Can You Take Tirzepatide with Thyroid Issues? What You Need to Know

The human body is an intricate network of systems, each playing a vital role in our overall health and well-being. Among the most influential are our hormones, the tiny messengers that orchestrate everything from our energy levels to our metabolism. When it comes to managing weight, the interplay between hormonal balance and metabolic function is especially critical. This is why, for many individuals embarking on a weight loss journey, questions often arise about how new medications interact with pre-existing conditions, particularly those involving the thyroid.

The burgeoning interest in advanced weight loss solutions, such as tirzepatide, has brought immense hope to countless individuals struggling with weight-related health challenges. However, for those with thyroid conditions—a common concern affecting millions—a deeper understanding of this medication’s compatibility and safety profile is essential. You might be wondering, “Can I really take tirzepatide if I have a thyroid issue?” This question is not just a matter of curiosity; it’s a critical component of ensuring a safe and effective path to improved health.

Our purpose at TrimRx is to demystify this complex relationship, providing clear, authoritative guidance on the use of tirzepatide alongside thyroid conditions. We believe that everyone deserves access to science-backed information and personalized, medically supervised care. By the end of this comprehensive guide, you will gain a thorough understanding of tirzepatide’s mechanism, the nuances of thyroid function, specific considerations for individuals with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, crucial safety warnings, and the importance of diligent monitoring. We aim to empower you to have an informed discussion with your healthcare provider, knowing that with the right support, sustainable weight loss is not just a dream, but an attainable reality. We’ll also highlight how our personalized programs and expert team at TrimRx are designed to support you every step of the way, ensuring your journey is tailored to your unique health needs.

The Interplay of Thyroid Health and Weight Management

Weight management is a complex process influenced by a multitude of factors, with thyroid health standing as one of the most significant. Understanding how our thyroid functions and its impact on metabolism is foundational to discussing the use of medications like tirzepatide.

Understanding Thyroid Hormones and Metabolism

The thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of your neck, produces hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones are critical regulators of your body’s metabolism, controlling how efficiently your body uses energy. Essentially, they influence every cell in your body, affecting heart rate, body temperature, digestive function, and calorie burning. The pituitary gland, located in the brain, produces Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which acts as the main signal to the thyroid gland, prompting it to produce more T3 and T4 when levels are low, and less when levels are high. A well-functioning thyroid ensures a balanced metabolic rate, which is fundamental to maintaining a healthy weight.

Hypothyroidism: Impact on Weight Loss

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. This deficiency slows down metabolism, leading to a cascade of symptoms that can significantly complicate weight management. Individuals with hypothyroidism often experience fatigue, cold sensitivity, dry skin, and, notably, unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight. Research indicates that people with hypothyroidism may have a metabolic rate that is 10-30% slower than normal, even with treatment, making the journey to shed excess pounds particularly challenging.

The standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily medication, typically levothyroxine, which replaces the missing thyroid hormone. When properly managed, levothyroxine helps normalize TSH levels and alleviate symptoms, restoring a more balanced metabolic state. However, even with treatment, achieving and maintaining weight loss can remain a persistent struggle for many.

Hyperthyroidism: A Different Metabolic Picture

On the other end of the spectrum is hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid condition where the gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This accelerates metabolism, often leading to unintentional weight loss, increased heart rate, anxiety, and heat intolerance. While the immediate concern for individuals with hyperthyroidism is not typically weight gain, the presence of any significant, uncontrolled endocrine disorder, including hyperthyroidism, is an important factor in evaluating the suitability of weight loss medications. Achieving a euthyroid state (normal thyroid function) is generally a prerequisite for considering new treatments that could impact overall metabolic balance.

Tirzepatide: A Closer Look at Its Mechanism

In the pursuit of effective and sustainable weight loss, understanding how medications like tirzepatide work is crucial. This innovative treatment represents a significant advancement, particularly for individuals facing metabolic challenges.

Dual-Action: GLP-1 and GIP Receptor Agonism

Tirzepatide, known by brand names such as Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, is a novel medication that stands apart due to its unique dual-action mechanism. It acts as a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. Both GIP and GLP-1 are incretin hormones naturally produced in the gut that play a vital role in regulating blood sugar and appetite.

