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Thyroid hormone use and bone mineral density in elderly men
D L Schneider1, E L Barrett-Connor, D J Morton
1Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, USA.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|October 9, 1995
Summary
Long-term thyroid hormone use did not negatively impact bone mineral density in elderly men. This study found no significant differences in bone density between male thyroid hormone users and non-users.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
- Bone Health
Background:
- Excessive thyroid hormone use is linked to reduced bone density in women.
- Osteoporosis is less prevalent in men compared to women.
- The effects of long-term thyroid hormone use on bone density in men are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between long-term thyroid hormone use and bone mineral density in elderly men.
- To determine if thyroid hormone replacement therapy impacts bone health in the male population.
Main Methods:
- A community-based sample of 685 white men aged 50-98 years was analyzed.
- Bone mineral density was measured at multiple skeletal sites using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and single photon absorptiometry.
- Thyroid hormone use was validated, and data were adjusted for potential confounding factors including age, BMI, smoking, and other medications.
Main Results:
- Thirty-three men on long-term thyroid hormone therapy (average 130 mcg/day for 15.5 years) showed no significant differences in bone density compared to 653 non-users.
- Bone density remained comparable regardless of thyroid hormone type, duration of use, or dosage adjusted for body weight.
- These findings persisted after controlling for age, body mass index, smoking, thiazide diuretics, and oral corticosteroid use.
Conclusions:
- Long-term thyroid hormone use in elderly men is not associated with adverse effects on bone mineral density.
- Thyroid hormone therapy may be safely used in men without compromising bone health.