The thyroid plays a large role in body composition and function, but hypothyroidism or an inactive thyroid can affect many adults, resulting in rapid weight gain, difficulty digesting certain foods, or hormone imbalance. While GLP-1s are often used to regulate your weight, having existing thyroid issues can add another layer of complexity to your overall results.
Since your thyroid regulates so much, using a GLP-1 can help certain patients establish a better baseline, but fast results may not be apparent for those who are competing with this organ. Let’s look at specific ways your thyroid affects GLP-1s and vice versa.
Your Thyroid And Your Metabolic Rate
Thyroid imbalances can make weight management more difficult, even if you are eating a balanced diet and following a consistent exercise routine. Low thyroid function can slow down the metabolic rate at which the body burns calories. Lower function doesn’t automatically adjust when you start taking semaglutide, which means that your GLP-1 progress may look slower than those without thyroid issues.
However, GLP-1s can help with thyroid-related problems including appetite, insulin regulation, and glucagon suppression. GLP-1s can help lower these metabolic hurdles, making them a little easier to deal with in your daily life. These medications will not fix your thyroid, though, so it is important to continue checking on your thyroid health and work with your healthcare providers to treat long-term health effects.
Monitoring And Optimizing Thyroid Health
When it comes to thyroid malfunctions, a major concern is a higher risk of cancer and long-term nutrient deficiencies in the body. Even before starting GLP-1s, patients should consider working closely with healthcare professionals to work on other elements of their thyroid health, rule out a cancer diagnosis, and work on gut health to help achieve more optimal hormone levels.
Before starting a GLP-1, if you want to see more optimal results and improve symptoms, get thyroid levels to an optimal level rather than just within range. Getting thyroid-stimulating hormones to optimal levels can prevent negative side effects, severe fatique, or weight gain rather than the expected weight loss.
Medication Interactions
Some patients are on thyroid medications used to help with digestion, insulin resistance, or other symptoms like fatique. Combining thyroid medications and GLP-1s could lead to negative side effects, which can vary widely depending on the person’s biological makeup.
GLP-1s have delayed gastric emptying, which means that items will remain in the stomach for longer, helping most patients feel full for longer and eliminating binge eating. Those taking thyroid medications could see negative effects from this, as it could affect how much of the medication is absorbed. Other patients may get too much of the medication, leading to an overactive thyroid instead.
Other medications will require more monitoring by your healthcare provider to ensure that you don’t lose an excessive amount of weight at an alarming rate. While the goal of GLP-1s is to help someone lose weight, it will need to be gradual, especially for those with smaller body types or those with limited muscle.
As weight comes off, you will also need to adjust the dosage of your thyroid medication. Most of these medications are based on height and weight, so remaining in close contact with your doctor to adjust doses can prevent problems like heart palpitations, anxiety, or heat intolerance.
Taking GLP-1s With Hashimoto’s
Most people with Hashimoto’s can take GLP-1 medications, especially if they are experiencing low metabolism and inflammation. Because Hashimoto’s is connected with the immune system, it is recommended to ensure that your thyroid levels are better than average before starting. Patients may be able to better maintain their weight and feel more energetic when taking a GLP-1.
Weight Loss Help From Regeneration Health
Weight gain and fluctuations can occur due to many factors, which can be extremely frustrating for patients who feel they are doing everything right. Thyroid imbalances, imbalanced hormones, family genetics, and stressors can impact your weight. Seeking medical weight loss isn’t always about following the latest trend, but rather reducing fatique, changing how the body burns calories, and preventing issues like cancer or heart disease.
Regeneration Health offers medical weight loss services that are personalized to each patient. We know that your budget, lifestyle, and health needs can change day-by-day, which is why a functional medical doctor can be helpful in addition to other healthcare professionals. We can help you reach your different health goals with ease. If you are ready to take charge of your health, reach out to our professionals today!