Hi I have been hypothyroid for over 20 years. The GP has decreased my thyroxine meds over the last few years. Recently I had an adrenal crisis ending in hospital. I have been diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency and now have to take 20mg hydrocortisone each day. I’m doing well since. I had a private déjà scan as my GP said I probably wouldn’t be given one on the nhs. I am 68 yrs old. I have always been a good weight and exercise with heavy weights 3-4 times a day which I’ve done since before my 60th year. Before that I was a keen runner. So I was shocked to learn that I have osteoporosis in my hip, spine and pelvis. I am trying to work out why this has happened and decide on the best treatment plan as very little is being advised and/or offered. The medical team seem incapable of joking up the 3 dots of thyroid, adrenal insufficiency and osteoporosis. I have a planned GP appointment soon and seems they will chat to me about taking alendronic acid. Of course I continue to train hard and eat well. I’m wondering whether my osteoporosis has been caused due to being given to high a dose of thyroxine as blood tests were sporadic over the years. Maybe il never know the answer to that one. Anyone had similar or any advice you can give I’d be grateful.
Hi Katrina,
I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis last year after X-rays and MRI’s revealed spinal fractures and a subsequent DEXA confirmed suspicion. I too have an underactive thyroid diagnosed a long time ago and for which I take thyroxine. I have done a lot of reading into contributory factors for Osteoporosis and read that if you are over treated with thyroxine it can possibly contribute to Osteoporosis because excess thyroid hormone speeds up bone turnover causing bone breakdown cells to work faster than cells that build bone. I’m no medical expert, this is purely what I have researched but it also seems that this may not have been able to be avoided necessarily as we can be over treated with Thyroxine unknowingly as Thyroid Function test results can appear normal even when we are receiving more Thyroxine that is possibly needed. In my case too, I have always naturally ranged between 8-9 stone in weight and my Rheumatologist said lower body weight is a factor. At 5ft 3 this was my normal resting weight (no dieting involved) so who knew that by being a naturally slimmer build I was in fact more prone to this condition. And finally, in my case my mum has Osteoporosis which was diagnosed many years ago (she’s now87) but I had no idea that this fact made me more predisposed to the condition. With the value of hindsight, had I known all of the above might have meant Osteoporosis was quietly waiting in the wings for me I might have asked more questions of clinicians at things such as well women checks or even at routine GP appointments for other things but sadly my first questions were all post diagnosis as I did not see this coming. I just wish there was much more education and awareness for all but particularly those who have health conditions or family history that means they are at greater risk. As with so many things in life prevention is definitely better than cure!
Thank you for sharing your story. As you say knowing more about the links between thyroid issues and osteoporosis would have been beneficial to us both as now the horse has well and truly bolted!
You are so right Katrina 
Hi @Katrina
We wish you the warmest welcome to our community 
Thank you for sharing your experiences here. As you’ve mentioned, finding out you have osteoporosis came as a shock, which we’re sure many others in our community will relate to.
We just wanted to highlight our information about causes and risk factors for osteoporosis, and finding the right osteoporosis treatment, in case these feel helpful as you explore your questions.
Our specialist nurse helpline is also here, and we warmly welcome you to get in touch if you’d like to talk things through.
Please do keep sharing how you’re getting on. We hope others with similar experiences will join the conversation too, and that you’ll continue to find support and understanding here
Wishing you all the very best,
Lulu
ROS Moderator