Using Thyroid Hormones for Weight Loss

Many women who are concerned about their weightbenefit of the thyroid hormone, it is important to note
often seek simple solutions for achieving their weightthere are some risks associated with the use of
loss goals. However, unfortunately, there are no simplethyroid hormone to lose weight. Specifically, the
solutions to weight loss. In fact, the Food and DrugAmerican Thyroid Association describes these
Administration strongly cautions women to beassociated risks by stating, "Once the excess thyroid
suspicious of weight loss aids that make outrageoushormone is stopped, the excess weight loss is usually
claims. They warn, "It is important for consumers to beregained. Furthermore, there may be significant
wary of claims that sound too good to be true. Whennegative consequences from the use of thyroid
it comes to weight loss schemes, consumers shouldhormone to help with weight loss, such as the loss of
be particularly skeptical of claims containing words andmuscle protein in addition to any loss of body fat.
phrases like: easy, effortless, guaranteed, miraculous,Pushing the thyroid hormone dose to cause thyroid
magical, breakthrough, new discovery, mysterious,hormone levels to be elevated is unlikely to significantly
exotic, secret, exclusive, ancient." Similarly, womenchange weight and may result in other metabolic
should be aware of any unbelievable claims made byproblems."
manufacturers of thyroid hormones for the purpose ofIf you are investigating the use of thyroid hormones to
weight loss.help you achieve your weight loss goals, you should
The Theory Behind Using Thyroid Hormones forcarefully consider the risks of these hormones. The
Weight Lossuse of synthetic hormones is certainly justifiable in the
The thyroid hormone is closely associated withcase of a legitimate hormonal excess or deficiency,
metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which thebut when they are specifically used for weight loss, it
thyroid produces an excess of the thyroid hormone.may be difficult to avoid creating additional medical
This excess amount of hormone increasesproblems. Also, it should be noted that it is possible to
metabolism and may result in weight loss. Conversely,quickly regain the weight once the use of the hormone
hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid isis stopped. A condition of hyperthyroidism creates a
under-active and produces a deficient amount of theneed for additional calories. Women who become
thyroid hormone. Modest weight gain of 5-10 poundsused to eating to accommodate this condition may
may occur in this hormonal state.have a difficult time scaling back their eating habits
It is the condition of hyperthyroidism which is of theonce they are no longer using the thyroid hormone.
most interest to women who are interested in losingUsing Thyroid Hormones under a Doctor's Care
weight through the use of thyroid hormone. ThereIn any weight loss endeavor you undertake, you should
have been several studies which indicated the use ofalways seek out the assistance and guidance of your
the thyroid hormone resulted in more weight loss thandoctor. This is important for a number of reasons. First
when the hormone was not used. In general, moreof all, you should always consult your doctor when you
severe cases of hyperthyroidism can result inare attempting to lose weight to ensure you are
increased weight loss.healthy enough to begin exercising and to make
The Risks of Using Thyroid Hormones for Weightchanges to your diet or begin taking supplements.
LossAdditionally, your doctor can discuss the use of
While studies have indicated the use of thyroidsupplements with you and provide a great deal of
hormone in a weight loss program resulted in greaterinsight into the benefits and risk involved with taking
weight loss than in programs which did not use thethese supplements.