A study of Canadian subjects published earlier this year found a link between fractures in people over 70 and the use of levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone medication.

The study also found that higher doses of the drug were associated with a higher incidence of fracture. An editorial accompanying the study suggested doses in elderly should be closely monitored and that they may need lower doses.

Many if not most cases of hypothyroidism in the west are mismanaged. Ninety percent of hypothyroid cases are due to an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s, and not simply thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid hormone medication does not address the autoimmune disease.

Inappropriate or excess use of thyroid hormones can cause thyroid hormone receptor site resistance and hence symptoms of hypothyroidism. Simply prescribing drugs without addressing underlying mechanisms also can mean more suffering for the patient as symptoms fail to resolve.

In my San Diego clinic we can help you start feeling better today while protecting your health for years to come by addressing the underlying cause of your hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s.