Thyroxine: no link with osteoporosis

I read with dismay the case study from P B about thyroxine (the most common medication for hypothyroidism) causing osteoporosis (WDDTY vol 7 no 3). Whoever told her that thyroxine caused osteoporosis ought to get 20 whacks with a wet noodle for not

Thyroid storm is just what it sounds like. . . a MASSIVE influx of thyroid hormone (from your own thyroid) making the body do everything super fast. This includes the break down of cells. Thyroid storm does indeed cause osteoporosis. Doctors just assumed that the addition of thyroxine might cause osteoporosis.

There have been several studies in the last two years and they all show that replacement thyroxine which normalizes thyroid hormone levels does not cause any problems. Even the naturopathic school of thought says that hypothyroidism must be medicated with thyroxine (or cytomel) either in its artificial form. The natural desiccated thyroid medication actually doesn't have side effects because it's not a drug.

The biggest danger that P B and other readers are in is if they stop taking their thyroxine. Dying from myxedema coma is a far greater danger and possibility than osteoporosis. Not to mention the depression, weight gain, fatigue, sinus infections, etc that come with a low functioning thyroid. Jael Green leaf, Van Nuys, California...........

WDDTY replies: Please see the current research we've gathered on the subject on p 4 of this issue.