Final answer:
A 73-year-old man presenting with fatigue, weight gain, constipation, cold intolerance, and depressed mood likely needs to have hypothyroidism ruled out as the cause of his symptoms. Given his age, andropause should also be considered, but the thyroid-related symptoms are strongly indicative of a thyroid disorder.
Step-by-step explanation:
The symptoms presented by the 73-year-old man, which include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, cold intolerance, and depressed mood, suggest a possible thyroid disorder, specifically hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones. This results in a decreased basal metabolic rate, which can lead to symptoms like weight gain and fatigue. Additionally, thyroid hormones help to regulate mood and cognitive function, which explains the depressed mood and potential memory issues.
The individual’s age also suggests that the symptom of fatigue could be related to andropause, which is characterized by a decline in Leydig cell activity and resulting decrease in testosterone levels, leading to symptoms common in aging men such as reduced muscle mass, depression, and fatigue. The presence of thyroiditis with goiter is an indication that the thyroid gland itself may be affected, further strengthening the need to rule out hypothyroidism and other potential thyroid conditions.