ABSTRACT Thyroid hormones are important regulators of bone remodeling and mineralization, and thyroid function status is a key factor affecting bone strength. This review aims to summarize the existing literature on the association between thyroid disorders and osteoporosis. For this review, the PubMed digital database was searched using the keywords: (“fracture” OR “bone” OR “dual energy x ray absorptiometry” OR “dexa” OR “dxa”) AND (“thyroid” OR “hypothyroidism” OR “hyperthyroidism”). Original research articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were scrutinized and the results summarized. The article discusses the action of thyroid hormones on bones and the skeletal effects of variations in thyroid hormone levels within the euthyroid range. The pathophysiological mechanism and clinical consequences of thyrotoxicosis-associated bone resorption, and the effect of treatment of thyrotoxicosis on skeletal health have been reviewed. In addition, the variable data on effects of subclinical hyperthyroidism on bone density and fracture risk (at various skeletal sites) have been examined carefully and summarized. Individuals with differentiated thyroid carcinoma frequently require long-term thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression using supraphysiologic doses of thyroxine to reduce the risk of recurrence. The review delves into the effects of TSH-suppressive therapy on bone health and fractures. Studies evaluating skeletal consequences of overt hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism have also been looked into, and conclusions drawn. The association between resistance to thyroid hormones and osteoporosis has also been touched upon. Finally, the article summarizes the medical treatment of secondary osteoporosis in thyroid disorders, including the roles of anti-thyroid therapy, anti-osteoporosis therapy, and Vitamin D therapy.
Ghosh et al. (Tue,) studied this question.