By mimicking these hormones, tirzepatide offers a multi-faceted approach to weight management and blood sugar control:

• Appetite Reduction: It communicates with the brain’s appetite control centers, specifically the hypothalamus, to lower feelings of hunger and reduce food-seeking behavior. This helps individuals feel fuller for longer and naturally consume fewer calories, leading to a caloric deficit essential for weight loss.
• Slowed Gastric Emptying: Tirzepatide slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach. This further prolongs feelings of fullness and satiety, helping to reduce overall food intake.
• Improved Glycemic Control: For individuals with type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide helps the pancreas release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high and also reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver.

This dual-receptor agonism has been shown to result in significant weight loss, often exceeding what is observed with GLP-1 receptor agonists alone, making it a powerful tool in a personalized weight management strategy. Its mechanisms of action – primarily regulating appetite and digestion – largely operate independently of direct thyroid hormone function, offering a distinct pathway to support weight loss.

The Weight Loss Journey with Personalized Support

At TrimRx, we understand that a successful weight loss journey extends beyond just the medication. Our approach is deeply rooted in our brand values of empathy, innovation, and trustworthiness, providing a supportive and results-oriented experience tailored to each individual. We believe that sustainable weight loss should be achieved through science, empathy, and a transparent approach. Our journey began with a shared vision to help individuals embrace healthier lifestyles by merging cutting-edge telehealth innovations with effective weight loss solutions.

For those considering prescription weight loss medications like Compounded Tirzepatide, Oral Tirzepatide, Mounjaro®, or Zepbound®, we offer a platform that is user-friendly and supportive. We emphasize personalized, medically supervised care designed to make sustainable weight loss attainable and tailored to your unique needs. We ensure a comprehensive service that includes essential doctor consultations, the medication itself, necessary lab work, unlimited support from our care team, and convenient shipping, all with no hidden fees. To determine if these personalized prescription treatments are right for you, we encourage you to take our free assessment quiz. This quiz helps our medical team understand your health profile and determine your eligibility, paving the way for a truly individualized treatment plan.

Tirzepatide and Thyroid Issues: Key Considerations

For individuals navigating both weight management and thyroid conditions, the decision to incorporate a medication like tirzepatide requires careful consideration and a comprehensive understanding of its potential interactions and warnings. Our commitment at TrimRx is to provide clear, transparent information, guiding you through these important health decisions with confidence.

The Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) Warning

It is absolutely crucial to address the most significant warning associated with tirzepatide: a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). This warning is based on studies in rodents where tirzepatide caused such tumors. While it is currently unknown whether tirzepatide increases the risk of these tumors in humans, this finding leads to an essential contraindication.

Absolute Contraindications: Tirzepatide (and other GLP-1 receptor agonists) should not be used if there is:

• A personal history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
• A family history of MTC.
• A personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), a genetic condition that causes tumors in more than one gland, almost invariably leading to MTC.

Before considering any prescription weight loss medication, it is imperative to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider about your personal and family medical history, especially concerning thyroid conditions or MEN 2 syndrome. This disclosure is a critical step in ensuring your safety. Should you experience any new symptoms such as a lump or swelling in your neck, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath while on tirzepatide, contact your doctor immediately.

Tirzepatide Use with Hypothyroidism

For individuals with hypothyroidism, the question of whether tirzepatide is a viable option is complex but generally favorable, provided certain conditions are met.

General Feasibility with Controlled Hypothyroidism: If your hypothyroidism is well-managed and your thyroid hormone levels (specifically TSH) are stable and within the normal range for at least three months, taking tirzepatide may be an option. “Stable” typically means a TSH level between 0.4-4.5 mU/L, maintained consistently with your levothyroxine medication. It’s important that you have an established and regular routine for taking your levothyroxine.

No Known Direct Drug Interactions: Fortunately, there are no known direct drug interactions between tirzepatide and levothyroxine, the common medication used to treat an underactive thyroid. This means that tirzepatide doesn’t directly interfere with how levothyroxine works in your body.

Potential for TSH Changes and the Need for Monitoring: While direct interactions are not a concern, the body’s systems are interconnected. A small study involving 17 participants with hypothyroidism who started tirzepatide showed interesting results: TSH levels decreased in 65% of patients, and 29% experienced suppressed TSH within 4 to 8 weeks of starting tirzepatide. This suggests that tirzepatide might indirectly influence thyroid hormone levels, possibly requiring adjustments to levothyroxine dosage to prevent iatrogenic hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism caused by medical treatment). Our results-oriented approach at TrimRx emphasizes the importance of close medical supervision and monitoring, as this finding highlights the necessity for early and regular TSH monitoring after initiating tirzepatide.

