Years of untreated hyperthyroidism - DEXA scan - how to treat reduced bone density?

[HyperHetty]

Although I have been asking a GP for a referral to an endocrinologist for over a decade, they always said no.

After becoming pregnant I was finally seen by an endocrinologist who instantly diagnosed me with hyperthyroidism.

After giving birth I will be having a DEXA bone scan as she said I am now at higher risk of osteoporosis as it has been untreated for so long. To make matters worse, I was also put in medical menopause for six months due to an unrelated issue, so six months of no oestrogen will also have damaged my bones.

After birth I will be going on carbimazole for the thyroid, but I wondered what the likely plan of action will be to get my bone strength up, does anyone know or can advise? Is it something that is reversible with supplements etc?

I don't know in young women but in older women with osteoporosis there is a group of drugs called bisphosphonates which help reduce bone loss. Either tablet or infusion.
If your bone loss is not as far advanced as osteoporosis they will probably just tell you to increase calcium. This is better done with diet than supplememts.
For more information the Royal osteoporosis society is very good.

Strength training is very good at reversing some of the damage

Thank you both, I’ll look into all of that further. 🦴

Likely vitamin D with the calcium, at least that is what I was advised but I have osteopenia rather than osteoporosis so might be different.

A lot of women who have had breast cancer have bisphosphonates for a time (I had 6 infusions, every 6 months). There are a few reasons including due to medical menopause caused by treatment and hormone blocking treatment which can cause osteoporosis.
My DEXA scan showed osteopenia but I would have still had the treatment had my bones been OK. Strength training is supposed to be beneficial.
My 2nd scan showed a small improvement.
You can only do so much yourself so I would ask for options.