By InsureSPR Health
Empowering proactive wellness through precision screening
Understanding the Link: Thyroid and Your Bones
The thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ located in your neck, plays a big role in keeping your body in balance. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, and bone turnover—the natural process of bone breakdown and rebuilding.
However, when thyroid hormone levels are too high or too low, it can significantly affect bone health, increasing the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
How Thyroid Disorders Affect Bone Health
1. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
Excess thyroid hormone speeds up bone turnover. This means bones break down faster than they can rebuild, resulting in bone loss and fragility.
- Studies show that people with untreated hyperthyroidism have a higher risk of hip and vertebral fractures.
- Postmenopausal women with hyperthyroidism are particularly vulnerable due to the added effect of estrogen deficiency.
Did you know? Even subclinical hyperthyroidism (with no obvious symptoms) can silently lead to bone loss over time.
— Vestergaard et al., 2003
2. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
Low thyroid levels slow bone turnover. While this may sound protective, it can impair the bone remodeling process, making bones less resilient over time.
Additionally, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, when overcorrected, can mimic hyperthyroid effects—further impacting bone density.
Why You Should Consider Bone Density Screening
The Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) scan is a non-invasive, low-radiation test that measures bone mineral density (BMD). It is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk.
At InsureSPR Health, we recommend DXA screening in individuals with thyroid conditions, especially if any of the following apply:
✅ Diagnosed with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
✅ Receiving long-term thyroid hormone therapy
✅ Postmenopausal or over 50 years of age
✅ Have a family history of osteoporosis
✅ Have experienced fractures from minor falls or injuries
The InsureSPR Health Advantage
InsureSPR Health offers comprehensive bone density screening using DXA technology, tailored for those with thyroid concerns. Our scans are:
- Quick – usually under 30 minutes
- Safe – minimal radiation exposure
- Accurate – detect early bone loss before symptoms appear
- Affordable – medical aid-friendly and easily accessible
Our team works closely with physicians to provide early detection, enabling proactive management through lifestyle changes, supplements, or medical treatments if necessary.
Take Charge of Your Health
Thyroid disease can be silent—but the effects on your bones don’t have to be. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or have been managing a thyroid condition for years, it’s never too early (or too late) to evaluate your bone health.
Book your DXA scan with InsureSPR Health today and step confidently into your future with stronger bones.
📚 References
- Vestergaard P, Mosekilde L. Hyperthyroidism, bone mineral, and fracture risk – a meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int. 2003;14(5): 383–391. PubMed
- Flynn RWV, Bonellie SR, Jung RT, MacDonald TM, Morris AD, Leese GP. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration and morbidity from cardiovascular disease and fractures in patients on long-term thyroxine therapy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(1):186-193.
- American Thyroid Association. Thyroid Disease and Bone Health. www.thyroid.org
- International Osteoporosis Foundation. Risk factors and prevention. www.iofbonehealth.org
📞 Ready to get screened? Contact us at www.insuresprhealth.co.za or call to schedule your DXA bone density scan.