The relationship between thyroid function and bone mineral density in euthyroid healthy subjects in Taiwan

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Bone Metabolism
• Population Health

Background:

• Previous studies suggested a link between low normal thyrotropin (TSH) and reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in Korean postmenopausal females.
• The relationship between TSH and BMD requires further investigation across diverse populations and demographic groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between TSH levels and BMD in a Chinese population, stratified by sex and age.
• To explore potential correlations between thyroid hormones and bone health in different demographic segments.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 2,957 Taiwanese subjects (1,343 males, 1,614 females) aged 45-64 years.
• Participants were categorized into four groups: young males (YM), young females (YF), old males (OM), and old females (OF).
• Plasma TSH and total thyroxine (T4) levels were measured, and BMD was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Main Results:

• Old females (OF) exhibited the lowest BMD, while young males (YM) had the highest BMD.
• No significant correlation was found between TSH levels and BMD across all four groups.
• A significant negative correlation between T4 and BMD was observed in OF (r = -0.089, p = 0.005) and YM (r = -0.109, p = 0.018).

Conclusions:

• This study found no significant correlation between TSH and BMD in Taiwanese men and women with normal thyroid function.
• Weak negative correlations between T4 and BMD were noted in postmenopausal women and young men.
• Further research, including measurement of free T4 and longitudinal studies, is recommended to clarify these findings.