Is it only surgical removal of your thyroid that causes low calcium?

[DLA]

Every time I read this I wonder what about all of us who are thyroidless b/c of RAI?  Shouldn't we be getting checked or is there a reason only the ppl who have a TT need to?  I've had mine checked a few times, but then they just stopped checking it.  It was always okay, but I'm really concerned.  I don't always take calcium and when I do it's not very much.  And I don't drink milk.  Bluck!!  I try to make up for it with things like yogurt, cheese, and--of course--ice cream.

And all of you TT's also have to have bone density scans right?  See, that's another one.  Had mine nuked 2 years ago and noone's ever said anything about that.

Anyone have any insight into this I'd sure like to know.  Would rather not be walking across the yard and all my bones suddenly give way and leave me a crumpled mass in the yard.

[DLA]

Thank you all very much for the info.  Think I understand it a lot better now.  Will have my PCP check my calcium at the next visit and see where I stand.  See if he thinks I need a DEXA scan or not.

Something else to add to my list when I go.  Think I should have told them to give several appt. all together that day.  ;-)

[Thypatient]

I think I have an idea what you’re wondering about…

It’s an invasive thyroid procedure that can cause this problem.  If RAI is not invasive (or is it?), like a surgery would be, then it makes sense it wouldn’t create the same issue.

The parathyroids sit right behind the thyroid and they often get bruised, or die, during a thyroid procedure.  If bruised they temporarily stop doing their job - that is, to take calcium from the bones and put a necessary amount into the blood.  It’s the low calcium in the blood that’s the issue.

Prior to surgery I had one parathyroid that was hyper, or overactive, and that caused all sorts of its own bone and blood issues.

There are issues that affect bone calcium, utahmomma lists some, and that’s as much of a concern.

A DEXA scan and blood tests are the best way to tell where you stand on these issue.  Perhaps your dr can order a scan (even though you’re still young) to help you see where you’re at and how much calcium to take.

I still find it a confusing subject but hope I helped a bit.

[stella5349]

Ironically and my last Gyno exam - I was told a bone density test probably should be considered at next years appointment.  I do not take any calcium suppl - but at a 9.3 I suppose it is not necessary at this time. ???? right????

[utahmomma]

Okay - I'll try to see if I have this correct:

Very high doses of thyroid replacement lower the absorption of calcium (putting us at risk for osteoporosis)
Lack of female hormone replacement for those post-menopausal (surgical or natural) also increases the risk of osteoporosis
Lack of proper calcium intake (with Vitamin D - of course).

Needless to say, having had the ovaries removed, having gone through RAI, two thyroid surgeries, high doses of thyroid meds, and no hormone (estrogen) replacement due to family history of breast cancer - yeah, I get a nuclear and DEXA scan every year.  That's why I'm on Boniva at 41yrs old (which has made the bone pain disappear).  I'm right between osteopenia and osteoporosis.  :-(

Yeah - get your bones checked if you've had a TT or are on high levels of thyroid replacement meds (guys too!)