The thyroid is a gland located in the front of the neck. It is butterfly-shaped and right below the Adam’s apple. It secretes hormones that affect metabolism and form protein. As with all parts of the body, the thyroid may change with age.

Thyroid disorders increase with age. Yet, symptoms are more subtle the older we get. Thyroid issues are easily misdiagnosed as symptoms attributed to normal aging or to other disorders associated with getting older. Blood tests are used to diagnose most thyroid disorders.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is underactive. Normal aging may have symptoms very similar to hypothyroidism, which can leave it unnoticed, undiagnosed and untreated. Some symptoms of hypothyroidism are swelling, weight gain, dry skin, fatigue, constipation, psychiatric problems and anemia.

Hypothyroidism is common in people over 60 years old and the risk of hypothyroidism increases with further aging. Approximately 5% of people over 60 have hypothyroidism.

Treatment of Hypothyroidism

Treatment of hypothyroidism is with thyroid medications. Blood tests to check thyroid levels must be ordered and monitored by a physician every so often to determine if the medication dosage needs to be adjusted.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid is overactive. When this occurs, the functions in the body speed up. Younger people often have multiple symptoms with hyperthyroidism, but older individuals may only have one or two symptoms.

Symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland are racing heart, muscle weakness, heat intolerance, sweating, diarrhea, bulging eyes, weight loss and psychiatric problems such as panic attacks, anxiety, mania and even hallucinations. About 3% of people over 60 have hyperthyroidism.

Treatment of Hyperthyroidism

Antithyroid medication, radioactive iodine, and surgery are the treatments available for hyperthyroidism. Often radioactive iodine and surgery may actually result in hypothyroidism. Then, the hypothyroidism would be treated with a lifetime of thyroid replacement medication. Surgery is not as often done in older adults due to increased operative risk.

Sometimes, medications like beta blockers are added to treat the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as a fast heart rate.

Goiter

A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. It may be enlargement of the entire thyroid or it may be irregular cell growth that forms lumps of nodules. A goiter may develop due to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Goiter can develop even with normal thyroid function.

Thyroid nodules can be benign or cancerous. Approximately 5% of people with thyroid nodules have cancer.

If you notice lumps or enlargement in the front of your neck, consult your physician. Usually, an ultrasound or CT will be done to better visualize the thyroid. In some instances, a nuclear scan will be done. If the imaging is of concern, you may be referred to an endocrinologist or surgeon to biopsy the area in order to rule out cancer.

In Conclusion

The diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders becomes more difficult as we age. Many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are also associated with normal aging or with other health disorders that are more common in older adults.

Poorly controlled thyroid function can cause problems with the heart, nervous system, kidneys, mental health, eyes, bones or even life-threatening coma. For these reasons, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders as we age. If you have any concerns about your thyroid, do not hesitate to address these concerns with your healthcare provider.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you have a thyroid disorder? Did you have any signs or symptoms associated with your thyroid disorder? Have you noticed resolution or improvement of these symptoms with treatment of your thyroid disorder?

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

There was a time not that long ago when we all wanted a highlighter so bright, you could “see it from space.” But in recent years, it’s been more about that lit-from-within glow without noticeable shimmer. Well, Selena Gomez and her team somehow created a product that does both. Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter is both blinding and soft, depending on how much you use and where you use it.

This is the first powder highlighter from the brand and a follow-up of its popular Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight. Fans love the liquid illuminator for the way it sinks into the skin and blends so well with other liquid face products. This new Silky Touch Highlighter is much more dramatic with micro-shimmers that allow you to build up the glow. But this isn’t just any glittery powder formula. This one is silky-smooth and feels like a liquid but has the ease of a powder.

Rare Beauty.

TikTokers are freaking out over the glow this gives with one small swipe. There are four shades in total, three of which are already sold out at Sephora. There’s Enlighten (a cool champagne), Exhilarate (a champagne gold), Flaunt (a true gold) and Mesmerize (a rose bronze). Watch @greeneggsandglam put just the tiniest amount of Exhilarate on her cheeks and you’ll see for yourself. Like seemingly everything with Rare Beauty, a little goes a long way.

