National Iodine Deficiency

Thyroxine and Fractures

A study in the British Medical Journal has shown that the elderly may be taking excessive amounts of thyroxine for hypothyroidism which is increasing their risk of osteoporosis, leading to an increase risk of fractures. Approximately 20% of the elderly population are on long-term thyroxine treatment, of which many are overdosing because they are not having regular check-ups. Consequently, people can develop an over-active thyroid which can increase the risk of fractures.

A team of American Scientists looked at 213,500 people over a period of five years who were all aged 70 or more and taking levothyroxine medication. One group continued to take the drug, another group had stopped taking the drug between 15 days and 6 months and another group had stopped taking it more than 6 months prior to the study. Results showed that those currently taking thyroxine or those who had recently stopped had a significantly (at least 10%) greater risk of fracture.

Evidence has suggested that the dose of thyroxine given to the elederly is not changed and that 20% of patients are over-treated. Not only can excess thyroxine increase the risk of fractures but it can also affect neuromuscular function and muscle strength and can increase the risk of arrhythmias and falls. These results are of particular concern to women as 90% of levothyroxine users are female.

Studies have shown that regular weight-bearing exercise (e.g. Weightlifting or rowing) can improve skeletal strength.