Summary

Levothyroxine, a commonly prescribed thyroid medication, may increase bone loss in older adults, potentially leading to osteoporosis.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that older adults taking the drug—even with normal thyroid hormone levels—experienced greater bone density loss over six years compared to non-users.

This poses concerns, especially since some prescriptions may be unnecessary.

Experts recommend regular monitoring of thyroid function and assessing treatment risks versus benefits, particularly in aging populations prone to bone-related conditions.