Thyroid and Vitamin D tests after bone density, why?

[Simba's Mom]

My bone density test showed normal in the femur but osteopenia in the lumbar region. For some reason, the doctor wants to do thyroid and Vitamin D tests (blood work). Unfortunately the nurse said she didn't know why. Does anyone know what they're looking for now? Is this just checking levels before putting me on medication? The Vitamin D kind of makes sense but what's the thyroid thing all about?

 

[NotUrsula]

Too much TSH can contribute to bone density issues, particularly in the spine. They are checking to see if that is contributing to your osteopenia. If it is, they will want to treat the thyroid condition.

 

[mrsv98]

That is so funny, my doc just had me take both of those tests last week! He said we live in an area that doesn't get a lot of sun and when we do go out, we use sunblock/hats etc. We aren't getting enough vitamin D and our bone density is suffering because of it. My results came back on the low side but not horrible so he is having me take 1000 IU of Vitamin D and repeating the blood test in three months.

As for the thyroid, I am not sure, I had thyroid disease in my 20s and we keep tabs on the levels for a precaution. The thyroid contorls all of your hormones so if it is low, I guess it is possible your whole system can suffer and bone loss occur? I am just guessing at this.

I also need to take iron now, I am on the low side of that so I will be interested to see how I feel after taking these for a few months.

 

[Christine]

As for the thyroid, I am not sure, I had thyroid disease in my 20s and we keep tabs on the levels for a precaution. The thyroid contorls all of your hormones so if it is low, I guess it is possible your whole system can suffer and bone loss occur? I am just guessing at this.

I also need to take iron now, I am on the low side of that so I will be interested to see how I feel after taking these for a few months.

I believe if you are hyperthyroid, not hypo, this causes bone loss. I know that, as a thyroid cancer patient, I have to take more Synthroid than a normal person was--keeping me somewhat hyperthyroid. One thing they caution us about is osteoporosis due to this type of extra thyroid supplementation.

Also, if you are taking thyroid hormones, be careful with the iron. It can interfere with the thyroid meds. I have to take my iron in the afternoon.