I have had an interactive thyroid for the last 25 years and have had a constant battle lately ke many others with my weight. My GP has suggested I try Mounjaro and I would be interested to hear of others experiences with weight loss drugs whilst having thyroid issues.
Mounjaro: I have had an interactive thyroid for... - Thyroid UK
Mounjaro
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Roomay
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SlowDragonAdministrator
Before considering such radical suggestion
You need FULL thyroid and vitamin testing
Your only other post 6 years ago it was suggested that you should get full testing
How much levothyroxine are you taking
ALWAYS test early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Exactly what vitamin supplements are you taking
not sure if Medichecks or BH can post test kits to Jersey
Suggest you find out
Or get GP to test
Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing
Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins
medichecks.com/products/adv...
Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins
bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...
Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee
Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.
Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test
support.medichecks.com/hc/e...
If you normally take levothyroxine at bedtime/in night ...adjust timings as follows prior to blood test
If testing Monday morning, delay Saturday evening dose levothyroxine until Sunday morning. Delay Sunday evening dose levothyroxine until after blood test on Monday morning. Take Monday evening dose levothyroxine as per normal
posts that mention Mounjaro
I haven't tried weight-loss drugs and neither would I. I can't help feeling you'd be better off with optimal thyroid hormone levels than taking a risky drug. I'm willing to bet you're under-medicated.
Buddy195Administrator
If you put ‘mounjaro’ in the search engine on this forum, you will see there have been several posts discussing this.
Search for existing posts about mounjaro by clicking on this: healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
I've been on Mounjaro for 12 weeks now. Two and a half stone down.
Some pharmacies won't supply you if you have thyroid issues, but most will.
I have battled with my weight for pretty much all of my adult life, and didn't make the decision to take mounjaro lightly. It's not an easy fix as many people say, and you still have to work hard in order to lose weight. Some people suffer quite badly with side effects. For me they've been relatively minor.
Many thanks for your response. It’s certainly given me food for thought.
Hi Roomay i just bought my first pen (in the fridge) I am going to start next week! So will let you know ☺️
You absolutely do not need weight loss drugs, you need adequate thyroid replacement. Once this happens, your weight will normalise. Insist on proper thyroid replacement and don't accept counter-offers for drugs that treat only symptoms. Same as with anti-depressants and statins (cholesterol-lowering medication)!
Not necessarily true. Obesity is a complex thing, and whilst adequate thyroid replacement is absolutely essential, it won't necessarily help with weight if you have other issues going on in the body.
For some people, having adequate thyroid replacement will help the problem, and they will find they're able to stabilise their weight. For others, like me, they will need extra help. The body is a complex machine after all.
People are very judgemental about mounjaro and other weight loss injections without understanding fully how they work, and how some people might need them. I put on 4 stone before I was diagnosed with thyroid disease, and I was already overweight when that happened. Between starting on 25mcg levothyroxine all the way up to 150mcg of it I was unable to lose weight at all. Whether that was by calorie counting or low carbing, which is what I had always done in the past nothing would shift. I was also a complete zombie, even though my blood tests came back showing great results. It was only when I started adding in T3 that I was able to lose some weight. I am now on a high dose of T3 only, and whilst I managed to shift the 4 stone eventually from low carbing, I haven't managed to get much beyond that. Mounjaro has been a life saver for me in that respect, and has enabled me to continue with my weight loss journey to the point I am now almost at a healthy BMI for the first time in over 20 years.
Was responding to the OP directly, based on the information she shared and what I know about doctors' attitudes towards thyroid treatment and their tendency to throw drugs at the problem to treat symptoms that would most likely be corrected with adequate thyroid replacement.
You may have benefited from Mounjaro, but I'm quite certain most people would be able to lose excess weight with lifestyle improvements and proper thyroid hormone levels as this would address most issues people have with cortisol and insulin resistance. Unfortunately people prefer to go for a quick solution despite side effects, especially in this culture that prizes thinness, and particularly when Pharma companies can turn a huge profit as a result. 100 years ago, weight loss drugs didn't exist and obesity was unheard of. Why is that? Our lifestyles are almost always the problem and drugs are not the solution to that.
