Impact on bone of thyroid hormone therapy.

Results of recent cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of the effects on bone of thyroid hormone therapy are reviewed. Substantial discrepancies exist, perhaps because bone density is influenced by many factors, including the underlying disease, dietary factors and hormonal status. No effect on bone mineral density of the dose of thyroid hormones given as replacement or suppressive therapy was found. However, prospective studies demonstrated increased bone remodeling with transient bone loss early during treatment. Whether antiosteoclastic agents may prevent bone loss associated with thyroid hormone therapy is discussed.