Osteoporosis VS Levothyroxine

[barb62]

Good afternoon everyone.

My Consultant wants to talk to me about lowering my medication(5mg T3 and 125mg T4) to increase my TSH (currently -005. basically nothing), since a recent Dexa Scan has shown the presence of Osteoporosis

So do we have to choose between feeling great on the current Thyroid Medication or preserving our bone density?

Are there any other options out there that you know of? Does HRT work to slow down the process, how does that effect the Thyroid Meds for example.

bla bla bla, so many questions

p.s. I do take Vit D with K2

[greygoose]

Ah, but do you take magnesium with your vit D and K2? Vit D won't 'work' without it. And magnesium is the most important mineral for you bones.

Your consultant is way behind the times! TSH has nothing to do with bones, a low TSH in no way causes osteoporosis. On the other hand, low T3 can cause it. So, you really need your FT3 at optimal if you want strong, healthy bones.

This article explains it:

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/825...

And you might find this article interesting, too:

greenmedinfo.com/blog/osteo...

[barb62 in reply to greygoose]

btf-thyroid.org/thyroid-dis....

I don't think they actually know, there are so many research projects for and against. I think it needs more time with bigger cohorts to make any impact on the medical profession. I will tackle my Consultant and report back, he knows I wont just take his word for it!

[greygoose in reply to barb62]

I would have thought that testing T3 would have been of more use. But, in any case, it is not the TSH that causes it.

[barb62 in reply to greygoose]

yep I do take Magnesium with zinc

[greygoose in reply to barb62]

Magnesium and zinc shouldn't be taken at the same time. Did you mean magnesium with vit D? Because that's what I asked.

[barb62 in reply to greygoose]

no it comes in one tablet. Zinc helps absorb the magnesium

[barb62 in reply to greygoose]

it has to be balance though no more the 7mg of zinc

[greygoose in reply to barb62]

Right, ok. It's high doses of zinc that can't be taken with magnesium because somehow that reduces absorption! If only the people that write these articles would specify what they mean by 'high' and 'low'!

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

Yes, HRT (oestrogen) keeps your bones flexible and a few of us are using this... bonebalance.co.uk/

As GG says chances are the damage is caused by low fT3 which slows the bone turnover...

Perhaps take a look here... theros.org.uk/

I wouldn't agree to lowering your dose or you'll be symptomatic and fragile!

[Anthea55]

You might like this link from the further reading section of the Thyroid UK website. 7 myths of hypothyroidism.

thyroiduk.org/further-readi...

The last myth is that 'a suppressed TSH leads to Osteoporosis'

My TSH has been suppressed for years.

Keep fighting!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

What are your Ft4 and Ft3 results

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

T3 ….day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day, with last dose approximately 8-12 hours before test

5mcg T3 is quite likely not high enough dose

LOW Ft3 can lead to osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

thyroidpatients.ca/2018/07/...

What are your vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin results

Osteoporosis and iron deficiency

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[barb62 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi Slow Dragon,

all my bloods are optimal, I cant function otherwise, infact, my Ft3 is just above the range sometimes, so I can't up my dose. you mentioned earlier magnesium, I do take it with zinc, but not on a regular basis, I will look at this. Thanks for your input

[janeroar]

Are you doing much exercise?It really helps with bone loss. Might be worth going to gym and getting a few sessions with a trainer to start you off on a regular routine of weight bearing exercises 🏋️ 😊

[barb62 in reply to janeroar]

Hi I was a huge cyclist before I was diagnosed. Consultant will not allow me to continue with a risk of AF. so I have taken up yoga.

[barb62]

Thanks everyone for your input. On doing some research it would appear that 50% of the research papers claim that over medication can cause Osteoporosis. I am going to fight to keep my dose the same and make some lifestyle changes and maybe look at HRT. I will definitely take all of the research to my Endo and discuss before any decisions are made. At the end of the day it is my body and its about quality of life, is it not. I spent too many years studying this disease to get to a level of good functionality through diet and medication. Bring on the next battle!!

[Marz in reply to barb62]

I am a big B12 fan and inject weekly. Also take many other supplements. If you do an internet search there are many links to relevant articles and research - B12 and Osteoporosis PubMed should reveal lots.

I am 77 and a recent Dexa scan was very good. Have never taken HRT - have been T3 only for over 10 years. My Bio tells the full story 🌻