Weight Loss and Levothyroxine Dosing: It’s also important to recognize that significant weight loss itself, regardless of the method, can impact thyroid function and potentially alter the dosage requirements for levothyroxine. As your body sheds weight, your metabolic needs can change, which may lead to your current levothyroxine dose becoming too high. This is another reason why consistent monitoring by your healthcare provider is essential. Any adjustments to your thyroid medication should only be made under the direct guidance of a medical professional. Our personalized weight loss programs, which include ongoing support and physician consultations, are designed to navigate these potential changes safely and effectively.

Tirzepatide Use with Hyperthyroidism

For individuals with hyperthyroidism, the situation requires an even higher degree of caution. While Lilly, the manufacturer of branded tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®), has not conducted specific studies on its use in patients with hyperthyroidism, clinical trials generally excluded participants with significant, uncontrolled endocrine disorders, including thyrotoxicosis (a severe form of hyperthyroidism).

If you have hyperthyroidism, it is generally advisable to achieve a stable, euthyroid state before considering any weight loss medication. Your endocrinologist or primary care physician will be the best resource to guide this decision, ensuring that any treatment plan prioritizes your overall health and safety.

When to Exercise Caution or Avoid Tirzepatide

Beyond the absolute contraindications, certain situations warrant extreme caution or make tirzepatide unsuitable:

• Unstable Thyroid Levels: If your TSH levels are fluctuating or consistently outside the normal range, or if you’ve recently had a change in your thyroid medication dosage, it’s generally not the right time to start tirzepatide.
• Hashimoto’s Disease with Fluctuating Levels: While Hashimoto’s is a common cause of hypothyroidism, if it leads to particularly volatile thyroid hormone levels, a specialist consultation is advisable.
• Other Uncontrolled Endocrine Conditions: Any other significant, uncontrolled hormonal imbalances could complicate treatment.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Weight loss during pregnancy is generally discouraged, and the effects of tirzepatide on a breastfed infant are unknown. It is crucial to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Other Health Conditions: A slow stomach emptying condition (gastroparesis), a history of pancreatitis, severe kidney disease, or a history of diabetic retinopathy are also important factors that require careful evaluation by a doctor before considering tirzepatide.

At TrimRx, our empathetic and supportive approach means we prioritize your safety above all else. Our comprehensive service ensures that a doctor consultation is always the first step, allowing for a thorough review of your medical history and current health status to determine the most appropriate and safe treatment path for you.

Navigating Treatment: Monitoring, Timing, and Safety

Embarking on a weight loss journey with tirzepatide, especially when managing thyroid conditions, necessitates a structured approach to monitoring, medication timing, and an acute awareness of potential side effects. Our commitment at TrimRx to a transparent and supportive experience means empowering you with this vital information.

Essential Monitoring During Tirzepatide Therapy

Proactive monitoring is a cornerstone of safe and effective treatment. For individuals with thyroid conditions considering tirzepatide, this vigilance is amplified.

Before Starting Tirzepatide:

• Stable TSH Levels: Your TSH should be stable and within the normal range (typically 0.4-4.5 mU/L) for at least three months prior to initiation. This ensures your thyroid condition is well-controlled.
• Recent Thyroid Function Tests: Comprehensive lab work, including TSH and T4 levels, should be conducted to establish a baseline.
• Family History Discussion: A detailed conversation with your healthcare provider about any personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) is non-negotiable due to the crucial black box warning associated with tirzepatide.

During Treatment:

• Regular TSH Monitoring: Our medically supervised programs emphasize regular thyroid function checks. We recommend TSH levels be rechecked approximately 6 weeks after starting tirzepatide, and then every 3 months for the first year. The frequency may be adjusted based on the stability of your levels and your individual response to treatment.
• Symptom Awareness: Be vigilant for any changes in your health.

Warning Signs to Contact Your Doctor Immediately:

• Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism: These can include a racing heart (palpitations), increased anxiety, excessive sweating, tremors in your hands, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty sleeping.
• Symptoms of Worsening Hypothyroidism: Look out for extreme fatigue, severe cold intolerance, persistent constipation, dry skin, or deepening depression.
• Neck Changes: Any new lump or swelling in your neck, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath must be reported to your doctor without delay. These could be signs related to the MTC warning.
• Unexpected Weight Fluctuations: While weight loss is the goal, any sudden or unexplained changes, or a prolonged plateau despite adherence, should be discussed.

Our personalized programs at TrimRx include regular check-ins and access to a care team, ensuring that you have continuous support and guidance throughout your treatment.

