info regarding levothyroxine and bone loss

Posted by marthainbend @marthainbend, 2 days ago

My last Dexa scan was disappointing since previously they had been at least level. I realized that the main variable was in my meds. I switched from Armor thyroid to Levothyroxine and also I had begun a low dose statin.
So I began researching as a lay person. In short, I learned from my google search, that the low dose statin is not harmful to bone health, however a recent (Nov, 2024) press release by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) states that Levothyroxine, prescribed for hypothyroidism, may be associated with bone loss in older adults. I’m 76 years old, not new to osteoporosis prevention meds nor thyroid meds. I certainly will speak to my PCP about this, but I wonder, since so many adults take thyroid medications, is the detrimental effect on bone health new information? Is it true?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

elisny | @elisny | 2 days ago

Here is an short summary of the study I think you are referencing.
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241125/Study-finds-bone-density-loss-associated-with-levothyroxine.aspx
Doctor's give us meds - and virtually all have potential side effects. Just yesterday I was talking with a friend who is taking 3 meds, one to help her sleep. Interestingly, yesterday I pointed her to a potential side-effects of the other two meds: insomnia!

Have you ever read the potential side-effects labels on medications? The same label may say: "drowsiness, agitation" &/or "constipation, diarrhea." Each of us is a bit different and how meds affect us can vary. 😐

Aside: If you can afford it, you may want to take a look at the Osteoboost device: https://www.osteoboost.com/ . Also, if you haven't read it, pick up a copy of "The Whole-Body Approach to Osteoporosis" by McCormick.

Best to you.

nycmusic | @nycmusic | 2 days ago

Hi, I’ve read that if you do take levothyroxine, and you want to do calcium in some form, they must be taken 4 hours apart….also,check to see if the dosage of levothyroxine might need to be changed…i have more questions than answers, but am trying to figure this out for myself… good luck !

debis67 | @debis67 | 1 day ago

I’m also on Levothyroxine for yrs and just was told today that it causes bone loss, along with 3 other meds I was on, and having Gastric Bypass. I have Osteoporosis/ Osteoarthritis real bad.

samclembeau | @samclembeau | 1 day ago

I have been on levothyroxine for over 40 years. dexa scan show -3.5. problem is my thyroid is probably no longer viable so no diet change will get me off the meds. what is the alternative? This is why I hate drugs.

fabpainter | @fabpainter | 1 day ago

I've been on Levothyroxine for over 20 years with doses being increased periodically according to thyroid tests. Last fall my level was just over the line indicating my dose was too high and it was adjusted back down. I believe that is the issue (too much) re. bone loss and so needs to be monitored. My PCP emphasized the importance of the thyroid gland. Taking a thyroid replacement med is necessary but seems to definitely have an impact on bone health.

jodyriesberg | @jodyriesberg | 7 hours ago

Hi, I have been on thyroid meds for 30 years. After menopause my levels fluctuate constantly. My TSH was really high and so now my dose changed again. I do no know what is going on.