What do thyroid problems have to do with osteoporosis?
Both an overactive and an underactive thyroid increase the risk of osteoporosis. If you have a thyroid condition, it is wise to discuss with your doctor whether your bones deserve extra attention.
Both an overactive and an underactive thyroid increase the risk of bone loss. With an overactive thyroid, bone is broken down faster than it is built up. Genetic research points to a causal effect: people with a predisposition to hyperthyroidism have roughly 17% higher odds of developing osteoporosis, although one other study did not find this association. The link with reduced bone density is most clearly visible in older women (post-menopause) and men over fifty.
An underactive thyroid is also associated with weaker bones. Genetic research suggests that hypothyroidism raises the risk of osteoporosis by around 10-11%. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease in which the body's own immune system attacks the thyroid, also appears to affect bone strength: people with a genetic predisposition to this condition have roughly 14% higher odds of osteoporosis.
Even a mild, 'silent' form of an overactive thyroid, in which thyroid hormone levels are still normal but the control signal from the brain is already too low, increases the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. This is shown by several studies, although these findings are associations that have not yet been fully proven as cause and effect.
The evidence on thyroid hormone supplementation as a risk factor for bone loss is thin. There is an old signal that long-term use of thyroid hormone medication may affect the bones, but based on the available information little of substance can be said about this. If you have a thyroid condition and are concerned about your bones, discuss with your doctor whether your TSH level is well controlled and whether a bone density measurement would be worthwhile.
Based on meta-analyses, Mendelian randomisation studies (genetic causality research) and a large cross-sectional study. The Mendelian randomisation studies provide the strongest indications of causality, but are not unanimous. Findings on hyperthyroidism are partly contradictory.
Do men get osteoporosis too?
Men do indeed get osteoporosis, and the consequences of a fracture are on average more serious for them than for women. Only 1 in 10 men with osteoporosis receives treatment, so if you have risk factors, it is worth discussing them with your doctor.
Does physiotherapy really help if you already have osteoporosis?
Supervised exercise genuinely helps if you have osteoporosis: it slows bone loss, improves your balance and muscle strength, and reduces fear of falling. Consult a physiotherapist for a safe and effective personalised programme.
Does strength training work as well as medication for osteoporosis?
Strength training demonstrably improves bone density and offers additional benefits that medication does not provide, but the two are not alternatives to each other: when fracture risk is seriously elevated, medication has stronger evidence behind it and cannot be replaced by exercise.
How do I know if I am at risk of osteoporosis?
You can get a good sense of your risk based on age, sex, hormonal history, medication use and lifestyle. If you have multiple risk factors, ask your general practitioner for a bone density measurement.
Is there a link between sleep deprivation and bone loss?
Sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality are associated with reduced bone formation and, in postmenopausal women, considerably greater bone loss. Getting enough regular sleep is therefore also relevant to your bone health.
Does vibration plate training really help against bone loss?
Vibration plate training helps against bone loss, particularly in the lower back and partly in the hip, but regular strength and aerobic training is more effective. If you want to try it, keep the intensity low and build up training time gradually.