Levothyroxine linked to bone loss risk in seniors, study finds

Levothyroxine, a popular medication used in the treatment of hypothyroidism, may be associated with bone mass loss. Study results, which will be presented at the Radiological Society of North America conference in Chicago, suggest the need for careful monitoring of its usage.

Hypothyroidism, which can manifest in symptoms such as fatigue and weight gain, is often treated with levothyroxine. However, new research indicates that this medication may lead to bone mass loss, even in patients with normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.

In the US, levothyroxine is the second most commonly prescribed medication for older adults. Approximately 23 million Americans take it daily. Dr Elena Ghotbi from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine emphasises that many prescriptions may be issued unnecessarily, which can lead to excess hormone and an increased risk of bone fractures.

Research conducted in collaboration between Johns Hopkins and the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging included 81 patients taking levothyroxine and 364 individuals not using it. The average age of participants was 73 years. The results indicate that the use of levothyroxine was associated with greater bone mass loss, even with normal TSH levels.

Dr Shadpour Demehri from Johns Hopkins notes that even when guidelines are followed, levothyroxine can lead to bone mass loss. Dr Jennifer Mammen advises that patients should regularly discuss their treatment with their doctor and monitor thyroid function to assess the risks and benefits associated with this particular medication.

Decreased bone mass increases susceptibility to fractures, even from injuries that would not cause any damage to a healthy person. Fractures affect various bones, but vertebral and hip fractures are particularly dangerous.