Folk sign: hypothyroidism in old age leads to a long life
Hypofunction of the thyroid gland can be a sign of longevity
Elvira Koshkina, CompulentaA team of researchers from Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine (both New York) examined several hundred Ashkenazi Jews (Jews of European origin) who celebrated the centenary, and found that many centenarians have slowed down the activity of the thyroid gland.
The thyroid gland is located in the anterior region of the neck. It produces hormones involved in the regulation of metabolism – thyroxine, triiodothyronine, thyrocalcitonin. These hormones contain iodine, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the gland.
The activity of the gland can be established by checking the patient's level of thyroid-stimulating hormone. A high content of the hormone indicates hypothyroidism, that is, that the gland does not function at full capacity. A low level of thyroid–stimulating hormone indicates hyperthyroidism - hyperthyroidism. In patients with hypothyroidism, hair loss, a sharp weight gain and lethargy are observed; those suffering from hyperthyroidism, on the contrary, lose weight sharply, feel palpitations and trembling hands.
Scientists have found that from 15 to 20% of people whose age exceeds 60 years have a high level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, that is, the activity of their thyroid glands is reduced. According to the head of the work, Martin Serks, hypothyroidism is normal for the elderly and can be a sign of longevity. It's like in the animal world: elephants, who live for several decades, have a low metabolic rate and a slow heartbeat, and mice have a fast metabolism, and they live only a few months. Centenarians with hypothyroidism can be compared to elephants, and people with hyperthyroidism can be compared to mice.
A study of two hundred centenarians and four hundred of their offspring showed that two genetic changes are associated with low thyroid activity, as well as the advanced age of the subjects. Martin Serks believes that the elderly should not be stuffed with medications to increase the activity of the thyroid gland, since hypothyroidism is a normal condition for them. However, hypofunction of the gland in people younger than 50 years is a disease that should be treated with hormones.
Prepared based on Reuters materials.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru/16.06.2009