Hypo and osteoporosis

[Lynneypin]

Would like to link up with those who have both conditions, just to chat online and share experiences please. X

[MacG]

Hi Lynneypin,

I am hypo and have osteoporosis. I was actually diagnosed with the two conditions more or less at the same time (late 2012/early 2013). I had sustained several fractures in quick succession and asked my GP for a dexa scan. I was (despite the fractures...!) surprised when the results came back that I had osteoporosis as I have and had at that time an excellent diet, I hadn't reached the menopause (I was still having very regular periods) and I was and I still am fit and active. On the plus side, the doctor who reviewed the dexa scan said that my bone density was reduced to such an extent that it required further investigation and ordered a whole raft of blood tests. It was these blood tests that revealed the hypothyroidism.

Is there something in particular that you would like to discuss?

[Lynneypin in reply to MacG]

Hello! Thanks for replying. I wonder how you manage your thyroid issues, as I am often warned not to overmedicate and err on the side of caution when it comes to my thyroid treatment. I am now taking NDT but aware that if I'm not careful I could make my osteoporosis worse. Are you also taking bisphosphonates?

[MacG in reply to Lynneypin]

Hi again Linneypin,

I take a combination of T4 (levo) and T3 (liothyronine). My TSH has been pretty suppressed now for a few years either 0.02 or 0.05 (range 0.3-5). My GP doesn't seem unduly concerned as my other readings T4 and T3 are always in range. I wonder whether I am storing up long-term problems with the osteoporosis by having such a suppressed TSH, but I do feel that my thyroid symptoms are resolved when I have such a suppressed TSH. (I don't say this too loudly to my GP, however, as I don't want my medication reduced.) When my TSH was between 2-4 I felt dreadful. (Goodness knows how those poor people cope who have to wait until their TSH is 10 for treatment.) I do take a bisphosphonate. Originally I took Alendronic Acid, but it made my joints ache so badly (knees and elbows) I didn't want to exercise. I came off it for a while and the problem disappeared and then I went back on it and bingo the aching joints returned. I then changed to Ibandronic Acid. You take this once a month. I don't have a problem with aching joints any more but wonder whether it makes me feel a bit under-the-weather (flu-like symptoms) for a few days after I have taken it. To be honest, I am very dubious about the osteoporosis medication I am taking. You read very mixed reports. I do try and do everything that I can from a lifestyle point of view to help my bone health. I exercise, I go running (.....shuffling really!...)three or four mornings a week and also fell walking on average about once a week. I also have a very healthy diet and take 5000iu vitamin D3 daily and magnesium on a daily basis.

It is on my to-do list (I have taken voluntary redundancy from work and am due to finish I three weeks' time) to really get down to some research on the whole osteoporosis thing. I would have liked to have done this sooner, but in the early days there were so many other things wrong health-wise that I had to prioritise. (I was poorly with what I now recognise as hypothyroid symptoms for about 10 years prior to diagnosis. I have since seen my medical record I know that I was borderline hypo throughout that period. By the time I was diagnosed I was in a real state! It has taken a period of time and a sustained effort to sort myself out physically speaking and get onto the right medication/dose for my thyroid.)

I have several questions that I want to resolve re. the osteoporosis. Like you, I want to really look into the whole suppressed TSH thing. I want to do some research into the bisphosphonates. I know it maybe seems like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted but I really want to look into the link between HYPOthyroidism and osteoporosis. At the bottom of it is I believe something just as simple as a basic hormone imbalance.... one thing is out of whack which sends something else out of whack and so on....... Several months before either hypo or osteo were diagnosed and in one of my many visits to my GP (now EX-GP) I asked (begged...) for some blood tests saying "I think it's hormonal". I was refused with "we don't do blood tests on women your age" (by this my ex-GP presumably meant HORMONAL blood tests) BUT with the benefit of hindsight perhaps those hormonal blood tests would have revealed the hormone imbalance responsible for the osteoporosis and problems with my thyroid HORMONE!!!!

I have used bioidentical hormone replacement for a period of about 18 months (2015-2016), but not at the moment. Once again, I would like to do some research into hormone health and osteoporosis. My impression is that with regard to hormone health the NHS is a very blunt instrument. I have become aware, however, over the last couple of years as I cling on for dear life to the roller coaster that is the menopause!! just how powerful hormones can be.

Massive subject.....I think I'll stop there!!

I would be very interested to hear your views/experiences.

[Lynneypin in reply to MacG]

Hi Mac

How interesting to hear your story. Thanks for replying. I had an early menopause at the age of 45, and have also been on inhaled and sometimes oral steroids and many years due to a lung condition. I have a slim frame too - all of these are risk factors for osteoporosis, so I got a Dexa scan early on and have tracked my progress with the disease. More recently a fasting ctx test showed a big increase in bone turnover so I've been prescribed Risedronate which I haven't taken! I think I've been hypo for many years, started with health problems when I reached puberty and have had autoimmune issues ever since. I've just retired, I'm 60, and have started to have more time to research so I'm resisting the bisphosphonates for now. If I hadn't met Dr Peatfield I don't know what I would have done! I was really struggling. My previous bloods had shown tsh around 6....still not treated.... I cried in my first consultation because he was so lovely and someone was finally listening. I was on Nutri Thyroid (for 6 years) but have recently switched to NDT (WP Thyroid) because of the blockage at customs. Feel well so far. I am taking the minimum I need to feel well, which is only 1 grain, as I'm nervous of the impact on the osteoporosis. I have Hashimotos and last test showed antibodies were calm so I may be feeling well because of that... who knows if I have a flare! It would be good to keep in touch to see if either of us come up with any new research. Best wishes

[MacG in reply to Lynneypin]

Hi Linneypin,

Interesting to hear your story too. I would certainly be interested to keep in touch and share findings.

Stay wellx