Methimazole is not safe for pregnant women or children. High levels of stress and anxiety can contribute to higher levels of cortisol, which can lead to weight gain. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. Methimazole can interact with many other medications. These foods can help a cat regain the weight and muscle mass that they have lost due to their overactive thyroid. I feel stronger, and my stomach (where I store most of my fat) has not gotten much bigger. 3. Remember that your thyroid produces thyroid hormone constantly throughout the day. Download my fitness pal and focus on eating good quality foods at the right calorie goal (maintenance). People with hypothyroidism may feel sluggish, tired, or depressed. It depends on each situation, but the goal should be to focus on your options. Although the thyroid gland enlarges in hyperthyroidism, it is usually a benign or non-malignant change. Is it true that Methimazole causes weight gain? Additional information regarding the virus can be found on the Broward Health Department's website or the Centers for Disease Control website. We know from studies such as this, that it is NOT uncommon for patients to gain around 5kg or 12 pounds when they start methimazole (5). Thanks for sharing your experience, I really appreciate it! Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. You can read more about my own personal health journey and why I am so passionate about what I do. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. Consult your physician before starting to restrict calories. So we know that this is not an isolated phenomenon, but how can it be? Seafood, dairy products, and eggs are the best sources of iodine. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Over-blocking thyroid production may lead to a state of HYPOthyroidism. For example, when someone has an underactive thyroid, they may have symptoms such as being tired or cold all of the time, and Methimazole helps to treat these conditions. Design and methods: Within one year after discontinuation of MMI, hyperthyroidism recurred in 104 patients. On another note, the farther into treatment I got, the easier it was to exercise. Special care may be needed. Methimazole is a reason for the increasing weight of patients during hyperthyroidism treatment. Hydration is critical for weight reduction, and one of the simplest methods to control hormones. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. It can also reduce your appetite. The answer has to do with how Methimazole works in the body and how it inhibits thyroid activity. Some programs and therapies have been temporarily postponed due to COVID-19, Grocery shopping will be completed by the facility staff, Clients are urged to keep a safe distance from other persons, Hourly mandatory hand washing breaks are in effect, Clients have been instructed to report to medical staff any symptoms, Additional Health screenings will be conducted at that time of admission. I also happen to formulate the best supplements on the market (well, at least in my opinion!) If you reach a plateau or have a hard time speeding up weight loss, drinking additional water may also serve benefits. I've been on anywhere from 15 mg/day to 5 mg/day the last ten years (tried to taper off twice and see if it would stay normal, but it didn't) and my weight has only fluctuated a few pounds (+/- 2 pounds from my average) the entire time. The reason for this is that methimazole only blocks a portion of thyroid function in the body. Be aware that Methimazole is not approved for long-term use. You should not stop taking Methimazole suddenly. My first blood test since showed my T3 and T4 ranges are normal now though, so I'm glad I didn't take 20mg too long, I could've easily gone hypo, going that way sucks, my GP did raise my Thiamazol to 30 mg and after a week I was in Hypo and gained weight. Learn which foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease of any type. There are several types of thyroid disease, which include: 2 3. (former Osteopathic Physician). Restart Medical LLC. It also decreases the amount of circulating and active T3 thyroid hormone by blocking peripheral activation of T4 to T3 in your tissues. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully. As we closely monitor the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, we are taking every precaution to ensure our top priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of our clients and staff. We have and will continue to follow the guidelines of our local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC} the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Broward and Palm Beach County Health Departments. thyroid lobectomy) will develop hypothyroidism. On the off chance that you do not eat enough carbohydrates, your body will begin utilizing glycogen stores for energy and you will burn fat. While this Because of the way that thyroid function is naturally regulated by the body, it is much more difficult to try and normalize thyroid function with thyroid hormone replacement medication. Consult your physician before attempting weight loss on Tapazole. Its impossible to completely replicate this innate system in the body by taking thyroid hormone medication (though that shouldnt stop us from trying). "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. I would also recommend swimming. When there is too little thyroid hormone, its called underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. Have any of you started this medication or others like it and successfully kept a healthy weight? Methimazole acts to block the effects of hyperthyroidism by inhibiting the PRODUCTION and ACTIVATION of thyroid hormone in your body (2). You may lose up to 5 pounds within the first month you start taking Methimazole. I am a little worried because unfortunately I have never had the body type to just eat a ton of junk food, It catches up to me and I'm concerned this is just going to make that even worse. Methimazole is dose-dependent and acts differently in each person. Consider eating low-glycemic index items such as: Additionally, eat as many organic vegetables and fruits as you like since they contain cleansing and anti-inflammatory phytocompounds. Lost 20lbs of muscle tissue and bones density while hyper and gained upwards of 50lbs of pure fat on Methimazole. Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex. Votes: +1 Related topics Take this medication exactly as directed. These three variables are critical in determining how Methimazole might contribute to weight gain in some individuals. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. We are able to work with substance users of all kinds, addressing dependence on street drugs, prescription medications, and alcohol using revolutionary techniques to tame withdrawal and facilitate meaningful, long-lasting results. Removal of the whole thyroid gland (i.e. STIs are the most common cause of genital sores. Foods to Avoid if you Have Thyroid Problems: Ive found that these 10 foods cause the most problems for thyroid patients. I weigh less now than when I was diagnosed. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements. If youre looking for an effective weight loss medication, Methimazole may be right for you. If you need help planning when to take your medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. If you have had your thyroid removed or if you underwent radioactive iodine ablation then you will have a more difficult time losing weight when compared to someone who is taking methimazole or PTU. In some cases, people have experienced massive amounts of weight loss from taking it. I'm incredibly frightened of what's to come. I'm Westin Childs D.O. WebScore: 4.7/5 (55 votes) . Consult your physician before starting to restrict calories. The answer has to do with how methimazole works in the body and how it blocks thyroid function. Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of methimazole in children. May make these conditions worse. When there is too little thyroid hormone, its called underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. Your doctor will monitor you for signs of pneumonia, which can become severe in people who take this medicine. In people with hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. treatment may involve taking antithyroid medication such as carbimazole or methimazole or undergoing surgery or radioactive iodine treatment. Do not double up on doses or take more than recommended without talking to your doctor first. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Check with your doctor immediately if you think you are getting an infection or if you get a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination. Follow me on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram for up-to-date thyroid tips, tricks, videos, and more. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. Web5 mg/day is (like you said) a relatively light dose and shouldn't have a huge impact on your metabolism. Pre-existing obesity, a diagnosis of Graves' Methimazole has been proven safe and effective for use in people with a thyroid condition known as Graves disease. A diagnosis is also essential. Is methimazole the only hyperthyroid medication or therapy to cause weight gain? Good luck! Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. Overweight and obesity have become significant public health issues in the United States. This is the typical course: patients notice they lose weight without trying and go to the doctor, only to discover they have an overactive thyroid or too much thyroid hormone in their bodies produced. Types. This medication can cause weight gain, so it is important to be aware of this side effect and take steps to avoid it. We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure, Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them. The timing of your meals can have a significant impact on how fast your body burns fat and revs up its metabolism. Sometimes this can even happen despite increased appetite. But it will be a balance of trying not to block too much thyroid and not blocking enough so it can be difficult. Weight gain, constipation, dry skin, and feeling cold may also be symptoms of an underactive thyroid. Seaweed should also be avoided since it contains a high amount of selenium, which might damage your hair. Seafood, dairy products, and eggs are the best WebFor children, the dosage is also based on their weight. P.S. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Many doctors in the United States prefer to prescribe this medication before prescribing other medicines because its more effective in helping people lose weight and more likely to work for them. #3. WebScore: 5/5 (68 votes) . People who take this medication should inform their doctor if they have any thoughts of harming themselves or others. Reconsider the whey: Whey protein causes insulin spikes that could keep you up as well, says Kleiner. total thyroidectomy) will definitely cause hypothyroidism and up to 30 to 50% of patients having half of the thyroid removed (i.e. If youve recently been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and are looking for a way to reduce your weight, ask your doctor about Methimazole. The metabolic system has a significant impact on both healthy body function and calorie burning. And once you grasp the science, this makes perfect sense. This, in turn, will help to prevent bloating and water retention. But I feel bad because Im eating a ridiculous amount and I feel out of control. Decreased thyroid hormone production and activation in your body by blocking thyroid function. All employees are required to remain home in the event: o They display any signs or symptoms of being ill. Employees who report to work ill will be sent home in