Kulak burun boǧaz ihtisas dergisi : KBB = Journal of ear, nose, and throat, cilt.18, sa.4, ss.232-237, 2008 (Scopus)
OBJECTIVES: This prospective study was designed to investigate the effect of levothyroxine suppression therapy for benign thyroid nodules on markers of bone turnover in premenopausal women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 28 premenopausal women who received levothyroxine suppression therapy for benign thyroid nodules for one year. The size of the thyroid gland and nodules, biochemical markers of bone turnover and urinary calcium excretion were measured before and after levothyroxine suppression therapy. RESULTS: No significant adverse effects were seen during levothyroxine treatment. Decreases in total thyroid volume and the size of the nodules were not significant at the end of treatment. Although levothyroxine suppression therapy did not result in changes in serum levels of calcium and phosphor, and urinary calcium excretion, bone turnover markers, namely serum osteocalcin and urinary deoxypyridinoline levels, increased significantly. Serum intact parathyroid hormone levels showed a minimal decrease, which was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Data from our study suggest that levothyroxine suppression therapy is associated with increased osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity in premenopausal women with benign thyroid nodules.