The drug L-thyroxine accelerates the process of burning excess fat, especially if taken together with five foods. Find out what these products are and lose weight faster!
- Reviews from people losing weight and doctors
Author: Kristina Lobanovskaya, doctor, practicing nutritionist Article updated: 04/07/2021
Thyroxine is one of the main hormones produced by the thyroid gland. It activates the synthesis and breakdown of proteins, and also enhances the process of conversion of carbohydrates in cells. The purpose of thyroxine is to stimulate metabolism. That is why its synthetic analogue, sodium levothyroxine or L-thyroxine, has the ability to remove extra pounds, it normalizes metabolism and accelerates biological processes.
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.
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.
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.
Instructions for use
When purchasing L-Thyroxine specifically for weight loss, keep in mind that in this case the dosage regimen will differ significantly from that prescribed in the instructions.
For beginners, the dosage should not exceed 50 mcg per day, and it is better to divide it into 2 times. It is necessary to take both tablets in the first half of the day: for example, after breakfast and after lunch. Gradually, the daily dose is increased to 300 mcg, which is recommended to be taken in 3 doses, but no later than six in the evening, so as not to provoke insomnia.
Approximate regimens
Losing weight with L-Thyroxine-50
- The first 4 days - 1 tablet once a day (or break it into halves and drink in 2 doses).
- The next 2 days - 2 tablets.
- 2 more days - 3 each.
- Next - 4.
A week before stopping the drug, the dosage should be reduced in the reverse order.
Losing weight with L-Thyroxine-100
- The first 4 days - 1 (once a day) or ½ (twice) tablet.
- From 5 to 7 - 2 tablets.
- From 8 to the end of the weight loss course - 3.
Along with L-Thyroxine, it is recommended to start taking β-blockers. However, these are no less powerful drugs, the use of which must also be agreed with a doctor. Moreover, their dosage depends on the individual parameter - pulse rate. It is necessary that during weight loss this indicator does not rise above 70 beats per minute and does not fall below 60. This is the only way to achieve the effectiveness of this remedy.
If diarrhea begins while taking L-Thyroxine, you can normalize digestion with Loperamide (2 capsules per day).
The weight loss course lasts from 1 to 2 months. You need to stop taking L-Thyroxine as smoothly as you started, gradually reducing the dosage. The interval between courses should not be less than 1 month.
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.
How to take it correctly: recommended doses and recipes
Instructions for use
The instructions for use actually mention weight loss as a result of taking the drug. But not as the main goal, but as one of the side effects. This is what may have caused it to be viewed as a diet pill. In fact, it is sometimes prescribed by doctors for this purpose also to patients whose obesity is caused precisely by a slowdown in metabolic processes. However, this is done after studying the results of a whole series of laboratory tests and in a strictly calculated dosage.
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L-thyroxine is used illegally by professional bodybuilders to quickly get rid of fat and get a more defined body shape. In addition, it activates internal resources, increasing endurance and making training more effective. Here it is important to ensure that some time passes after taking the pill, otherwise, coupled with strength exercises, the load on the heart and blood vessels may be too great.
Only a doctor can correctly describe how to take L-thyroxine. It depends on the age, weight, health status and physical activity of the patient. However, there are some general rules that you need to know, even if you decide to take it yourself:
- The dosage is increased gradually and its use is also gradually stopped.
- If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, reduce the recommended dose by half.
- Take the tablets 30-40 minutes before meals, always with clean water.
- If you miss a dose, do not take a double dose as a replacement.
- Eliminate too fatty foods, confectionery and sweets from your diet.
L thyroxine instructions for use for weight loss :
- The initial dose of the drug is 50 mcg, it must be divided into 2 doses. In the afternoon, the tablet is taken strictly until 18:00. It is recommended to take the drug one hour before or two hours after a meal, as food reduces absorption. To avoid heart rhythm disturbances, you should take the beta blocker Metoprolol - 25 mg in the morning. If the heart rate (at rest) increases above 70 beats, it is recommended to take another 25 mg of Metoprolol in the afternoon.
- The maximum daily dose of L-thyroxine is from 150 to 300 mcg. This amount must be divided three times. The dose of Metoprolol should also be increased to 100 mg, taking a beta blocker twice a day. With an increased heart rate, the dosage of Metoprolol is selected individually.
- When the maximum dose of the hormone is reached, it is necessary to carefully monitor any changes in well-being and regularly measure blood pressure and pulse rate. When the pressure rises above 100/140 mm Hg. Art. the dose of Metoprolol should be adjusted upward.
Indications, contraindications and special recommendations
Since thyroxine for weight loss is a drug with a specific effect (it affects the activity of the thyroid gland), it is necessary to monitor blood pressure and heartbeat while taking the medicine. If the indicators increase and significantly exceed the norm, then it is recommended to take beta blockers (metaprolol, etc.). If diarrhea develops, loperamide may solve the problem.
