Many people struggle with weight loss, and for some, the issue is more complex than healthy eating and exercise. Maybe they have a hormone issue that’s making them gain weight, or maybe they’re prone to severe mood swings that cause them to binge on food. Whatever the reason, for some, trying to lose weight simply isn’t working. If you’re one of these people, it might be a good idea to try taking thyroid medication because this medicine often helps people lose weight. Here’s how.
An Increase In Metabolism
When your thyroid is working properly, your body’s metabolism increases, which in turn causes you to use more energy and shed off extra weight. Even people who are genetically predisposed to weight gain can experience great benefits from taking thyroid medication. Some studies have suggested that half of those who try thyroid medication experience weight loss, and many users have reported feeling better overall just by taking the medication.
Better Mental Health
Mental health is another area where taking thyroid medication may help. Depression and anxiety are two conditions that are often comorbid with obesity, and according to one study, people with these conditions who took thyroid medication for six months experienced a significant reduction in their symptoms. If you have mental health issues that are causing you to become overweight, it might be a good idea to try thyroid medication so that your mental faculties remain untroubled.
Positive Impact On Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep affects many parts of our day, making it important for everyone’s wellbeing. A lot of the burden on your body during sleep is taken off, which gives you a greater chance of shedding those extra pounds. Some research has suggested that people who took thyroid medication for two weeks experienced significant improvements in their sleep quality. If you’re experiencing sleep problems that are keeping you from losing weight, it might be a good idea to try taking the medication in order to see the benefits.
More Energy
If you’re a person who constantly feels tired, it might be a good idea to try taking thyroid medication because this medicine often increases energy levels. Several studies have shown that those who took thyroid medication had increased energy and were less likely to be fatigued, even when compared to obese controls who didn’t take the medication. If you’re constantly drained, it might be a good idea to see if there’s a thyroid issue that’s causing it and try the medication as a solution.
Reduced Hunger
Many people who suffer from obesity find that their appetite decreases while on thyroid medication, leading to weight loss. One particular study looked at the effects of varying doses of thyroid medication on weight gain in people with hypothyroidism, and they discovered that doses higher than 0.4 mcg led to a significant reduction in appetite and food intake. People who are trying to lose weight might find that this particular study’s findings support their case because they experience a significant decrease in their hunger without suffering malnutrition.
How Long Does It Take For Thyroid Medication To Work?
Although many people experience benefits within the first four to six months of taking thyroid medication, it can take up to a year for the full effects to be manifested. Your body needs time to adjust to the medication, and at least four months of continuous use is required for the metabolic effects to be fully realized. If you’re looking for a quick fix, it might be a good idea to try a different solution because thyroxine is a relatively fast-acting medication and can have significant effects within weeks or months of taking it.
Are There Any Side Effects From Taking Thyroid Medication?
Thyroid medication is not without its known adverse effects. While most people experience no problems at all, there are a number of people who experience different side effects, including tiredness, drowsiness, and, in rare cases, a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. If you experience any of these effects, it’s probably a good idea to try a different solution because this one is known to cause them. If you do experience any adverse effects while taking thyroxine, make sure to consult your doctor so that he can prescribe you something more suitable.
Is It Safe To Take Thyroid Medication While Pregnant?
Although safe in the laboratory, studies have shown that thyroid medication might not be entirely safe for human pregnancy and could cause problems for the developing fetus. It’s not known if taking thyroid medication while pregnant will cause birth defects, but experts advise pregnant women to avoid it. If you do decide to take thyroid medication during pregnancy, it’s important to do so at the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time. Better yet, it might be a good idea to try an alternative solution because studies have shown that the usage of thyroid medication during early pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage. The American Pregnancy Association states that because of the possible risks associated with taking thyroid medication while pregnant, women should not take it unless absolutely necessary and that more studies are needed to further assess its safety for use during pregnancy. If you’re on thyroid medication and are pregnant, you might want to consider trying an alternative solution because there are many known risks associated with taking it while pregnant.
Interactions With Other Drugs
Taking thyroid medication can have serious interactions with other drugs, including statins, which are used to lower cholesterol. It’s important to note that although the chances of experiencing an adverse interaction with statins are quite small, the consequences of such an interaction can be life-threatening. Experts suggest that before taking any medication, including thyroid medication, individuals should consult their doctor so that he can warn them of any interactions that may arise. It’s also important to keep in mind that the effects of any medication can be altered if used alongside other drugs or supplements. For instance, using a blood thinner like aspirin while on thyroid medication can markedly increase the risk of internal bleeding.
Additional Considerations
Just because you’re taking thyroid medication doesn’t mean that you have to follow a specific diet or exercise routine. In most cases, the body’s native metabolism will regulate energy use and weight gain as a result of the medication. That being said, if you need to lose a significant amount of weight, it might be a good idea to consult with a nutritionist or dietician who can formulate a meal plan based on your current health status.
In order to benefit from the metabolic effects of thyroid medication, it’s important to ensure that your organism’s thyroid is in good working order. If you experience any of the above-mentioned side effects, it’s probably a good idea to try a different solution because this one is known to be hazardous to your health. If you do decide to take it, make sure to consult your doctor so that he can prescribe you something more suitable.