Effects of levothyroxine suppressive therapy on bone mineral density in premenopausal women
B. Larijani MD
Professor of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Search for more papers by this authorF. Gharibdoost MD
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Search for more papers by this authorM. Pajouhi MD
Professor of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Search for more papers by this authorA. Sadjadi MD
Research Associate at Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center-Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Search for more papers by this authorS. Aghakhani MD
Research Associate at Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center-Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Search for more papers by this authorR. Eshraghian PhD
Assistant Professor of Biostatisitics at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Search for more papers by this authorS. M. Akrami MD PhD
Assistant Professor of Medical Genetics at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Search for more papers by this authorG. Maalouf MD
Orthopedic Surgeon, Saint George Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
Search for more papers by this authorB. Larijani MD
Professor of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Search for more papers by this authorF. Gharibdoost MD
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Search for more papers by this authorM. Pajouhi MD
Professor of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Search for more papers by this authorA. Sadjadi MD
Research Associate at Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center-Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Search for more papers by this authorS. Aghakhani MD
Research Associate at Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center-Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Search for more papers by this authorR. Eshraghian PhD
Assistant Professor of Biostatisitics at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Search for more papers by this authorS. M. Akrami MD PhD
Assistant Professor of Medical Genetics at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Search for more papers by this authorG. Maalouf MD
Orthopedic Surgeon, Saint George Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
Search for more papers by this authorSummary
Background: Levothyroxine (L-T4) is widely prescribed for treating thyroid disorders, but its effect on bone mineral density (BMD), is being debated.
Objectives: We studied the effect of supraphysiologic doses of L-T4 on BMD in a group of premenopausal women.
Patients and methods: We included 50 women (mean age = 36·8 ± 7·6 years) receiving L-T4 for at least 1 year for treating their benign cold thyroid nodules. Serum T3, T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and phosphate and urine calcium and sodium levels of all patients were measured. Bone density at femoral neck and lumbar (L1–L4) regions was measured, using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
Results: No significant decrease was detected in the bone density of the subjects treated with L-T4 compared with the control group.
Conclusion: L-T4 treatment for 1 year is not associated with increased risk of osteoporosis in premenopausal women but other potential adverse effects still need to be monitored in women receiving L-T4 especially long-term.
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