One of the problems that occurs when the thyroid is too active, or when too much thyroid hormone medication is given, is
bone loss
from osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone mass (decrease in bone density), which leads to fragile bones that can break more easily.
Does thyroid medicine cause bone loss?
The doses of thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) don't harm bone and shouldn't be cause for concern.
Only high doses, used for thyroid cancer
treatment, can cause bone loss. High doses or long-term use of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can raise the risk of bone loss.
Can levothyroxine cause bone loss?
Bone loss due to levothyroxine over-replacement frequently
occurs in postmenopausal women
[11,12]. However, evidence of an association between levothyroxine doses and fracture risk has been insufficient. A recent epidemiological study by Turner et al.
Why does levothyroxine cause bone loss?
Thyroid hormone affects the rate of bone replacement. Too much thyroid hormone (i.e. thyroxine) in
your body speeds the rate at which bone is lost
. If this happens too fast the osteoblasts may not be able to replace the bone loss quickly enough.
What are the side effects of too much levothyroxine?
- Change in consciousness.
- cold, clammy skin.
- disorientation.
- fast or weak pulse.
- lightheadedness.
- sudden headache.
- sudden loss of coordination.
- sudden slurring of speech.
Can thyroid cause bone problems?
What is the link between thyroid disease and osteoporosis?
Thyroid hormone affects the rate of bone replacement
. Too much thyroid hormone (i.e. thyroxine) in your body speeds the rate at which bone is lost. If this happens too fast the osteoblasts may not be able to replace the bone loss quickly enough.
What supplements should not be taken with thyroid medication?
Iron and calcium supplements
interfere with how your body absorbs your thyroid medications, so these should be spaced at least an hour apart. Another supplement to watch out for is biotin, commonly taken for hair, skin, and nail benefits.
How does hypothyroidism increase bone density?
These effects are particularly observed in postmenopausal women but are less evident in premenopausal women. Overt hypothyroidism is known to
lower bone turnover by reducing both osteoclastic bone resorption and osteoblastic activity
. These changes in bone metabolism would result in an increase in bone mineralization.
Does hypothyroidism cause calcium deficiency?
Hypothyroidism is known to affect
calcium homeostasis
by decreasing bone turnover and serum calcium level, and by increasing parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations.
At what age do we have the most bone density?
Most people will reach their peak bone mass
between the ages of 25 and 30
.
How do you know when your thyroid medicine needs adjusting?
In general, the most indicators that your doctor needs to adjust your levothyroxine dose is that you start having signs and symptoms of an overactive thyroid. These include:
Racing or irregular heartbeat or palpitations
.
Increased blood pressure
.
Why levothyroxine is bad for you?
For people with heart problems:
Levothyroxine can increase your risk of serious heart problems
, such as heart attack, abnormal heart rhythm, and heart failure. This risk is increased if you've already had these problems. Tell your doctor if you have heart problems or a history of heart problems.
Is 25 mcg levothyroxine a lot?
There are two strategies for initiating levothyroxine in healthy adults younger than 65 years: low-dose (50 mcg) and full-dose (1.6 to 1.7 mcg per kg). Traditionally, lower starting doses of 25 to 50 mcg
per day
are recommended for patients 65 years and older or who have ischemic heart disease.
Do thyroid patients need calcium?
Answer From Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Yes
. Calcium supplements — or antacids containing calcium — can interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement medications, such as synthetic thyroid hormones levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, others) and liothyronine (Cytomel), as well as thyroid extract supplements.
What is thyroid Acropachy?
Thyroid acropachy is
an extreme manifestation of autoimmune thyroid disease
. It presents with digital clubbing, swelling of digits and toes, and periosteal reaction of extremity bones. It is almost always associated with ophthalmopathy
What is Thyroid storm?
Thyroid storm is
a very rare, but life-threatening condition of the thyroid gland that develops in cases of untreated thyrotoxicosis
(hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid). The thyroid gland is located in the neck, just above where your collarbones meet in the middle.