@greeneggsandglam

what kind of highlighters do you prefer? #new #rarebeauty #highlighter #sephora #holiday #makeup #review #glow #beauty

♬ Lo fi hip hop (Podcast, Vlog, Advertising, Food, Travel) – Flashinmusic

TikToker @isaidwoahhhhh picked up also picked up Exhilarate and says “it’s gorgeous” and not “too glittery.” Both women used their own highlighter brushes but you can also pick up the new Positive Light Precision Highlighter Brush ($18 at Sephora) to go with the new highlighter.

@isaidwoahhhhh

idk how I got it so fast #rarebeauty #rarebeautyhighlight #rarebeautypositivelight #makeup #highlight #makeupreview #powderhighlight

♬ original sound – Emily Billings

There aren’t many who have gotten their hands on the highlighters yet (mine’s in the mail!) so if you see a shade in stock, you’ll probably want to grab it. Layer it on top of the liquid highlighter you already have for a glow that seriously lasts.

Winter House Season 2 Episode 8 Fashion

While this season of Winter House may soon be coming to an end, for us the actual winter season is just beginning. So without further ado, scroll on down below to shop the best lewks from episode 8 so you don’t miss them like Craig will the mini fridge. 

Fashionably,

Faryn

Ciara Miller’s Chestnut Uggs

Click Here to Shop Her Ugg Boots in Many Colours

Click Here For Additional Stock

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Amanda Batula’s Striped Fuzzy Sweater

Click Here to Shop Her House of Harlow 1960 Sweater

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Lindsay Hubbard’s Orange Striped Jacket

Click Here to See Her Farm Rio Jacket

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Rachel Clark’s Blue Shearling Birkenstocks

Click Here to Shop Her Birkenstocks 

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Rachel Clark’s Plaid Shacket

Click Here to Shop Her Shacket on eBay

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Originally posted at: Winter House Season 2 Episode 8 Fashion

As we age, we experience countless new beginnings. Some of them are frightening, especially when we haven’t planned for them. Others are enjoyable and bring satisfaction.

Many life stages can cause a new beginning: from the empty nest to losing our loved ones we are in constant pattern of change. It’s important to understand, however, that change is a part of life. We should be ready to grow by keeping our memories close while also learning to expand our horizons.

So often I see people that age quickly after a life transition takes place. They are not open to the possibilities of a new beginning and decline mentally and physically. They become stuck in what was a routine.

When a major change – such as divorce, death, retirement or even a relocation – happens it can throw them into a tailspin. They are not finding the presence of the moment and do not look into how it may benefit them in the big picture.

Here are a few thoughts to help you with a shift in life.

Get Social

Find groups of people with whom to socialize regularly. It doesn’t have to be a daily thing, but it’s important to share your feelings and experiences with friends. Often, just listening to others and their feelings can help you relate to your current situation.

What are your interests? Find an activity that brings you joy – whether it is card games, crafting, writing or walking – and join a group of people who enjoy it too. This will give you interaction to help you feel as a part of something outside of your daily activities.

Get Physical

It may seem comfortable to stay home in your pyjamas and watch television but keeping active will benefit your health.

Find an activity you like and join a group that enjoys the same. It may be walking, gym classes, cycling, hiking or yoga. When you’re in a group, the common exercise and the interaction with the surrounding people will make you feel better.

Keep in Touch

We all tend to isolate ourselves when we go through a major change. Keep in touch with family and friends. You may not live close, but you can still contact them by phone, FaceTime or Skype. Conversations don’t have to be long, but the connection will reinforce bonds.

Embrace Your Life

Although it may be difficult, focus on the good in life and the goal you are working to accomplish. Don’t let yourself get into a rut. Keep your mind active by continuing to learn.

Develop positive habits that enrich your health and life. You will be surprise what results come from looking forward to the new and not focusing on the old or your loss.

Memories of the past are great things to treasure but the future is today. You can benefit and grow while moving forward and learning from the changes that occur.

