Revisiting the TSH range in older adults: associations between subclinical hypothyroidism and geriatric conditions

Journal of the Endocrine Society 2026 Open access

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Authors: Toshiki Kogai, Hideyoshi Kaga, Toyoyoshi Uchida, Hitoshi Naito, Yuki Someya, Hiroki Tabata, Saori Kakehi, T. Tajima, Naoaki Ito, Satoshi Kadowaki, Yuya Nishida, R. Kawamori
+2 more H Watada, Yoshifumi Tamura
DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvag045
Cited by: 1
References: 44

Abstract

Context: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels physiologically increase with age. Applying a fixed adult reference range to older adults may cause overdiagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). This study examined whether adjusting the upper limit of the TSH reference range is appropriate by evaluating reference ranges and risks of geriatric conditions in older adults. Design and Setting: We analyzed 1626 community-dwelling adults aged 65-84 years from the Bunkyo Health Study. Reference ranges for TSH, free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) were calculated using the 2.5th-97.5th percentiles. Participants with normal FT4 were classified into 3 groups by TSH: euthyroid (0.61-4.23 mIU/L), mild SCH (>4.23 to

Fields of Study & Subjects

Thyroid Disorders and Treatments Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Ophthalmology and Eye Disorders

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of the Endocrine Society
Publisher
The Endocrine Society
Volume
10
Issue
4
Pages
bvag045–bvag045
Publication date
23 February 2026
Language
EN