Contraindications:
1. Increased levels of thyroid hormones in the blood - thyrotoxicosis. In this situation, hormone levels should be lowered, and not vice versa. Therefore, with this diagnosis, losing weight with L-thyroxine is strictly contraindicated,
2. Inflammation of the heart muscle and previous myocardial infarction,
3. Coronary heart disease, hypertension with a constant persistent increase in pressure,
4. Untreated adrenal insufficiency,
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5. Diabetes mellitus,
6. Disorders of the digestive tract, which are expressed in impaired absorption function in the small intestine,
7. Individual sensitivity and intolerance to the components of the drug and allergic reactions
8. Galactose intolerance, which is most often a hereditary pathology. Lack of lactase, malabsorption of lactose and glucose,
9. Excessive amounts of thyroid hormones can lead to disturbances in nitrogen balance, it can become negative. As a consequence of this, carbohydrate metabolism is disrupted, the process of converting carbohydrates into fats is inhibited, and the water-salt balance of cellular structures is disrupted. There is a sudden, even with the expectation of such an effect, weight loss, increased excitability of the nervous system, tachycardia. There may be exophthalmos (bulging eyes),
10. Development of osteoporosis (low calcium content in bones, which leads to their increased fragility)
9. It is necessary to strictly adhere to the principle of stepwise increases in doses of the medication taken. Starting a course with too high a dose and sharply increasing it can lead to an increase in heart rate, drowsiness, attacks of nausea, and internal discomfort that is associated with unreasonable anxiety. You should also be wary of sudden weight loss. Such a development of the weight loss scenario will harm not only your health, but also your appearance - flabby and sagging skin is unlikely to add attractiveness and charm.
Trembling hands, excessive sweating, and diarrhea are also indicators of an overdose of the drug.
Indications for the use of L-thyroxine:
- Hypothyroidism,
- Prevention of goiter recurrence,
- Postoperative period for thyroid cancer,
- Diffuse toxic goiter,
- Diagnosis during a thyroid suspension test.
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.
Thyroxine for weight loss
Many women and bodybuilders resort to using Thyroxine as a means of losing weight. Thyroxine has a powerful fat-burning effect, increases calorie consumption and speeds up metabolism. [4] Its popularity has decreased recently due to its negative effect on the heart; thyroxine has an adrenaline-like effect, causing the heart to beat faster, and at the same time causing a feeling of excitement and anxiety, which is not very well tolerated. “Attention” However, many side effects can be eliminated if you combine thyroxine and beta blockers. Beta blockers inhibit the receptors through which thyroxine acts on the heart, so they prevent the negative effects of thyroxine on the heart, normalize the rhythm and reduce the occurrence of some other side effects of thyroxine.
Many people believe that thyroxine can irreversibly suppress the function of its own thyroid gland, but studies have shown that even large doses of the drug after 3 weeks of use reduce the secretion of its own hormones by only 20%, while after 4 weeks the secretion returned to normal.
Advantages of thyroxine: high availability and effectiveness. Disadvantages of thyroxine: a fairly large number of side effects, but many of them can be prevented.
Exogenous thyroxine can cause artificial thyrotoxicosis. In this case, unlike true hyperthyroidism, the level of thyroglobulin (TG) will be reduced.
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:
- L-thyroxine Berlin-Chemie;
- L-Thyroxine Henning;
- L-Thyroxine-Farmak;
- L-Thyroxine-Akrikhin;
- L-thyroxine OZONE;
- Euthyrox;
- Eferox;
- Bagotirox.
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:
Trade name | Manufacturer | Price per package (dosage of 100 mcg), rub. |
L-Thyroxine Henning | Germany | 140 |
L-Thyroxine-Farmak | Ukraine | 125 |
L-Thyroxine-Akrikhin | Russia | 120 |
L-thyroxine OZONE | Russia | 115 |
Euthyrox | Germany | 131 |
Eferox | Germany | 100 |
Bagotirox | Argentina | 158 |
Compound
The main active ingredient is levothyroxine sodium (name in Latin - levothyroxine sodium). This is a sodium salt obtained synthetically. It is partially biotransformed in the kidneys and liver, turning into liothyronine (T3), and actively stimulates metabolic processes. One tablet may contain 25, 50, 75, 100, 150 or 200 mcg of the main active ingredient.
The list of auxiliary components depends on the manufacturing company.
Berlin-Chemie (Germany)
Levothyroxine sodium is contained in concentrations of 50, 75, 100, 150 mcg. Additionally, the composition includes:
- microcrystalline cellulose;
- calcium hydrogen phosphate;
- sodium starch glycolate;
- dextrin;
- long-chain partial glycerides.
The number of tablets per package is from 50 to 150.
Henning (Germany)
The concentration of the active substance is presented in a wide range - from 25 to 200 mcg. Additional ingredients are not specified. There are 50 tablets in a package.
Farmak (Ukraine)
Active substance - 25, 50 and 100 mcg. Additionally included:
- potato starch;
- lactose monohydrate;
- powdered sugar;
- basic magnesium carbonate;
- magnesium stearate;
- low molecular weight medical polyvinylpyrrolidone.
Packages of 50 and 100 tablets.
Akrikhin (Russia)
Only 1 option for the concentration of levothyroxine sodium is 100 mcg. The composition is supplemented by:
- milk sugar;
- ludipress;
- Magnesium stearate.
The package contains 100 tablets.
OZONE (Russia)
The main active ingredient is 50 and 100 mcg. No additional components are indicated in the tablets. There are packages of 50 and 100 pcs.
In pharmacies you can buy l-thyroxine from other manufacturers: 1A Pharma, Hexal, Jod Winthrop, etc.