes and memory difficulties can occur with hypothyroidism. This can be particularly important in older adults because memory or cognitive changes may sometimes be more noticeable than other thyroid symptoms.

What thyroid tests should women over 60 get?

TSH is commonly used as an initial thyroid function test. If the result is abnormal, healthcare professionals may order additional tests such as free T4 and, depending on the situation, T3 or thyroid antibody tests.

What nutrients support healthy thyroid function after 60?

Selenium is particularly important because it plays roles in thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism. Other nutrients commonly found in thyroid-support formulas include zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and vitamin D.

Can thyroid problems develop for the first time after 60?

Yes. Hypothyroidism becomes increasingly common with age, while hyperthyroidism is also more common among people over 60. A woman doesn't need to have had a previous thyroid condition for thyroid dysfunction to develop later in life.

What is a normal TSH level for women over 60?

There isn't one universal TSH value that is ideal for every woman over 60. TSH can vary with age, and results need to be interpreted alongside free T4, symptoms, medications, laboratory reference ranges, and overall health.

Can thyroid health affect energy and metabolism after 60?

Yes. Thyroid hormones help regulate how the body uses energy and influence many organs and body systems. Too little thyroid hormone can slow several body processes, while excessive thyroid hormone can accelerate them.