Common Thyroid Medication Linked to Bone Weakness

 Common Thyroid Medication Linked to Bone Weakness, Experts Say

An estimated 23 million Americans take levothyroxine daily. A new study suggests that levothyroxine, a commonly prescribed thyroid medication, may be linked to an increased risk of bone fractures in older adults.

Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone often used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroxine. This deficiency can lead to symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, and, in severe cases, serious or even fatal complications.

Researchers noted that some individuals continue taking levothyroxine for extended periods, even when it is unclear whether they still need it or why it was initially prescribed.

Dr. Elina Ghotbi, a postdoctoral research fellow at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the study leader, stated, “Data suggests that a significant proportion of thyroid hormone prescriptions may be given to older adults without hypothyroidism.”


The normal range for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood is between 0.4 and 5.0 micro-units per milliliter. However, excessive TSH levels have been associated with an increased risk of fractures, particularly in aging populations.

This finding highlights the importance of regularly reviewing the necessity of levothyroxine therapy in older adults, especially those without clear indications of hypothyroidism, to mitigate potential risks such as bone fragility.

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