REVISÕES June 01, 2003 June 01, 2003

Osteoporosis and the endocrine disturbances of thyroid and gonads

DOI: 10.1590/S0004-27302003000300005

Despite the incessant dedication of the researchers to the study of osteoporosis, a lot still needs to be elucidated. The deficiency of sexual steroids, mainly of estrogen, is considered the main cause of osteoporosis, although a number of other factors are involved. Hyperthyroidism, for instance, is considered a risk factor for induction or aggravation of osteoporosis and has risen the interest in the study of the effects of T3 and T4 on osseous metabolism. Although hypothyroidism and gonadic dysfunction are frequently associated in women, thyroid hypofunction is not considered as a risk factor for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Thus, the study of the inter-relationship between endocrine disturbances, so common in advanced age, and osteoporosis is fundamental. Adequate means of control and treatment may result from this knowledge, as well as a definition of the real nature of the bone disturbance. The aim of this review is to present and discuss some aspects of osteoporosis and its inter-relation with the endocrine dysfunctions of the thyroid and the gonads.