Impact of subclinical hyperthyroidism on bone

Abstract

It is well accepted for more than a century, that thyroid hormones are crucial for linear growth and skeletal maintenance. However, the empiric use of sponge and seaweed in the treatment of congenital hypothyroidism dates back to 1600 BC. In the middle of 18 century the first cases of hyperthyroidism have been reported and in 1840 Carl Adolf von Basedow contributed with a more complete description of the syndrome. However, it was Paul Möbius in1886 who linked the symptomatology to a hyperactive thyroid. In 1891, Friedrich Von Recklinghausen was the first to establish a connection between osteoporotic fractures and thyrotoxicosis. During the last 25 years, this topic has attracted substantial attention, guiding to important progress in comprehending the impact of thyroid disease on the growing and adult skeleton. This review aims to present the current knowledge of the consequences of both endogenous and exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism (SH) on bone mineral density (BMD) and risk of fracture separately in men, pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. At last, treatment management in accordance to recent international guidelines is also reported.