Hypothyroid conditions do not interfere with calcium absorption, but the medication to treat it can. A severe calcium deficiency causes health problems, including convulsions and an irregular heartbeat. People with serious health problems or on certain medications, like synthetic hormones, represent the majority of severe calcium deficiency cases in the U.S., according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. If you have a thyroid condition, consult your doctor before adding a calcium supplement to your diet.
Hypothyroid
All causes of hypothyroidism result in an underactive thyroid gland that produces an insufficient amount of hormones for your body to function normally. The most common cause is the autoimmune disorder Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Other causes of hypothyroidism include birth defects, a pituitary gland disorder, pregnancy and an iodine deficiency. A daily pill of synthetic thyroid hormones usually brings your hormone level up to normal. Information from the Family Doctor website explains that the dose depends on the individual, and your doctor may have to adjust the dosage several times before getting it right.
Calcium
Calcium supports the structure of your bones and teeth. It keeps you healthy by helping to regulate your heartbeat, secrete the proper amount of hormones and facilitate communication between your brain and body. You can find this essential mineral in many foods, including canned sardines, cheese and Chinese cabbage. Adults under 50 need 1,000 mg per day to meet the recommended daily allowance. Calcium supplements are best absorbed when you take 500 mg or less per dose. Calcium citrate is the most absorbable kind of calcium, and you can take it without food.
Synthetic Hormones
If you take synthetic hormones for hypothyroidism, your body may have difficulty absorbing calcium. Taking an improper dosage resulting in excessive amounts of thyroid hormones can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. When you have osteoporosis, your bones become porous and brittle. See your doctor regularly to ensure you get the correct daily dosage of synthetic thyroid hormones.
Graves' Disease
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder, causes hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid is overactive. Antithyroid medication represents the preferred method of treatment. Surgical and radioactive iodine treatment options for Graves' disease usually cause hypothyroidism, according to information from MedLine Plus. Surgical complications include damage to the parathyroid glands that results in reduced calcium absorption. Parathyroid glands produce hormones that regulate the calcium in your bloodstream.
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