If you have sprue and an underactive thyroid, you need to be concerned about thyroid hormone absorption. While not necessarily related to thyroid disease, osteoporosis is another endocrine disorder for which persons with sprue are at risk. Persons with undiagnosed sprue for a long time have a greater risk for osteoporosis because of poor calcium and vitamin D absorption intake. Vitamin D is obtained through intestinal absorption and through sun exposure. Its role is to increase intestinal calcium absorption.
Calcium is important for normal bone mineralization.
A DEXA bone density measurement may be appropriate for persons with sprue, particularly if sprue was untreated for long periods of time. Since osteoporosis is more common in women than in men, all women with sprue should have a bone density test at menopause, or earlier if you have experienced fractures or loss of height.