It’s a new concern.
Recent research suggests that the widely prescribed thyroid medication, levothyroxine, may contribute to bone loss in older adults. Levothyroxine is typically used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This hormone deficiency can lead to symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and hair loss. However, many people continue using levothyroxine long after it was originally prescribed, sometimes without the need for it, raising concerns about its long-term effects.
A study conducted by Dr. Elena Ghotbi and her team at Johns Hopkins University sought to examine whether levothyroxine use in older adults, particularly those with normal thyroid function, could lead to greater bone loss. The research involved 445 participants, with 49 women and 32 men taking levothyroxine, and 364 who were not. The participants were followed for an average of 6.3 years to track changes in bone mass and density.
The study found that those taking levothyroxine experienced more significant bone loss than those who were not on the medication, even when other factors like age, weight, and alcohol use were taken into account. This raised concerns about the potential for levothyroxine to affect bone health in older adults, especially since the medication is often used for years and sometimes prescribed without clear indications for continued use.
Dr. Shadpour Demehri, one of the senior authors of the study, emphasized that these findings suggest that levothyroxine use could be associated with increased bone loss in older adults, even when following current guidelines. Dr. Jennifer Mammen, another senior study author, urged people taking levothyroxine to consult their healthcare providers regularly and consider the risks and benefits of continued use, especially in light of potential adverse effects on bone health.
Though the study was presented at a medical conference and is considered preliminary, it highlights the need for older adults to be aware of the possible risks associated with long-term levothyroxine use. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the best course of action for patients on thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
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