Older patients with thyroid problems may be overmedicating

Many older patients with thyroid problems may be taking too much medication. A report in the British Medical Journal says that could boost the risk of bone fractures.

A synthetic hormone is given to people whose thyroid glands produce too little naturally. Patients are supposed to be checked regularly to ensure they are on the right dose.

But for many, according to researchers, it often remains unchanged into old age.

This can lead to the opposite problem, an overactive thyroid, which can increase the risk of fractures, particularly in older women.