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Thyroid replacement and bone density
I forgot to mention a discussion I had with my endocrinologist last week.
Because I am (surgically) post menopausal and have stopped estrogen therapy, and because I'm on high-levels of thyroid replacement (200mcg), I am at increased risk for osteoporosis. I went in today for a bone-density scan.
I have to tell you, turning 40 has really been a disappointment.
While the idea of my bones turning to dust still sounds better than breast cancer I thought I'd better give all the thyroid gals a "heads-up" on bone problems.
So, sorry men, this is for the thyroid sisters only: if you have high doses of thyroid replacement, are post-menopausal and on low, or no, estrogen talk to your endocrinologist about checking your bone density.
Still don't know my results but I guess it's one more scan/test to put on my annual list. Isn't being a woman great. :-(
Because I am (surgically) post menopausal and have stopped estrogen therapy, and because I'm on high-levels of thyroid replacement (200mcg), I am at increased risk for osteoporosis. I went in today for a bone-density scan.
I have to tell you, turning 40 has really been a disappointment.
While the idea of my bones turning to dust still sounds better than breast cancer I thought I'd better give all the thyroid gals a "heads-up" on bone problems.
So, sorry men, this is for the thyroid sisters only: if you have high doses of thyroid replacement, are post-menopausal and on low, or no, estrogen talk to your endocrinologist about checking your bone density.
Still don't know my results but I guess it's one more scan/test to put on my annual list. Isn't being a woman great. :-(
Believe it or not, the idea that high levels of levothyroxine increase a woman's risk for osteoporosis is not a universally accepted idea. It is known that untreated hyperthyroidism does increase the risk. If the body produces too much thyroxine, it can be bad for your bone marrow, in other words. It does not follow that taking a high level of the synthetic equivalent of thyroxine because you need it raises your osteoporosis risk in the same way.
A primary reason for this being a controversial area is the lack of really good research studies (a familiar story). Someone carried out a meta-analysis (a study of all available studies) and concluded that the jury is still out. When a lot of the studies that are available are very poor quality ones, which the meta-analyst said was very true, then the GIGO principle applies.
If your physician thinks that the verdict is in, I would not be surprised. It is extremely difficult for even the most diligent physician to keep up with the torrents of medical research/thinking that are pouring forth every year.
Of course, all of us women should be doing everything we can for the health of our bones (weight-bearing exercising, for example), if for no other reason than the intimidatingly long life span of American women these days. When you think of the real possibility of reaching your hundredth birthday, you realize that you may still have a LONG time in which to keep your bodily equipment in good shape. Just know that the challenges you face in the area of bone health may be--but are not necessarily--greater than they would be if your thyroid gland had never given you a moment's trouble.
A primary reason for this being a controversial area is the lack of really good research studies (a familiar story). Someone carried out a meta-analysis (a study of all available studies) and concluded that the jury is still out. When a lot of the studies that are available are very poor quality ones, which the meta-analyst said was very true, then the GIGO principle applies.
If your physician thinks that the verdict is in, I would not be surprised. It is extremely difficult for even the most diligent physician to keep up with the torrents of medical research/thinking that are pouring forth every year.
Of course, all of us women should be doing everything we can for the health of our bones (weight-bearing exercising, for example), if for no other reason than the intimidatingly long life span of American women these days. When you think of the real possibility of reaching your hundredth birthday, you realize that you may still have a LONG time in which to keep your bodily equipment in good shape. Just know that the challenges you face in the area of bone health may be--but are not necessarily--greater than they would be if your thyroid gland had never given you a moment's trouble.
That's so funny that you mention that. I just went to see my endo last week and he also ordered one for me as well since I am on so much Synthroid and Cytomel. Must be in the water, lol. He told me that because I'm not 40 yet (sticking my tongue out,lol) it's pretty much to establish the baseline but that I need one done. Yep, just another scan to add to the regiment. Does it ever stop? (Sigh)
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