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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Long Term Usage Of Levothyroxine Safe?

Directions and warnings with the levothroxine script I just picked up say that older people and long time users of this med may cause osteoporosis, and that this drug should be used by older people WITH CARE. I have taken it for years, .075 x 6 times a week, and have no side effects I m aware of -- but, I am 85 years old. Is it OK to carry on?
Tue, 25 Jul 2017
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Endocrinologist,  's  Response
Good day,
Noted your concern. It is true that levothyroxine in excess can cause osteoporosis. If your TSH is in normal range, not to worry. In elderly people, most endocrinologists would like to keep TSH in the upper range of normal, say around 4 . In young people much lower values are recommended.
At your age, a DXA scan to assess bone density is highly recommended. Besides, it is also recommended to take atleast 1000 mg calcium and 800-1000 IU vitamin D for bone health.
To answer your question, yes you can continue with levothyroxine and please make sure that your TSH is normal.
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Is Long Term Usage Of Levothyroxine Safe?

Good day, Noted your concern. It is true that levothyroxine in excess can cause osteoporosis. If your TSH is in normal range, not to worry. In elderly people, most endocrinologists would like to keep TSH in the upper range of normal, say around 4 . In young people much lower values are recommended. At your age, a DXA scan to assess bone density is highly recommended. Besides, it is also recommended to take atleast 1000 mg calcium and 800-1000 IU vitamin D for bone health. To answer your question, yes you can continue with levothyroxine and please make sure that your TSH is normal.