In: Anatomy and Physiology
How do patients with thyroid disorders (hyper and hypothyroidism) pair with osteoporosis? Explain in detail the connection between the two disorders. Do they need special considerations in the diagnosis and management of either condition? Are they at a disadvantage compared to an otherwise healthy individual?
Thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones which plays a role in bone mineral homeostasis and also takes care of bone density. In thyroid disorders like hyperthyroidism and sometimes also in hypothyroidism there is decrease in bone mineral density which leads to osteoporosis. The high concentration of Thyroxine hormone in blood increases the rate at which the bone is lost from the body i.e osteoclasts activities increases and the bone starts to become porus leading to osteoporosis. In such conditions the osteoblasts are not able to replace the loss of bone. The balance between osteoclastic activity and osteoblastic activity is lost. Untreated hyperthyroidism and over treated hypothyroidism can lead to osteoporosis. Hence the patients of thyroid disorders are at disadvantage compared to other healthy individuals because they stand a chance of osteoporosis also developing in them. Therefore thyroid patients should be diagnosed for osteoporosis also so that the patient can be cured for Thyroid disorders and simultaneously steps can be taken to prevent osteoporosis in such patients by advising them to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.