It's not about judgement btw, it's about what I think would genuinely help people. The only people I judge in this are doctors and Pharma companies.
hey! I have, I lost 3 stone, it was incredible and I’d do it again in a heart beat 💓
Tell us why it's "great"?
I’ve tried dieting for years but nothing really worked. I’d maybe lose 5-10 lb and then it would all come back. With the injection it quiets the “noise” in your head. So you don’t have that constant “am I hungry?” “Shall I eat?” “No I shouldn’t eat”. Without the noise I could so easily make better food choices, so instead of craving and then convincing myself I should have a ham sandwich with a load of mayo I’d instead think no I should have a nice salad as that would be better for me. It’s so hard to really explain because that “noise” going away is kinda crazy. It makes such a huge difference but most of us probably can’t even imagine it not being there. You’re also way less hungry so you can easily swap snacks for a glass of water in between meals. It’s just crazy how helpful it could be for people who are really struggling to lose weight. And I know it has a negative reputation at the moment as a quick fix but for people who have been living with obesity for their whole lives this could really be a god send.
You should always investigate first what could be the cause of your weight gain. Eating the right things? Exercising not enough? Stressed? There are a number of things that can contribute to weight gain and they all should be carefully assessed.
If you have an underactive thyroid, the first question would be: are you on enough thyroid medication? If your thyroid hormone levels are inadequate and too low, this can have a big impact on your weight. T3 is the active thyroid hormone and responsible for your metabolism, if you have too little T3 present, your metabolism is slowed down and you will struggle to control your weight, even if you restrict calories, have a healthy diet or exercise, as it is a metabolic issue, not a dietary issue!
As other people have advised, you need to get a full thyroid panel checking your TSH, T4 and T3. If your thyroid hormones are low, you need to address this by increasing your thyroid medication so your metabolism can increase and do a proper job again. This will be a lengthly process and won't happen over night, but in time and once you are on an optimal thyroid hormone level, the weight will come off. You can of course support your journey by trying to exercise regularly and eating healthily, but the main goal is to restore your metabolism.
GLP-1 inhibitors are not a quick fix. Yes, of course you can lose weight by taking weight loss jabs, but this is just treating the symptoms of your weight gain, but very likely not the underlying cause, which is a slow metabolism. These GLP-1 inhibitors have primarily been developed to treat type 2 diabetes by stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas to assist in the processing of glucose. And if you are not diabetic, perhaps have a think what this could do to your pancreas over time. And yes, pancreatitis can be a severe side effect of the treatment, together with nausea, dizziness, fatigue, diarrhoea or constipation.
So if your weight could be addressed by the actual underlying cause, would that not be the better route to take first?
I think some of you are missing the point here. Going back to my original post I am very much considering this with the full involvement of my GP, who has undertaken a blood test first to check levels as advised by Grey Goose and has told me that these will be monitored with blood tests every 6-8 weeks. I think taking weight loss medication is a personal choice and for me having tried a number of different options to lose weight, whilst being mindful of having the correct dosage of thyroxine, this may indeed be a game changer to get back to a more healthy weight.
I appreciated that you have considered this carefully and it is good that your GP is involved. However, in your previous post you have mentioned that your levothyroxine was just reduced from 175mcg to 150mcg, which is a considerable amount giving that you were on that high a dose.
If your T4 or T3 were over range and that was the reason for your reduction in medication, then this was a move based on the high thyroid hormone levels and the right choice. However, if your medication was reduced only because your TSH was too low, then you may have had your medication adjusted without actually considering your free T4 or T3 (active thyroid hormone) levels, which would leave you with too little thyroid hormone levels. This in turn will lower your metabolism further, making weight loss more difficult.
Aches and pains can be a sign of low thyroid hormone levels, and I suspect that even on 175mcg of levothyroxine, your T3 may have been already low, which is why previous attempts to lose weight may have failed and why addressing the low T3 would be crucial.
I am by no means criticising your choices, I am trying to provide you with a possible explanation for your situation and am simply encouraging you to consider other factors in the equation.
Best wishes.
