Healthy postmenopausal women with thyroid function near the upper limit of normal are at an elevated risk for low bone mineral density and therefore fractures, research shows.
The study of over 2,000 women found that over six years of follow-up higher levels of free thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) were associated with significantly lower BMD at the hip, and higher free T4 was associated with increasing bone loss at the hip.
Free T4 and free T3 were positively correlated with each other and negatively correlated with levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), the study authors found.
Furthermore, after adjustment for age, BMI, and BMD the risk of nonvertebral fracture was increased by 20% in women with higher T4 and by...
This site is intended for Registered Medical Practitioners.
To make the most of Endocrinology Update, you need to be logged in.