A suboptimal functioning of your thyroid gland can lead to a few complications. Such a condition is called hypothyroidism. It is considered as one of the common hormone-related ailments. This can cause the thyroid to produce lesser level of hormones. A reduced output of thyroid hormone can have an impact on your cardiac health, cerebral health as well as muscles. Levothyroxine is a widely used drug for the treatment of hypothyroidism. But, can this drug cause weight loss or weight gain? It is a vital thing to know more on this.
As thyroid hormone regulates the use of energy (from foods you take), it has a direct bearing on the effective burning of calories, maintenance of temperature, etc. This gland is at the frontal side of your lower neck region. The hormone this gland makes gets into your blood. As the metabolic process is dependent on this hormone, the quantum of energy in your system depends on it. In short, when there is a suboptimal secretion of thyroid, a slowdown of metabolism is triggered. As a result, you may have lesser level (than what is needed) of energy.
How to know if you are living with hypothyroidism?
The signs of this hormonal condition are not quite distinct; they may also resemble a few other conditions. The salient signs of suboptimal thyroid level are: altered cycles of menstruation, difficulties to pass stools, drying of hair, loss of hair, increase in blood cholesterol level, etc. In some people, this can also cause memory lapses, painful joints, puffing up of face, inflammation of the gland (termed as goiter), difficulties in losing body weight, etc.
Some infants may have it; there may be no signs among them. But, in some infants, signs such as slowing down of growth, being sleepy, feeding problems, etc. may develop. Upon experiencing any of these signs, it is a safe practice to consult with your caregiver as quickly as possible.
Levothyroxine for treating hypothyroidism
This drug is widely used for treating hypothyroidism or a suboptimal functioning of thyroid. Essential ingredients of this med work as a substitute and provide for inadequacy of this hormone. Levothyroxine is also used for a few other thyroid-specific ailments such as cancers of the thyroid region.
This drug is administered orally, as per instructions of your treating physician. The typical dose is a single dosage each day, 45 minutes prior to taking your breakfast. Levothyroxine is also available as a liquid; in such cases, it is essential to use a proper measuring ladle to avoid an overdosed condition.
Does levothyroxine cause weight loss or gain?
In most users, this med is capable of triggering a loss of body weight. As per reliable agencies – such as the US-based thyroid association, soon after commencing your treatment you may lose about 9% of your body weight. The weight you shed thus is mainly the weight of water in your system; this is because, hypothyroidism makes you retain more amount of water within the system.
You also need to know that gain of body weight is one of the salient signs of hypothyroidism. Hence, intake of levothyroxine can help shed extra kilos. You may thus see your body taking its normal weight as the fluids retained within are discharged out with the intake of this med. The good thing is- once the hormonal level becomes normal, levothyroxine may have no / limited effect on your body weight.
Owing to the above capability, some people may consider using it to treat overweight or obesity related conditions. This is not a safe practice. It may cause severe side effects such as making you hypersensitive to heat, serious alterations in menstrual cycles of women, abdominal discomforts such as vomiting and nausea. It is a good practice to seek needful guidance / instructions from your treating doctor prior to using levothyroxine.
Education: Bachelor’s in Journalism with a minor in Nutrition from Northwestern University. Experience: 15 years as a health journalist, writing for major publications like The New York Times and TIME, with a focus on diet, exercise, and chronic disease management.
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