The thyroid gland is situated on the front of the neck and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate the body's metabolism. When thyroid hormone production is off, much of the body is affected, including weight management. The gland can become dysfunctional due to insufficient or excessive iodine in the diet, the hereditary disease Grave's, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, viral illness, dysfunctional pituitary gland or andenomas and nodules. Thyroid pills are prescribed to correct imbalances.
Thyroid and Weight
Thyroid hormones are responsible for the functioning of every cell in the body. These hormones regulate growth and development, the rate of chemical reactions throughout the body and weight loss or gain. When the thyroid is dysfunctional it is either producing too much or too little of the main hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyrodine. The pituitary gland influences how much of those hormones are produced. If the pituitary produces too much or too little thyroid stimulating hormone, the thyroid hormones will be too high or too low. Inadequate thyroid hormone is referred to as hypothyroidism and slows metabolic reactions in the body. Symptoms include lethargy, dry hair and skin, depression, constipation and weight gain. Hyperthyroidism is the condition of having excess thyroid hormone. Symptoms include excessive sweating, nervousness, agitation, rapid heart rate, hand tremors and weight loss.
Thyroid Pills and Weight
Thyroid pills are prescribed to correct a dysfunctional thyroid gland. The most commonly prescribed thyroid pill is levothyroxine, a thyroid replacement hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism slows the metabolism and causes weight gain. Replacing the thyroid hormone synthetically can bring the metabolism up and therefore help aid in weight loss. Other thyroid pills used to treat an overactive thyroid help suppress thyroid activity. The new thyroid hormone level could create weight gain since the amount of hormone and metabolism is reduced.
Using Thyroid Pills for Weight Loss
Thyroid replacement hormone has been used in the past as a weight loss aid. The American Thyroid Association states that attempts to lose weight with excess doses of thyroid hormone are effective at first, but once levels are returned to normal, weigh is regained. According to the National Institute of Health, using levothyroxine as a weight loss aid is not recommended. High doses of levothyroxine are ineffective for long-term weight loss and can be toxic, causing nausea, rapid or irregular pulse, irritability and chest pain.
Thyroid Pill Precautions
Thyroid pills should be used only to correct thyroid dysfunction and should be taken as prescribed. Do not combine levothyroxine with amphetamines. Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking to avoid drug interactions. If you take antacids, take them at least four hours before or after taking levothyroxine. A normal diet can be continued, but be aware that fiber and calcium can interfere with absorption.
