Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition of reduced bone-mineral-density in which bones become porous, fragile, and susceptible to fractures. It results from an imbalance in bone remodelling — resorption exceeds formation — causing net bone loss over time.
Connection to Hyperthyroidism
Excess thyroid hormone (T4) accelerates bone turnover and shifts the balance toward resorption. Patients with prolonged or untreated hyperthyroidism face elevated risk of osteoporosis, particularly post-menopausal women. This risk extends to over-replacement with levothyroxine.
Nutritional Factors
Key nutrients supporting bone density in thyroid patients:
- calcium — Primary structural mineral of bone matrix
- vitamin-d — Essential for calcium absorption; deficiency accelerates bone loss
- magnesium — Co-factor in bone mineralisation