Is your GP offering you the medication on the NHS? If so I'd jump at the chance to be honest. It is extremely difficult to get on the NHS and seems to be a bit of a postcode lottery even for people with diabetes and a high BMI. If you're getting it on the NHS then you must fit into the category that is recommended for because you wouldn't be offered it otherwise. Definitely not a case of GPs throwing this medication out willy nilly, it's way too expensive for that! People who think that is the case really don't understand how difficult it is to get mounjaro prescribed. Even for private pharmacies, there is a set criteria which you must fit.
There are lots of useful forums out there that give really helpful advice (just like this forum does for thyroid questions). If you're on FB, there is a particularly helpful group called Oushk Support Group, which is run by the pharmacist for Oushk. You can join it even if you don't get your mounjaro from them (I joined but get mine from a different pharmacist. However, my husband also decided to go on this journey and he does get his from Oushk).
I do understand that people on here who are experts on thyroid advice are cautious. However, as long as you do plenty of research and are happy with your decision, then it is yours and yours alone to make.
Many thanks for this. We don’t have NHS in Jersey and we are only recently being charged for weight loss medication (all other prescriptions are free) but I understand the cost is slightly less than online pharmacies in the UK.
Making a decision like this should be based on what a patient needs to be healthy and what's in their best interests. Cocaine is expensive and hard to get too – doesn't mean we should try cocaine!
No-one is suggesting trying an illegal drug!
The op has had a recommendation made by their GP for a drug that the doctor believes will improve their health. The op has come on here asking for any feedback, and I'm sure will do their own thorough research and decide whether to go ahead or not. They've also confirmed they will be monitored by the GP.
I'm sure that none of the people on here who have replied that they take mounjaro have entered into it lightly. I certainly didn't, and in fact agonised over the decision for a long time. I did lots of research to make sure I was fully informed, and continue to research on a daily basis.
If I listened to what my GP recommended, I'd be dead by my own hands by now, and that's not an exaggeration.
Was responding to the OP directly, based on the information she shared and what I know about doctors' attitudes towards thyroid treatment and their tendency to throw drugs at the problem to treat symptoms that would most likely be corrected with adequate thyroid replacement.
Some people may have benefited from Mounjaro, but I'm quite certain most people would be able to lose excess weight with lifestyle improvements and proper thyroid hormone levels as this would address most issues people have with cortisol and insulin resistance. Unfortunately people prefer to go for a quick solution despite side effects, especially in this culture that prizes thinness, and particularly when Pharma companies can turn a huge profit as a result. 100 years ago, weight loss drugs didn't exist and obesity was unheard of. Why is that? Our lifestyles are almost always the problem and drugs are not the solution to that.
And regarding your struggles with weight gain/loss, you may need to change something about your diet, for example increasing protein, limiting carbohydrates or changing your approach to exercise or stress management. There's a good chance you're insulin resistant if you struggle to keep weight off which can be improved with lifestyle choices.
I don't know whether or not to take your "obesity was unheard of" assertion seriously. It certainly colours my opinion about the rest of what you right. Many people, perhaps most, are no longer able to make the required lifestyle improvements as they pass beyond middle age. Sarcopenia and pain due to thyroid disease are possible reasons.
You're free to judge me if that makes you feel good, but it doesn't change the fact that unless someone is impoverished or paralysed, they have full control over what they choose to eat, at all ages, and diet plays a huge role in body composition once euthyroidism is restored. Also, it's spelt "write" ☺️
I know how it's spelt, my effing brain is rotting, damnit. I had no help from GPs about my hypocalcaemia, so was eating a large amount of cheese until a few months ago. I didn't stop in order to avoid turning (even more so) into a previously unheard of (according to you) obese character, but because a simple tweak allows me to absorb the calcium I require. I am not paralysed, but am certainly in pain and have additional problems that limit what I can do. I'll throw in another "damnit" and ask you to get off your high horse. Peace, out.
hi, I’m on week 8. First 4 weeks was only 2.5mg which I believe doesn’t cause weight loss it’s just about getting your body used to it and any side effects. So 4 weeks on 5mg…The day after the jab I seem to get a really bad headache. There’s only been one episode of loose stools. But definitely a general queasiness too that comes and goes. I’ve definitely lost weight but it’s not quickly. It’s around 2lbs a week which is what’s recommended to keep it off. I actually lost 2 stone early last year on my own just with calorie counting but that was just prior to being diagnosed with graves. So the difference here I feel is it switches off the food noise in your head. I’m also post menopausal which added to thyroid issues is just so 🤬 hard. I was hesitant because when you Google it with thyroid, much comes up about thyroid cancer. But after further reading there was no evidence to back it up. I’m only taking it short term as I know I can do it alone I just needed a kick start this time. Good luck.
