Many pregnant women are concerned with the question of whether they can take thyroxine during pregnancy and breastfeeding without harming the child. In addition, the assumption that thyroxine can help with weight loss persists. But is this really true? Find out the answers here.
Thyroxine during pregnancy
Thyroxine can be taken during pregnancy and lactation without fear of side effects or risks to mother and child. Rather, it is important that therapy continue during pregnancy to avoid physical problems.
In pregnant women, thyroid levels should be checked at regular intervals. Due to the increased estrogen level, the need for thyroxine may increase. An adjustment of the dosage is then necessary.
During breastfeeding, small amounts of the hormone pass into breast milk; however, the dose is considered safe.
Thyroxine: interactions during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, it should be noted that thyroxine should not be taken together with thyrostatic drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism. Thyrostatic agents generally should be given to pregnant women only at low doses because they can enter the baby’s circulation through the placenta and cause hypothyroidism.
Losing weight with thyroxine?
Thyroxine generally should be taken only as directed by a doctor and used to treat thyroid disorders. Despite this, the hormone is repeatedly misused as a weight loss pill. However, taking thyroxine to lose weight is strongly discouraged. On the one hand, it has not been scientifically proven that its use leads to weight loss. For another, the drug is not approved for this use.
L-thyroxine is a drug that has a significant influence on various bodily processes. If the hormone is taken without medical necessity and regular medical supervision, it can lead to serious side effects. This is especially true when it is combined with medications that target weight loss. Thus, too much can increase the risk of insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.