Thyroid meds and osteoporosis

[Lynneypin]

I was completing an online fracture risk assessment and I noticed this, which has worried me. I do well on my thyroid medication but don’t want to be making my osteoporosis worse! -3.3 in spine.

[Nanaedake]

Well, if your thyoid readings TSH, FT4 and FT3 are within the normal lab range, it's the best you can do.

[Lynneypin in reply to Nanaedake]

Thanks. I was thinking of reducing thyroid meds slightly and see if I still stay within range.

[Nanaedake in reply to Lynneypin]

What were your last thyroid blood test results? I've reduced mine a little as FT4 was slightly over range but no FT3 result. I think if we have osteoporosis the NHS should test all of the thyroid hormones, FT3 and FT4 as well as TSH which is a pituitary gland hormone. It would help us monitor our levels better.

[Lynneypin in reply to Nanaedake]

FT4 12.2 (12-22)

TSH 0.437 (0.27-4.2)

FT3 6.68 (3.1-6.8)

[Nanaedake in reply to Lynneypin]

Are you taking T3 meds ? If so that would account for low TSH and low FT4. However, FT3 is slightly over range. I'm not a doctor but if those were my results, I would want to bring my FT3 into lab range, perhaps three quarters of way through range so still maintaining a good level but not over range.

I would also check vitamin levels, B12, folate, ferritin, vitamin D and calcium. Post results on thyroid forum for feedback.

Did you say you are taking K2-MK7? Research is not conclusive but it might be a help in maintaining bone density.

A book I've found helpful is by Margaret Martin, Exercise for Better Bones. Someone on this forum suggested it. I've just ordered yoga for Osteoporosis by same author.

[Lynneypin in reply to Nanaedake]

Thanks. Yes, taking NDT. And all other vits and minerals are good. Thanks for book suggestions.

[Nanaedake in reply to Lynneypin]

Check on thyroid forum how to do blood test when taking NDT. FT3 result may be influenced by timing of thyroid meds with blood test. I don't take combination thyroid meds so can't advise on timings. T3 element of NDT has short half life so more prone to fluctuation in results.

[Nanaedake]

Quite right, misreading the 8 and 6 in tiny text on phone, in any case, it's very top end of range. As Lynneypin is taking NDT, thyroid forum may be able to best advise on how to measure bloods to get accurate FT3 result to maintain best level with coexisting osteoporosis.