Remember, we all go through life changes. Sure, as we age, they may become a little harder to transition into, but learning to adapt makes us stronger, even if it does take some getting used to.

Keep your mind open to change and how you can use it to start doing things in new ways, to meet new friends and to start new relationships that can benefit you.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you made any big shifts in your life this year? How good are you at dealing with change? Please share your insights and tips in the comments below!

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

If you have your foot, heck, even your pinky, in the door of the skincare world, then chances are you’ve heard about retinol. It seems like there’s nothing hotter on the market right now than products that include this anti-aging and skin-clearing ingredient. But, it’s kinda hard to understand how to use it and where to put it on your skin.

See, retinoids are chemical compounds that boost the speed of skin cell turnover to help you shed everything from blemishes to scars. The vitamin A-derived compound is a fan-favorite of dermatologists and skincare obsessives alike for its ability to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots, as well. But, because it’s a chemical exfoliant, if you don’t use retinol properly, it can wreak some serious havoc on your skin. We’re talking about shedding spots, dry patches and, in extreme cases, burns.

RELATED: This Growth Serum Is Restoring People’s Thinning Strands to ‘The Best They’ve Ever Been’ & It’s Included in This Flash Sale

To avoid those mishaps, Peace Out Skincare developed a simple solution. It’s a retinol stick that allows for you to pinpoint exactly where you apply the product, and helps you avoid applying too much of it. And since the brand’s Holiday Sale has officially dropped, this is your last chance to snag the product (among other bestsellers) for less this year. Everything is 30 percent off with free shipping right now.

You might have heard of the brand before—it produces the extremely effective pore strips that went viral on TikTok. The face stick includes a 3 percent retinol blend, (most retinol products have anywhere from two to 10 percent, and experts agree that those with at least 2.5 percent of the ingredient will be effective in diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes) as well as fruit complexes that nourish and altar your skin in one fell swoop.

Designed to work with any skin type—oily, combination, dry, you name it—the retinol stick is best for those who have skincare concerns revolving around fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, discoloration and droopiness. The applicator takes the guess work out of applying the right amount of product to your skin, since you simply have to swipe it on to experience the impact. This makes implementing retinol into your routine so much less intimidating, shoppers say.

“I love this product because I get the benefits of retinol without the oily mess,” wrote one shopper who previously relied on serums. “I love this and recommend for those who have naturally oily skin, or anyone who doesn’t like having extra oils on.”

Even those who have never used retinol before have major success using it. 

“I am 23 and just starting to create an anti-aging skincare routine and this product has really helped me do that,” wrote one reviewer. “It’s easy to use, easy to travel with, and SO CUTE! I was also worried about irritation, being a first time retinol user but this product was ultra gentle and non-irritating, so that is a huge bonus for me!”

Courtesy of Peace Out Skincare.

Though the product is brand new to the market, this “magic wrinkle eraser” is already getting rave reviews by users and experimenters alike.

According to a consumer study, 100 percent of participants (seriously) said their skin felt smoother after a month of using the retinol stick compared to how it felt before they began using the product. What’s more, 92 percent of users said their fine lines and wrinkles looked softer and less noticeable. That’s not all, though. In just two weeks, 81 percent of testers said their skin seemed firmer. That’s about as instant as skincare results can get.

Use it under your eyes to get rid of droopiness, dark circles and fine lines. Or, apply it on your forehead to get rid of those valleys that never seem to go away when you raise your brows.

“I have noticed that my fine lines appear to be plumper and more hydrated after about a week of use,” wrote one user. “This makes me feel confident that they will improve even more with consistent use, so I will gladly continue to use this product for the foreseeable future.”

To use the face stick, apply it to areas of concern after cleansing and moisturizing your face at night. Make sure to use SPF the next morning; skin is more prone to getting sunburn when retinol is applied to it. If you have super sensitive skin, the brand recommends doing a patch test first before implementing it into your nighttime routine up to two times a week.

Once your skin is used to it, sit back, relax and wait for the results to appear. You’ll be shocked at what you’ll see. Score this unique and effective formulation for 30 percent off during the brand’s final sale of the year, where everything across the site is fair game.