About 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. One of the most common types is an overactive thyroid, which may result in symptoms such as weight loss, anxiety, and heart palpitations. Other complications associated with this condition include an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
A new study examined whether the risk of fractures also increases among patients with only mild abnormalities of the thyroid, those who have not developed any physical symptoms as a result of having too much or too little thyroid hormone.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania examined the results of 13 individual research studies that included more than 70,000 patients from all over the world. All patients had their thyroid levels tested, and were followed for an average of twelve years to see whether or not they experienced fractures.
Researchers reported that patients with a slightly overactive thyroid were more likely to experience a fracture. Those who had an under-active thyroid did not have an increased risk of fractures.
