THYROID-HORMONE EXCESS AND OSTEOPOROSIS

Current thinking and available clinical data on the relationship betwe en hyperthyroidism and bone disease are discussed. Data are also prese nted on TSH-suppressive and non-suppressive thyroid hormone therapy an d its effect on bone. Although these data are clearly inconsistent, so me risk factors for thyroid hormone induced osteopenia seem to be acce pted: long standing,clinically manifest hyperthyroidism (a very rare d isorder today because of early diagnosis and appropriate therapy), old age, menopause acid total thyroidectomy. Thyroid hormone therapy (whe ther TSH-suppressive or not) has not been proven so far to lead to man ifest osteoporosis.