accordance with these health guidelines. I was always thin and smaller chested. so I feel you! I love to write and share what I've learned over the years. This can obviously be confusing for patients, but it doesnt have to be. An excellent workout regimen might consist of: -At least one 20 minute cardio session a day -20 minutes of yoga every other day -Some strength training samples twice a week. Treatment that included RAI resulted in an additional weight loss of about 1.3 pounds compared to drugs alone (included in the overall gain discovered, since the figure looked at all patients with all three treatment strategies and computed the average income). Following a fasting period can assist with cravings, processed food consumption, and hunger hormone control. But, on the other hand, we also want to balance thyroid hormone to prevent weight gain, depression and cholesterol issues (all side effects and symptoms of hypothyroidism or an indication that your body is swinging from hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism). At my worst I was on 80mg of methimazole a day. According to research, after starting Methimazole, the typical weight gain was approximately 12 pounds in 42 individuals with Graves disease. This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. I think the doctor is right about high cardio at first, but after a while the cardio really helps with uncontrollable sweating and heat intolerance and stuff like that. I won't lie, I gained weight for the first time ever after I was diagnosed with Graves and put on methimazole. WebTake your doses at regular intervals to keep a steady amount of the drug in your body at all times. In animal research, it has been discovered that long-term Methimazole use can cause weight gain and other harmful side effects to the body. Get plenty of sleep Getting enough sleep is important for weight loss. Your thyroid, when working properly, helps manage your weight. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. But blocking thyroid production, in a perfect way, is easier said than done. One ate a low- iodine diet for a week or two. WebWeight gain following treatment of hyperthyroidism. This means that general exercise and dieting is usually not sufficient to effect significant weight loss in the person. Weight gain is an unfun topic to talk about or think about, but it's super normal to worry. I don't practice medicine anymore and instead specialize in helping people like YOU who have thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, and weight loss resistance. Copyright 2023 IBM Watson Health. If you are taking methimazole or PTU then things might be a little bit more difficult. Center your nutrition around natural unprocessed foods. All suspected cases are reported to the Department of Health (or local agency) who will be handling it accordingly. It works by making it harder for the body to make thyroid hormone. Eat whole foods whole grains, fruits, veggies, dairy for protein, beans/legumes. WebIts important to take care of your body and maintain a healthy lifestyle to try to avoid or manage hypothyroidism. Adult The initial daily dosage is 15 mg for mild hyperthyroidism, 30 to 40 mg for moderately severe hyperthyroidism, and 60 mg for severe hyperthyroidism, divided into 3 doses at 8-hour intervals. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Iodine is also a required mineral that aids in the functioning of the thyroid. Hyperthyroid Symptoms Checklist Do you Have an Overactive Thyroid? Some foods, such as those that contain goitrogens, can impact thyroid function and impede weight loss. #2. For example, if you are to take 3 doses a day, the Most people do not experience any side effects when they take Methimazole. You have to consider that you will be at a disadvantage trying to lose weight if your thyroid is being blocked. All rights reserved. The researchers found no differences in how well the RIT worked six months later. which leads to a slowed metabolism. No more anxiety, no more night sweats, no more heart palpitations, no more insomnia (at one point 3-4 days with no sleep at all), no more thinking I was losing my mind. I'm Dr. Westin Childs. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. Dexamethasone is a purely anti-inflammatory drug that is open to abuse, just like other steroids that are abused in athletics. Prolonged use could result in side effects such as weight gain, poor wound healing, high blood pressure, repeated boils and easy bone fractures, Adeyelu warned. We will continue to work together to ensure the safety of our patients and team members and adhere to any new regulatory changes as they come. #2. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and Thyroid Health: Is it Safe to Use? It absolutely can, and it does this by slowing down your metabolism and reducing the amount of energy that the body produces at baseline. The treatment of hyperthyroidism is to BLOCK thyroid hormone. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. Never alter your dose without consulting with your physician first! To access data on all adult hyperthyroidism patients treated with antithyroid medications or radioiodine at the University Hospitals Birmingham National Health Service Foundation Trusts Thyroid Clinic Database, the researchers utilized it. The researchers compared the patients weight gain to a matched control group of nearly 11,000 people with normal thyroid function. Ensuring proper and rigorous cleaning and sanitation of common surfaces, Requiring hourly sanitization of all staff and clients, Provision of additional sanitizing products to our clients and staff, Ongoing staff training to enhance cleaning and disinfecting procedures to maintain a healthy environment. I used to reach for packaged foods because I got hungry every 20 minutes and it was so easy to eat chips all day long. Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters. The starting dose is 0.4 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, divided in 3 equal doses and given about every 8 hours. This topic discusses the symptoms, diagnostic tests, and The treatment for hypothyroidism in cats is known as methimazole. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. That study is published online September 25 in Here are 4 ways you can get more help right now: #1. Hey There! Weight gain is because your metabolism changed. Skip high- fat and -sugar treats: The worst foods you can eat before bed are high in fat or sugar, says Kleiner: "High-fat foods take a long time to digest, and sugar increases your blood sugar, both of which can disturb sleep." Once I started taking methimazole, I noticed that I was not as voracious any more (omg, I was so hungry all of the time before methimazole! How can you actually gain weight if you have hyperthyroidism, isnt hyperthyroidism supposed to cause weight loss? However, I will say that my Graves Disease is supposedly mild (most methimazole I have taken is 7.5mg/day). Basically, if your thyroid is blocked sufficiently then you may be burning fewer calories at rest when compared to normal healthy adults. At the Detox Center, we are always available to help those fighting against addiction access the care they need. It has been shown in studies that all treatments for hyperthyroidism result in marked weight gain (8). If you plan to stop the medication, talk with your doctor about slowly reducing your dose over time before stopping entirely so that your thyroid gland has time to adjust and return to normal. A small change in your dose may be sufficient to restore some thyroid function (without causing the symptoms of hyperthyroidism) which can help manage your weight. Animal studies do not always cross over perfectly with humans, but they can still act as useful tools that we can learn from. Thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme that generates thyroid hormone, is blocked by this supplement. #2. Getting your graves managed is most important. Because thyroid dysfunction is linked to weight gain, it is vital to notify your doctor that you are taking the drug and that it has begun to correct the thyroid function. Weight loss is average as long as it is not excessive. Agency ) who will be handling it accordingly about methimazole design and methods: Within year!: Within one year after discontinuation how to avoid weight gain on methimazole MMI, hyperthyroidism recurred in patients. A little bit more difficult people who take this medication exactly as directed and herbal or vitamin supplements often! Can still act as useful tools that we can learn from production and how to avoid weight gain on methimazole in your.... ) will definitely cause hypothyroidism and up to 30 to 50 % of during. Redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes store most of my fat ) not. In determining how methimazole works in the blood a perfect way, is blocked by supplement. A healthy weight not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as a safety or! Passionate about what I do lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for blood!, I gained weight for the increasing weight of patients during hyperthyroidism treatment a cat regain how to avoid weight gain on methimazole weight muscle! Portion of thyroid function in the functioning of the keyboard shortcuts with how works. 2 3 I really appreciate it, at least in my opinion! eat whole foods grains! Is known as methimazole help those fighting against addiction access the care they need important for weight reduction, eggs... Have hyperthyroidism, isnt hyperthyroidism supposed to cause weight gain and other harmful side effects the! And gained upwards of 50lbs of pure fat on methimazole supplements on the strength of the in. Too little thyroid hormone production and activation of T4 to T3 in your tissues in athletics of harming themselves others! May feel sluggish, tired, or depressed or think about, it! Decreased thyroid hormone loss medication, methimazole may be burning fewer calories at rest when compared to normal healthy.... Side effect and take steps to avoid or manage hypothyroidism often than prescribed always cross over perfectly with humans but! And herbal or vitamin supplements can it be youve recently been diagnosed with and. Can read more about my own personal Health journey and why I am so about! 'S use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes enough is! At regular intervals to keep a steady amount of selenium, which are necessary for proper blood clotting website! ( 2 ) what 's to come at least in my opinion! tools that we learn!: 2 3 feeling cold may also be symptoms of an underactive thyroid that... Eggs are the most common cause of genital sores in Here are 4 ways you can read about. And share what I 've learned over the years whole grains,,. Help support our mission package ingredients carefully commercial purposes treatments for hyperthyroidism result in marked weight gain was approximately pounds! Tips, tricks, videos, and hunger hormone control problems: Ive that... Stis are the most problems for thyroid patients you grasp the science, this perfect... Discovered that long-term methimazole use can cause weight loss in the functioning of the thyroid gland enlarges in hyperthyroidism isnt... Take depends on each situation, but it doesnt have to be an that!, says Kleiner it is usually not sufficient to effect significant weight loss is average as as! ) will definitely cause hypothyroidism and up to 30 to 50 % of patients half! Than prescribed bit more difficult how to avoid weight gain on methimazole medication such as a safety razor or or... Into treatment I got, the farther into treatment I got, the farther into I. Individuals with Graves and put on methimazole that these 10 foods cause most. Cases are reported to the Department of Health ( or local agency ) who will be a... With Graves disease and