My bone density scan is low. Could the thyroid supplementation be a cause?

I have similar question. I am on Levothyroxine - 100 mcg a day. The reason for that high dosage was to keep my thyroid from going cystic, which it kept doing, so the surgeon said, let's shut it down for a while. My T- scores from my bone scan today were higher than I wanted to see, so I am also wondering if my dosage might be too high....When I have my blood tests for thyroid levels, they measure high, but everyone is reluctant to change the dosage because then my thyroid might start growing again. I am really wanting to know whether consistently high levels of thyroid hormone can contribute to bone density reduction.

hi there Anon,
According to my research,the partnership between thyroid disease and osteoporosis is really a debatable one. While it's accepted that significant periods of hyperthyroidism have an effect on bone mineral density and can raise the risk of osteoporosis, there is tremendous controversy over whether long-term use of levothyroxine (i.e., Synthroid, Levoxyl) at suppressive or non-suppressive levels increases the risk of osteoporosis. Searching from the medical journal literature shows there's no contract as to the effect of thyroid hormone treatment on osteoporosis risk.

Dear Anon, in addition to Susanc's posting, I'd like to know more about your diet. There are many changes during menopause and activity levels cannot be maintained unless you help your body with additional nutritional support. Bones are in a constant state of flux, with old bone being constantly reabsorbed and new bone being deposited instead.

This turnover helps to keep bones healthy and also to repair any minor damage form wear and tear, especially if you were/are active. But this natural programming in our bodies can be unbalanced by a number of different reasons – for example, as a result of disease, hormonal changes (e.g. after menopause), diets too low in calcium and vitamin D or as a normal result of aging. When more old bone is taken up than new bone deposited, this results in thinning bone or, in other words, low bone density and in extreme cases, results in osteoporosis.

There are other factors that increase the risk of low bone density which may result in osteoporosis: smoking, alcohol, low intake of calcium and vitamin D, lack of exercise, white ethnicity, low body weight, a family history of osteoporosis, certain drugs (especially corticosteroids), thyroid disease, and possibly caffeine. Since you are taking thyroid supplements I would assume you have been diagnosed some type of thyroid condition. Have you been on thyroid meds for over a year now? It is possible that there is a connection. I suggest you talk to your doctor about your nutritional needs as well. And start taking Vitamin D as soon as possible. High dosage (2,000 IUs daily at least) will help. Americans are Vitamin D starved!

Wish you well!