Today at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy, a patient called with an interesting question:
“My doctor prescribed a GLP-1 medication for weight loss, but I also have high TPO antibodies. Will this affect my thyroid?”

I appreciated her concern. “That’s a great question! While I’m not a specialist, I can share general information. GLP-1 receptor agonists—like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro—are commonly used for diabetes and weight management because they help regulate blood sugar and control appetite. But since you have high TPO antibodies, it’s good to be aware of potential thyroid interactions.”

She was curious. “So, can GLP-1 meds cause thyroid problems?”

“Studies suggest that GLP-1 medications don’t directly cause thyroid disease in most people. However, they do carry a warning about a rare type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), which is more of a concern for people with a family history of MTC or multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN).”

She sounded relieved but asked, “What about people with Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism?”

“For patients with high TPO antibodies, which can indicate Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, there isn’t strong evidence that GLP-1 meds worsen thyroid function. However, weight loss itself can affect thyroid hormone levels, and some patients may need their levothyroxine or thyroid hormone dose adjusted after losing weight.”

She asked, “What symptoms should I look out for?”

“If you’re on GLP-1 medication and have Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism, it’s a good idea to monitor for symptoms like:
✔ Fatigue or increased tiredness
✔ Unexplained weight fluctuations
✔ Cold intolerance
✔ Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
✔ Changes in heart rate”

Before she ended the call, I reassured her, “The best approach is to have your thyroid levels (TSH, Free T3, Free T4) checked before and during your weight loss journey. If you ever need a compounded thyroid medication, we can customize one for you to ensure proper absorption and avoid fillers.”

She sounded grateful. “That’s really helpful! I’ll talk to my doctor about monitoring my thyroid while on this medication.”

At Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy, we’re here to help patients navigate thyroid health, weight loss, and personalized medication options to ensure the best outcomes.

Until tomorrow,
Rania – Your Friendly Pharmacist at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy

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