Around 5% of the U.S. population suffers from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Moreover, it’s the primary cause of hypothyroidism in the country.
Currently, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have transformed the type 2 diabetes and obesity treatment landscape. But could they also hold promise for people with Hashimoto’s? Or could it potentially just worsen their condition?
In this guide, we talk about the science behind GLP-1s and clarify the facts from the myths.
What Is GLP-1?
GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone your gut releases when you eat. Specifically, it helps lower blood sugar by stimulating insulin and slowing stomach emptying. Moreover, it also targets the brain’s hunger centers to reduce appetite.
GLP-1 receptor agonists—such as semaglutide (Ozempic) and liraglutide (Saxenda)—mimic this natural hormone. In particular, these drugs have FDA approval for type 2 diabetes and obesity, and some users report losing over 15% of their body weight.
About Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Consequently, this causes chronic inflammation, leading to low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism).
Overall, its common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Cold sensitivity
- Constipation
- Brain fog
Generally, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis affects women more than men and often appears between ages 30 and 50. Patients usually manage it with synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine), but symptoms often persist even with treatment.
GLP-1 & Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
So, can GLP-1 drugs help those with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis? The short answer: potentially yes—but with caveats.
Here’s how they might help:
- Weight Loss
People with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis often struggle with stubborn weight gain due to a slowed metabolism. Meanwhile, GLP-1 drugs significantly reduce body weight—up to 15% in some clinical trials (NEJM, 2021).
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Hashimoto’s often coexists with insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Notably, GLP-1 agonists improve insulin response and glucose control, which may ease hormonal chaos.
- Lower Inflammation
Studies suggest GLP-1 may have anti-inflammatory effects that could indirectly benefit autoimmune conditions.
“I am taking zepbound (tirzepatide) and it helped me lose about 80 lbs!” wrote a user on Reddit who suffers from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. “It REALLY helps with the inflammation. I would take it just for that honestly, the weight loss is just a plus!”
A study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found GLP-1 reduced inflammatory markers CRP and IL-6 in obese patients. While not Hashimoto-specific, this suggests a potential benefit.
Risks for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
While benefits are promising, there are real concerns you should weigh carefully.
- Thyroid Cancer Warning
GLP-1 agonists carry a black box warning about medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Earlier, this risk showed up in rats, but experts haven’t confirmed it in humans. Still, patients with thyroid nodules or a family history of thyroid cancer should use caution.
“Evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates occurrence of thyroid cancer is infrequent in individuals exposed to GLP-1 RA,” noted a 2024 review published in the National Library of Medicine.
- Immune System Unknowns
GLP-1’s effect on autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is still poorly understood. Could it dampen autoimmunity? Could it aggravate immune reactivity? Currently, experts just don’t know yet.
However, one small study in Autoimmunity Reviews suggested GLP-1s modulate immune responses. Still, data is in its early stages.
- Hormonal Interactions
Thyroid hormones and GLP-1 both influence metabolism, hunger, and energy. But scientists have not fully studied their complex interplay in Hashimoto’s patients.
Research About Thyroiditis
Currently, there are no large clinical trials studying GLP-1 use in people specifically diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. However, anecdotal evidence and observational data suggest that:
- Some patients report increased energy and less brain fog.
- Weight loss helps improve symptoms like joint pain and fatigue.
- No significant change in thyroid antibody levels.
Until more data emerges, most guidance is based on clinical experience and general autoimmune principles.
Who Should Consider GLP-1?
GLP-1 agonists may benefit Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients who also have:
- Obesity (BMI > 30)
- Prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
- PCOS or insulin resistance
On the other hand, you should not consider GLP-1 if you have:
- A personal or family history of thyroid cancer (especially MTC)
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
- Severe gastrointestinal disease
Overall, always consult with an endocrinologist before starting any GLP-1 medication.
Can You Boost GLP-1 Naturally?
Yes. In fact, certain foods and lifestyle habits can increase natural GLP-1 secretion.
Here are a few science-backed options:
- Fermented foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
- High-protein meals
- Soluble fiber (oats, chia seeds, legumes)
- Intermittent fasting
These habits may support thyroid function and gut health, especially in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients who want a more natural approach.
Final Takeaway
GLP-1 receptor agonists are transforming how we manage obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic health. Specifically, for people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, they may offer significant relief—especially in terms of weight loss and fatigue.
But the lack of targeted research means we must tread carefully. These medications are powerful, and not everyone is a good candidate.
If you’re living with Hashimoto’s and struggle with weight or fatigue, then consult your doctor about GLP-1 therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can GLP-1 reduce thyroid antibodies?
There is no clinical evidence that GLP-1 affects thyroid antibody levels in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Do GLP-1 drugs interact with levothyroxine?
Levothyroxine is a type of medication that treats an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). There is no known direct interaction between GLP-1 receptor agonists and levothyroxine, but both affect metabolism. Overall, their dosages may need monitoring.
Should I stop GLP-1 if I have thyroid nodules?
Possibly. Speak with an endocrinologist to assess your personal risk and whether you need imaging or a biopsy.
Can GLP-1 help with autoimmune disease?
Yes, studies have revealed the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists in helping manage autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This is because GLP-1 drugs have anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects.
However, experts must still conduct further research, especially via clinical trials. Initial studies also suggest that GLP-1 medication helps reduce inflammation.
Can you take GLP-1 if you’ve had papillary thyroid cancer?
Papillary thyroid cancer, a common type of thyroid cancer, isn’t necessarily a contraindication to GLP-1 receptor agonists. In particular, papillary thyroid cancer occurs in 80% of all thyroid cancers.
Nevertheless, it’s still best to consult your healthcare provider on whether it’s safe for you to take GLP-1.
What medications should you avoid if you’ve had a thyroidectomy?
If you’ve had a thyroidectomy, then you should avoid blood thinners such as Advil, Aleve, aspirin, Celebrex, ibuprofen, or Naproxen. In particular, you should avoid these within the first two weeks following the surgery.
Why can’t you take Ozempic if you have or have had a history of medullary thyroid cancer?
There is no conclusive evidence that Ozempic can cause thyroid tumors or medullary thyroid cancer. Nevertheless, you should not take Ozempic if you or your family has a history of medullary thyroid cancer.
Similarly, you should avoid Ozempic if you have a condition called the Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Can I take GLP-1 receptor agonists if I have hypothyroidism?
Generally, experts consider GLP-1 drugs safe to take for peope with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This applies as long as they don’t have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Photo by Luiz Rogério Nunes on Unsplash