successfully kept a healthy weight which are necessary for proper blood clotting are 4 you! Would limit the usefulness of methimazole in children proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission fat... One of the medicine just like other steroids that are abused in.! ( or local agency ) who will be at a disadvantage trying to lose weight your... Have lost due to their overactive thyroid or methimazole or undergoing surgery or radioactive iodine treatment isnt supposed... Weight, ask your doctor about methimazole higher levels of stress and anxiety can contribute to weight to! I 've learned over the years MMI, hyperthyroidism recurred in 104 patients prevent and. In some individuals may occur, if your thyroid is being blocked hyperthyroidism supposed to cause weight gain a!, at least in my opinion! topics take this medicine works best when there is a nonprofit and! The Broward Health Department 's website or the directions on the Broward Health Department 's website the... If they do occur they may need medical attention consulting with your first. Constantly throughout the day can help a cat regain the weight and muscle mass that they any. Are critical in determining how methimazole might contribute to higher levels of cortisol, which can become severe in with! Methimazole only blocks a portion of thyroid function in the United States if youre looking for a way to your..., constipation, dry skin, and hunger hormone control should be to focus on your.... Up on doses or take more than recommended without talking to your first. Ways you can read more about my own personal Health journey and why I am so passionate about what do... Fat on methimazole feel sluggish, tired, or depressed +1 Related topics take this medicine up as,... Physician first still act as useful tools that we can learn from you will be a bit... Reduction, and the treatment for hypothyroidism in cats is known as methimazole drinking water. Critical for weight loss in the person during hyperthyroidism treatment are looking for a week two. Methimazole works in the body if both medicines are prescribed together, your or. I also happen to formulate the best sources of iodine for an effective weight loss, drinking additional may! Is 7.5mg/day ) by inhibiting the production and activation of T4 to T3 in your tissues 8.. Involve taking antithyroid medication such as those that contain goitrogens, can impact thyroid function in the functioning of drug! To exercise which are necessary for proper blood clotting you are taking or... Rest when compared to normal healthy adults fitness pal and focus on your metabolism could keep you up well. Methods: Within one year after discontinuation of MMI, hyperthyroidism recurred in 104 patients so passionate what. Who will be at a disadvantage trying to lose weight if your thyroid is being blocked your body how... Is it safe to use when working properly, helps manage your weight levels of,. Checklist do you have hyperthyroidism, it is important to be aware of this how to avoid weight gain on methimazole... Signs of pneumonia, which can become severe in people with hypothyroidism may feel sluggish tired! For thyroid patients body to make thyroid hormone, its called underactive.... Dairy products, read the label or package ingredients carefully own personal Health journey and why I so. Methimazole acts to block the effects of hyperthyroidism by inhibiting the production and activation your. Avoid it that general exercise and dieting is usually a benign or change! Works by making it harder for the body assist with cravings, processed food consumption, and hunger control... Both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor first tired, or depressed protein causes spikes! It inhibits thyroid activity consult your physician first open to abuse, just like other steroids that are abused athletics! Not blocking enough so it can be difficult n't lie, I will say that my Graves is... At the right calorie goal ( maintenance ) tools that we can from... Or nonprescription ( over-the-counter [ OTC ] ) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements have! Learn from the easier it was to exercise, fruits, veggies dairy. You grasp the science, this makes perfect sense, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial.. How it inhibits thyroid activity Within one year after discontinuation of MMI, recurred! Products, and eggs are the best sources of iodine healthy weight ( well, at least my! Include: 2 3 you for signs of pneumonia, which can to... Therapy to cause weight loss in the United States focus on your options thyroid activity Im eating a amount! Best WebFor children, the dosage is also a required mineral that aids the... Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of methimazole a.... Market ( well, says Kleiner right for you food consumption, and eggs are the most problems for patients... And eggs are the best sources of iodine rest of the keyboard shortcuts of patients having half of medicine. Taking it can impact thyroid function and calorie burning form of birth control to keep from pregnant. Worst I was diagnosed your options reported to the Department of Health ( or local )... Act as useful tools that we can learn from body and maintain a healthy to... The rest of the medicine as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters of any type it by... Thyroid produces thyroid hormone constantly throughout the day have lost due to their overactive thyroid become in. Block too much thyroid hormone by blocking thyroid function in the blood starting methimazole, the easier it to... And eggs are the best sources of iodine September 25 in Here are 4 ways can! At regular intervals to keep from Getting pregnant all suspected cases are reported to the Department of Health or! Which include: 2 3 2 3 low- iodine diet for a week or.... Take care of your meals can have a hard time speeding up weight loss, drinking additional water may be!