The Connection Between Ozempic and Hypothyroidism
Since semaglutide medications like Ozempic affect hormones in the body like insulin and glucagon, many people wonder if it has an impact on thyroid hormone levels, raising the question as to whether you can take Ozempic if you have hypothyroidism.
Currently, there is no scientific evidence illustrating a direct link between Ozempic and hypothyroidism complications. Instead of altering thyroid hormone levels, Ozempic is designed to regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite by mimicking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is why it can contribute to weight loss.
Nevertheless, you should ask a qualified medical provider if you can take Ozempic if you have hypothyroidism or any other condition since there may be other factors at play. For example, Ozempic may affect how levothyroxine or other thyroid treatment medications are metabolized. Additionally, people with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) should not take Ozempic.
Substituting semaglutide injections for dietary and lifestyle changes can lead to healthy, sustainable weight loss for people with hypothyroidism while avoiding adverse side effects.
Is Ozempic Safe if You Have Hypothyroidism?
Since semaglutide does not directly impact thyroid hormone levels, Ozempic is likely safe to take if you have hypothyroidism. Still, it’s essential to have the close supervision of a medical professional to avoid negative interactions, especially if you are taking other medications.
How well a thyroid condition is managed may determine the safety of using semaglutide. If people with hypothyroidism have stabilized their thyroid levels with treatment, taking Ozempic is probably safe. However, if you have uncontrolled hypothyroidism, you should consult your doctor to stabilize your condition before starting Ozempic. In general, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is crucial for supporting thyroid health and guaranteeing the safe use of medications like Ozempic.
Safety of Ozempic if You Have Other Thyroid Conditions
Although Ozempic is generally considered safe for hypothyroidism when used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, you should not take the medication if you have a personal or family history of MTC or MEN2. According to the safety information publicized by Ozempic, this GLP-1 receptor agonist may lead to an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors.
Potential Effects of Ozempic on People with Hypothyroidism
Regardless of the user’s thyroid hormone levels, Ozempic is intended to reduce appetite, which lowers calorie intake and indirectly promotes weight loss. Nevertheless, some of the medication's intended effects may affect people with hypothyroidism differently than people without the condition. For example, the medication’s delayed stomach emptying effect may cause excessive fatigue and a slower metabolism in those with hypothyroidism.
Nevertheless, there are different types of underactive thyroid conditions, and each type may alter how Ozempic interacts with the person’s body. For some people with hypothyroidism, the weight loss that can follow semaglutide use can enhance energy levels and overall metabolic function.
General Side Effects
Whether you have hypothyroidism or not, it is important to consider the general side effects that can accompany Ozempic usage, such as:
In addition to the more common symptoms mentioned above, some people may experience more serious side effects like pancreatitis and kidney failure. You should discuss these potential effects with your doctor before taking Ozempic.
You can avoid medication-fueled side effects and still work toward your health and wellness goals by opting for a holistic approach to weight loss. For instance, re:vitalize’s unique Weight Loss & Metabolic Reset programs and Flexible Weight Loss programs focus on dietary and lifestyle changes that can yield sustainable weight loss without jeopardizing your thyroid health or overall wellness.
Does Ozempic Interact with Thyroid Medications?
As of now, there is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that Ozempic directly interacts with thyroid medications like levothyroxine. However, because Ozempic delays stomach emptying, it might indirectly affect how medications are absorbed and metabolized. To preserve the efficacy of your medication, you should schedule routine visits with your medical provider to closely monitor your thyroid hormone levels.
Are There Side Effects of Taking Ozempic Related to the Thyroid?
In animal studies, rodents treated with Ozempic exhibited an increased incidence of thyroid C-cell tumors. Expectedly, these findings have raised concerns about the potential risk of thyroid cancer in humans using semaglutide.
However, human studies have delivered mixed results. For example, research from 2023 indicated that GLP-1 receptor agonist use is associated with a 58% increase in all thyroid carcinomas and a 78% increase in MTC, particularly with 1 to 3 years of exposure. Yet, a study from 2024 showed no significant link between GLP-1 receptor agonists and thyroid cancer, suggesting that any potential association is likely negligible.
Although more research is needed to solidify the relationship between GLP-1 receptor agonists and the human thyroid, discussing your medical history with your healthcare provider before starting Ozempic is important. It is also advisable to monitor thyroid function regularly and be aware of any new symptoms during treatment.
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How To Lose Weight with an Underactive Thyroid
Thankfully, Ozempic is not the only way to lose weight with hypothyroidism, nor is it the most sustainable. There are natural alternatives to Ozempic that can yield safe and desirable results. Some examples of positive lifestyle changes you can make to achieve weight loss with an underactive thyroid include:
- Maintain a healthy diet – Ensure you are eating a well-balanced diet that includes important nutrients for the weight loss process, such as lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly – You may be able to boost your metabolism by incorporating both cardio and strength training into your weekly routines.
- Get adequate sleep – Getting insufficient sleep can hinder weight loss. So, aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night to support metabolic health and hormonal balances.
- Manage stress – Excessive stress can contribute to abnormalities in food consumption and fat storage. So, you should practice mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to reduce stress and support hormonal balance.
Since each body is different, it can be challenging to know what changes will benefit you the most without the guidance of a professional. The board-certified nutritionists and expert health coaches at re:vitalize can create an individualized weight loss program for someone with hypothyroidism that is tailored to address their unique body composition and health goals. For instance, we use cutting-edge BioScan™ technology to identify which essential nutrients your gut needs to optimize your body's ability to lose excess pounds and maintain a healthy weight that lasts.
Avoid Questionable Weight Loss Medication Regimens with re:vitalize
Although the answer to whether you can take Ozempic if you have hypothyroidism is usually yes, assuming the individual has managed and stabilized their thyroid hormone levels, you should discuss Ozempic and hypothyroidism with a qualified medical provider. There may be additional considerations, such as how Ozempic’s effect on stomach emptying can decrease the efficacy of thyroid treatment medication.
Although you can take Ozempic if you have hypothyroidism, people with other thyroid conditions like MTC and MEN2 should avoid semaglutide altogether to mitigate the risk of thyroid tumors. You can circumvent medication-related side effects and still strive for your health goals by opting for a holistic weight loss program from re:vitalize that encourages natural, safe lifestyle changes.
After a thorough one-on-one initial consultation, our board-certified nutritionists and expert health coaches can create a program tailored to your individual health benchmarks and goals because everyone’s body composition and metabolic age are unique, as evidenced by the fact that, in many cases, men and women lose weight differently.
Schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with re:vitalize to learn how we can help you achieve your weight loss and wellness aspirations.
