Levothyroxine Weight Loss Thyroid

Levothyroxine is the synthetic, bio-identical form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). It is used to supplement the lack of thyroid hormone that is normally made by the thyroid gland. In people whose thyroid is not producing enough hormone, supplements must be taken usually for the rest of their lives. Therefore, hypothyroidism is the condition used to describe an underactive thyroid, resulting in the need for hormone replacement therapy.

How does Levothyroxine work?

Under ideal circumstances, the thyroid gland gets stimulated to produce thyroxine, when the hormone TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is secreted by the pituitary gland, in response to low levels of T4 in the blood. When the reaction to the stimulation does not manifest, the thyroid begins to swell due to it's inability to manufacture thyroid hormone. The pituitary gland continues to release TSH in an effort to get a reaction from the thyroid to make thyroxine, leading to further irritation and swelling of the thyroid gland, resulting in a goiter.

The administration of Levothyroxine reverses this trend by replacing the T4 that is lacking in the body, causing the pituitary to decrease it's production of TSH, thereby reducing the goiter.

How does it help in weight loss?

Levothyroxine can be used for many things, but weight loss is not one of them. People with a normal thyroid do not need to use it for losing weight because the normal therapeutic doses will not work to induce weight loss. Taking more than the normal dose can cause one to become toxic resulting in life threatening events. Additionally, levothyroxine should not be used with other weight loss drugs unless prescribed by your physician.

For those suffering the effects of underactive thyroid, such as weight gain, the administration of this hormone replacement will bring your T4 levels within normal limits. This may help you to stop gaining weight, but you must adopt a lifestyle change which includes eating a proper diet and increasing your physical activity in order to lose weight, as well as getting the proper rest.

This can be accomplished by eating balanced diet consisting of:

• Fresh vegetables and fruits


• Whole grain cereals, pasta, and bread


• Lean meats, such as chicken, fish, and seafood


• Low fat, low sodium, high protein foods, and dairy products

Always consult your doctor for help in deciding what diet is perfect for you and your thyroid condition.

Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning with plenty of water. This medication is best absorbed on an empty stomach, and you should take it every day at the same time. If you miss a dose take as soon as you remember to take it, however, if it is almost time for the next regular dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dose. If you miss two or more tabs contact your physician for further instruction.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT