L thyroxine for weight loss: the pros and cons of the drug

What is thyroxine

Thyroxine is one of two thyroid hormones that contain iodine.
It is also called L-thyroxine, Levothyroxine, Tetraiodothyronine, T4. The substance itself has weak biological activity. In the tissues of the human body, under the influence of certain enzymes, the hormone T4 is converted into the more active substance triiodothyronine (T3). L-thyroxine is synthesized mainly in the endocrine and endocrine glands. Iodine-containing hormone maintains normal metabolism and physiological functions. To influence the body, the active substance is released into the blood during certain biochemical processes. Once in the bloodstream, the hormone binds to target cells using special receptor proteins. As a result, it penetrates into all tissues and organs, regulating vital processes.

Under the influence of the substance, a large-scale process of protein and enzyme synthesis is launched in all tissues and cells, promoting the functional activity of the body's systems. Under the influence of exogenous or endogenous intake of the hormone, the amount of adenosine triphosphate, the main source of energy, increases. Thyroid substances help increase the number of mitochondria in target cells, which lead to the formation of ATP (adenosine triphosphoric acid). The hormone thyroxine triiodothyronine performs the following main functions in the body:

• increased heat production;
• regulation of blood pressure;
• increasing mental activity and ability to work;
• burning fat deposits;
• appetite suppression;
• improved digestion;
• acceleration of the metabolism of proteins, fats, carbohydrates;
• increased physical activity;
• stimulation of the nervous system;
• decreased need for sleep;
• red blood cell formation and protein absorption;
• controlling egg production;
• increased oxygen absorption by tissues and organs;
• preventing blockage of blood vessels by cholesterol plaques.

The medical industry produces L-thyroxine in a synthetic form, which is identical to the human hormone. The drug is called levothyroxine sodium or L-thyroxine for short. In the liver and kidneys it is converted into triiodothyronine, after which it is distributed throughout the cells of the body. The substance is used for replacement therapy for hypothyroidism of various etiologies.

When should l-thyroxine be used?

When the amount of hormones is greatly reduced, the body’s energy consumption sharply slows down, as if it “goes into hibernation.” As a result, a large amount of adipose tissue accumulates and excess fluid stagnates, which is why a patient with hypothyroidism often has a very swollen appearance. A person feels constant drowsiness, weakness, decreased appetite, there are attacks of shortness of breath, there are disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system (patients are bothered by constipation), bradycardia is observed, the functioning of the nervous system is unstable, and as a result, performance decreases sharply. At the same time, weight gain occurs at a very fast pace.

If these symptoms are present, it is necessary to visit an endocrinologist to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment regimen with thyroid hormones.

The effect of thyroxine on weight loss

The unique properties of the iodine-containing substance T3, which has a complex fat-burning effect, have long been noticed by people involved in bodybuilding or suffering from excess weight. The hormone L-thyroxine is used for weight loss because it regulates appetite and also improves the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates. Fats are absorbed only in the required quantity, and excess lipids are broken down and eliminated from the body.

Due to its ability to increase sweating, the hormone helps get rid of excess fluid. Increased blood flow provides tissues with more oxygen, thereby increasing body endurance and improving mental activity. The biologically active substance acts in a complex manner, simultaneously solving all the problems of normalizing body weight.

How to increase the level of thyroxine production by your own thyroid gland

In order to increase the production of thyroxine by your gland, you should follow these rules:

1. Drink a lot of water (not carbonated). In addition, you are also allowed to drink freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices.
2. Eat the following foods as much as possible: lettuce, tomatoes, celery, lemons and cucumbers, as they remove toxins from the body that interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.
3. Eat as little as possible of heavy foods that contain fats, flavorings and artificial colors, as they overload the liver.
4. Every day, do all sorts of workouts or exercises to maintain your body.

Method of use for weight loss

In order to systematically lose weight, you should start taking the drug according to the instructions with a minimum dose of 25 mcg. If the body normally accepts the hormonal generic, then you can proceed to the daily dosage of the drug of 50 mcg. The dose is divided into two doses of 25 mcg in the first half of the day until 18:00. If a side effect occurs in the form of mild palpitations, the symptom is removed with the help of a beta blocker (metoprolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol and others). If there are severe changes in heart rhythm, the dose is reduced or the drug is discontinued.

If the body tolerates the synthetic analog L-Thyroxine 100 mcg well, then the dosage is gradually increased to 150–300 mcg. The daily dose is divided into three doses and consumed in the first half of the day. The course lasts 30 days, if necessary it is repeated after a month's break, in order to avoid an excess of iodine-containing substances. The drug is taken 60 minutes before meals or 2 hours after meals. Some foods enhance its effect - lemons, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, celery.

Side effects and cost

If the drug is taken under the strict supervision of a doctor, then no side effects on the body are observed.

In case of hypersensitivity, allergic reactions are possible.

Various side effects can only be observed in case of overdose:

1. Increased heart rate.
2. Pain in the heart area.
3. Sleep disturbance.
4. Sweating.
5. Diarrhea.

If such symptoms are noticed, the doctor has the right to recommend reducing the dose or stopping the use of the drug.

The drug contains levothyroxine 25, 50, 100 mcg in one tablet.

The drug should be stored at a temperature of 20-25 degrees. Shelf life 36 months.

Average cost of the drug:

• 50 tablets (25 mcg) – 75 – 100 rubles.
• 50 tablets (50 mcg) – 105 – 120 rubles.
• 50 tablets (100 mcg) – 130 -150 rubles;

Prices depend on the region and pharmacies.

Contraindications

Taking hormonal pharmacological agents is prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This drug is contraindicated in persons at the time of puberty. Girls who have not given birth should definitely consult an endocrinologist before using hormonal drugs. You always need to take into account the characteristics of the body - the remedy is not suitable. Conditions and diseases for which it is strictly forbidden to take the hormonal drug thyroxine for weight loss:

• thyrotoxicosis;
• hypertension;
• diabetes;
• previous heart attack;
• kidney and adrenal insufficiency;
• galactose intolerance;
• dysfunction of absorption of substances in the small intestine.

Reviews about L-Thyroxine

Reviews of L-Thyroxine are mostly positive. The drug normalizes the balance of hormones in the body, which in turn has a beneficial effect on overall well-being.

However, among the general mass of good reviews from El-Thyroxine, there are also negative ones, which are primarily associated with the side effects of the drug.

Reviews of levothyroxine sodium for weight loss suggest that the drug, although it causes a number of side effects, actually helps to correct weight (especially if its use is supplemented with a low-carbohydrate diet).

It is important to remember that you can take the drug only as prescribed by a doctor and only if your thyroid function is reduced. Excess weight is often one of the signs that the functioning of an organ is impaired, so a decrease in fat deposits is a kind of side effect of therapy.

For people whose organ functions normally, taking levothyroxine can be dangerous.

Side effects

The hormone L-thyroxine causes a number of symptoms and conditions when the dosage is exceeded or when a person has an individual intolerance. At very high doses or long courses, a decrease in thyroid function is observed. Excess of the substance leaches calcium from the bones. It is important to remember that taking a hormonal drug based on a synthetic hormone accelerates not only lipid but also protein metabolism, which can lead to loss of muscle mass. Side effects from taking:

• increased blood pressure;
• increased heart rate;
• menstrual irregularities;
• agitation, aggression;
• headache;
• sleep disturbance;
• muscle tremors;
• sweating;
• feeling of heat;
• dry mouth;
• diarrhea or vomiting;
• osteoporosis;
• swelling;
• allergic rash.

How to take for weight loss?

To lose weight with this drug, you should first consult your doctor. Get tested and find out your general health. Often the treatment system is prescribed by the treating endocrinologist.

Most patients with hypothyroidism have a positive effect on the drug’s effect on weight loss, decreased reporting, and normalization of the digestive system. If you follow the recommendations below, you can also lose excess weight.

Recommendations for improving the weight loss process:

• Do not deviate from the dosages prescribed by the instructions or by your doctor. Unreasonable increase will lead to serious health problems.
• Take the drug only on an empty stomach , with plenty of water (at least a glass). It is worth starting the first meal an hour after this action.
• Adjust your own diet - your table should have low-calorie food (maximum 1300-1500 kcal per day), intended for a healthy diet.
• The basis of your diet is low-fat protein foods , unsweetened fruits, starchy vegetables, etc.
• Food processing - boiling, baking, stewing.
• Be sure to include physical activity - exercise, gym, training, swimming pool. Start with 2 days a week, gradually increasing to daily sessions.

Analogs

The domestically produced hormonal drug L-Thyroxine 100 for weight loss OZONE is in demand due to its high quality and affordable cost. During re-registration, the medicine is removed from sale for a period of approximately 2-3 months. Some people cannot survive for such a long period without treatment. In order not to interrupt therapy, structural analogues are used:

1. L-thyroxine Berlin-Chemie;
2. L-Thyroxine Henning;
3. L-Thyroxine-Farmak;
4. L-Thyroxine-Akrikhin;
5. L-thyroxine OZONE;
6. Euthyrox;
7. Eferox;
8. Bagotirox.

Advantages and disadvantages

L thyroxine has some advantages over other weight loss products:

1. Availability.
2. The composition consists of natural raw materials.
3. High efficiency.
4. In a short time you can get rid of 6-9 kilograms of weight.

Flaws:

1. Inconvenient to use.
2. Side effects.
3. After taking the pills, there is a risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. The drug can remove calcium from bone tissue, which subsequently leads to osteoporosis.

Price for Thyroxine

The cost of the drug depends on the country of manufacture, the amount of active substance, and the presence of auxiliary components. At the pharmacy you can buy a generic version of the hormone L-thyroxine in dosages of 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 mcg. Thanks to the large number of drug options based on the amount of active ingredient, it is easy to choose the right dosage. Depending on the country of origin, prices may be as follows:

pharmachologic effect

The drug has the same composition as thyroxine. In the liver and kidneys, the drug is converted into triiodothyronine.

With constant use of the drug, goiter decreases or completely disappears after 3-6 months.

The medicine has the following effects:

• promotes tissue growth and development;
• activates metabolism;
• enriches tissues with oxygen;
• affects the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates;
• affects the work of the cardiovascular system and central nervous system.

The goiter decreases or completely disappears after 3-6 months. If you take Levothyroxine on an empty stomach, it is absorbed in the upper part of the small intestine, the body absorbs 80% of the medication taken.

Most of the drug binds to blood plasma proteins:

• thyroxine-binding globulin;
• prealbumin.

In tissues, Levothyroxine forms triiodothyronine and inactive metabolites. Biologically active substances are broken down in the liver, kidneys, muscles, brain, and interact with hyaluronic acid.

Biologically active substances are broken down in the liver, kidneys, muscles, and brain.

Metabolic products are removed through the intestines. The half-life of the drug for thyrotoxicosis is 4 days. In a patient with hypothyroidism, a small amount of the thyroid-stimulating agent is excreted after 9-10 days.

Composition and release form

The tablet contains a certain amount of a substance called levothyroxine sodium. The concentration of the substance varies - from 25 to 100 micrograms. In addition to the above-mentioned substance, the tablets also contain several components. The most important among them will be dextrin.

The drug is available in only one form - tablets. The most popular dosages are considered to be 50 and 100 mcg. Previously, the drug was sold in a different dosage – 200 mcg. However, it is currently impossible to find it on the shelves of domestic pharmacies, since such a dosage would be prohibited.

Reviews from doctors and specialists

Thyroxine for weight loss, reviews of which are presented to the readers below, is a very effective drug. But doctors recommend getting the opinion of medical professionals before starting treatment.

Victoria Mirnaya, nutritionist.

The drug Thyroxine can help people who have serious problems with the thyroid gland lose weight. This is a big plus. Because choosing a suitable diet for them is very difficult due to the characteristics of existing diseases.

Evgeniy Syedin, endocrinologist

I do not recommend that people use the drug Thyroxine for a long time. This is fraught with negative consequences. Because the medicine inhibits the activity of the thyroid gland. Therefore, the use must be coordinated with a doctor.