Which population group is recommended for thyroid disease screening?

Thyroid disease screening is particularly recommended for women aged 50 years or older because this demographic is at a higher risk for thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid disease. The prevalence of thyroid conditions increases with age, and hormonal changes related to menopause may further contribute to this risk.

Research and clinical guidelines suggest that routine screening for thyroid function, typically using serum TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels, can be beneficial for this population. Early detection of thyroid dysfunction can lead to timely management, which is vital in preventing complications associated with unmanaged thyroid disease.

While thyroid dysfunction can occur in other groups, such as adolescents, males, and children, these populations do not share the same increased prevalence as older women. Therefore, the recommendation for screening focuses specifically on women aged 50 and above to optimize early diagnosis and intervention in those most affected.