Connect
← Return to Anybody out there have medication induced Osteoporosis?
Discussion
Anybody out there have medication induced Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Feb 14 10:47am | Replies (43)Comment receiving replies
@osteocurious yes, I am on Synthroid for the last 20 years! They say it affects bones if the dose is too high. How can they possibly determine that? What might be ok for one might be too high for another. My TSH has always been below 2.0 on Synthroid. Last checked it was 1.5. I find it almost impossible to relax ,although I do sleep fairly well and get at least 7 hours. I am 68. When I questioned it, I was told it was within range. I replied that it was not for a 68 year old with osteoporosis.
Replies to "@osteocurious yes, I am on Synthroid for the last 20 years! They say it affects bones..."
@blueberre
I think that what you are questioning is all the variables that exist among a population and over long term use and individual changes all through those years, 20 or more.
What I see from the research that a google search brings up of levothyroxine long term use are research studies that are basically large population studies to check for problems. There are large national data bases of patients, especially overseas which can be used for study. Data bases full of all medical information and new bone tests and scans.
Then....
Researchers find a "twin" for the patient—someone the same age, weight, and health status who isn't on the drug—to compare them directly. Filters are then used that remove the influence of factors like Vitamin D deficiency or physical activity levels, etc.
Plus....
They look at biochemical markers and bone tests that alert to problems with bone turnover.
Population studies usually are actually the beginning of research and sometimes they are not done well, but scientists are getting better are looking at large data bases of information. Plus, science is better at making these large data bases with lots of usuable information that can be used better for large population research.
Think of it similar to "ring door bells" and business and home cameras, all which are now everywhere. Because of this photo prevalence, crime and especially kidnapping is less likely to work without the perpetrators being caught because there is such a large amount of information gleaned from the photos etc. that people can be followed and physical characteristics found even if masked and gloved. The huge wealth of information allows a narrowing down to an exact person.
So does the large medical data bases, full of lots of information and the more information shared the better the conclusions which may occur.
So in this case government surveillance, may be helping us. And AI is capable of looking at an amazing amount of information and putting it into a usable format.
So that is how they have the ability to "possibly determine that a high dose affects bones".
As NYCmusic says this high dose is also less likely now because of better tests and better follow up by doctors which doesn't throw us into hyperthyroidism and the danger territory.
Connect
@blueberre
We are learning so much. The hard way. Sounds like we are in similar boats. And you are starting to advocate more. I wish you all the best on your journey! I know I will be actively advocating for my bone health now. Maybe I will bring the list of meds that cause bone loss to my appointments with different providers and even give it to them!