I had my thyroid removed and ever since I gained so much weight. I went up to 211 lbs. From my normal weight of 140 lbs. I became pre diabetic and I tried everything to lose wgt but nothing helped.
I was prescribed Mounjaro last year for my pre diabetes and dropped from 211 lbs to 135 lbs.
I am now on a maintenance dose meaning only once a month. I gained back 5 lbs but that's OK.
My inflammation went down as well. I feel so much better with my health.
Only thing bad is that it is not recommended for people with thyroid issues. Read the box.
I took it because I no longer have a thyroid so I felt it was safe.
Do your research and good luck.
I started on Mounjaro mid January and have lost 34lb so far - no side effects and I’m still only on the second lowest dose.
It wasn’t a decision I took lightly but it has been a complete game changer. My thyroid meds are absolutely optimum, the best I have felt in years, but that doesn’t change that I have a very difficult relationship with food.
The revelation for me is that this drug makes me think like a regular person, it removes the constant food noise, enabling me to eat normal portions of healthy foods and not snack. The majority of people who aren’t overweight don’t simply have more willpower, they are just made differently.
Weighing up health issues related to obesity and possible side effects of Mounjaro, it was a no-brainer for me.
I’m losing 2lb a week, eating sensibly and still just as active as I was before, but with more energy because I’m lighter.
I understand there are so many different opinions on even just this thread, and yes, get your thyroid hormones to their optimum, but there don’t appear to be any contraindications to suggest you can’t take Mounjaro at the same time.
I'm speaking generally to the people using this forum, not specifically to you, as they may benefit from the information I'm sharing even if you don't want to engage with it. If you don't like what I have to say feel free to not respond to me but I will continue to share the information I have and my opinions.
I’d ignore the “eat less and move more” comments, they generally have no clue about obesity.
Of course ensure FT3 and FT4 levels are optimised, but after that have at it!
For Mounjaro to work well in the long term you do need to take it steady moving up the doses (rapid weight loss has a poorer muscle:fat loss ratio and there can be gallbladder issues with any rapid weight loss) and like any weight loss some degree of strength training can help in minimizing muscle loss.
You’d also have to plan for this to be a longer term treatment - for your set point to get fully set at a lower weight it might take a year or two of maintenance doses.
At the end of the day it’s a pretty safe treatment, drink plenty of water, prioritize protein, lift some weights and take it steady - far healthier to lose the excess weight, reduce BP and kidney damage, improve heart and insulin resistance issues etc than to stay obese.
Good luck, it will go great!
They don’t prescribe Mounjaro for weight loss. Insurance won’t pay for any of these types of drugs for anything but Type 2 diabetes.
In the UK you can go to an online prescribing pharmacist any buy it - costs around £150 a month.
How about we both move on with our lives? Wish you well!
I’ve been using compounded Ozempic since mid May 2024 - I’ve FINALLY lost the 40 pounds that I couldn’t lose with no metabolism aka hypothyroidism!
I’ve been on 125 mcg Levo for several years, adding 15 mcg a couple of years ago with no results; I sought an online provider and ‘qualified’ due to my high BMI
I now go through my local doctor and am on a maintenance dose. Like Levo, I expect this to be a lifelong commitment, but being a healthy weight and age 77 I’m fine with that.
It seems many people take these drugs (Mounjaro, Ozempic. Wegovy) because they decrease appetite. But are hypothyroid people really overweight from overeating?!
Would not less food increase the risk of getting a calorie deficit which would in turn further decrease an already damaged metabolism in hypothyroid people?
I read that these drugs increase insulin secretion as they are diabetes drugs so will raise insulin when blood sugar rises. But is it good in the long run to have higher insulin levels if you don’t have diabetes 2?
Also, it seems most people need to stay on these drugs long-term or regain most or all of the weight.
I am not saying anyone is right or wrong, just raising a few questions.
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