Optimizing Medication Timing

Proper timing for both your thyroid medication and tirzepatide can optimize their absorption and effectiveness.

• Levothyroxine Timing: It is crucial to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach to ensure optimal absorption. This typically means taking it 30-60 minutes before breakfast or at bedtime, at least 3-4 hours after your last meal. Consistency is key – take it at the same time each day.
• Tirzepatide Timing: Tirzepatide can be administered at any time of day, with or without food. The most important aspect is to choose a consistent day each week for your injection.

Practical Advice for Spacing Medications:
While there are no direct drug-drug interactions, it’s a good practice to space your medications. Consider taking your levothyroxine first thing in the morning as prescribed, and then your tirzepatide injection later in the day, or at a time that works best for your weekly schedule. Spacing them by at least 30 minutes, or simply choosing different times of day, can enhance comfort and reduce any theoretical concerns about absorption interference.

Understanding Potential Side Effects

Like all medications, tirzepatide can cause side effects. It’s important to be aware of both common and serious potential effects.

Common Side Effects: These are typically gastrointestinal and often improve over time as your body adjusts:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain or upset stomach
• Decreased appetite
• Heartburn

Serious Side Effects (Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these):

• Pancreatitis: Severe and persistent stomach pain that may radiate to your back, with or without vomiting.
• Gallbladder Problems: Pain in your upper right belly area, right shoulder, or between shoulder blades; yellow skin or eyes; fever with chills; bloating; or severe upset stomach/vomiting.
• Kidney Problems: Signs include inability to pass urine, changes in urine output, blood in urine, or significant weight gain due to fluid retention. Dehydration from severe vomiting or diarrhea can exacerbate kidney issues.
• Severe Allergic Reaction: Symptoms like rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat.
• Mood Changes: New or worsening behavior or mood changes, including depression or thoughts of suicide (specifically highlighted for Zepbound, but important for overall mental well-being).

Our empathetic care team at TrimRx is always available to provide support and address any concerns you may have regarding side effects. We encourage open communication and prompt reporting of any unusual or severe symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Our Commitment to Safety and Transparency

At TrimRx, our brand is built on a foundation of trust and transparency. We understand the importance of clear communication, especially when it comes to your health. We partner exclusively with FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies for the shipping of all prescription weight loss medications, including Compounded Semaglutide, Oral Semaglutide, Ozempic®, Compounded Tirzepatide, Oral Tirzepatide, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, and Wegovy®. This commitment ensures that all medications provided through our programs meet rigorous safety and quality standards.

It is crucial to clarify that while branded medications like Ozempic® and Zepbound® have received FDA approval, compounded medications are not FDA approved. However, the pharmacies we collaborate with are FDA-registered and regularly inspected, ensuring the highest standards in preparation and handling.

Our approach to personalized care remains consistent, regardless of dosage changes. We believe in providing compassionate care that respects every individual’s unique journey, combining advanced medical science with modern technology to deliver safe, effective, and results-oriented weight loss solutions.

Beyond Prescription: Supporting Your Journey with Quick-Access Supplements

While our personalized prescription programs, initiated through our comprehensive free assessment quiz, form the core of many individuals’ weight loss journeys, we also recognize the value of immediate support for overall wellness. At TrimRx, we offer carefully formulated quick-access supplements designed to complement your health goals and support your well-being, whether you are on a prescription medication or simply seeking to boost your journey. These supplements do not require a medical consultation or quiz, offering direct support for a healthier lifestyle.

Enhancing Wellness with GLP-1 Daily Support

Our GLP-1 Daily Support supplement is crafted to aid your body’s natural processes that influence satiety and metabolism. Designed with natural ingredients that may help optimize gut health and support healthy glucose metabolism, this supplement works synergistically with your body’s innate hunger-regulating mechanisms. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to maintain balanced energy levels, support digestive wellness, and reinforce healthy eating habits, contributing to a more comfortable and sustainable weight management experience. This blend is available for immediate purchase to integrate seamlessly into your daily routine, providing foundational support for your body’s complex systems.

Boosting Your Progress with Weight Loss Boost

For individuals seeking an extra edge in their weight loss efforts, our Weight Loss Boost supplement offers targeted support. This powerful supplement is formulated with ingredients known to assist in metabolic function and fat burning. It’s designed to provide a gentle yet effective lift to your body’s natural ability to process fats and utilize energy, helping you feel more energized and focused on your health goals. Incorporating Weight Loss Boost can be a beneficial step for anyone looking to optimize their progress, ensuring that their body is working efficiently towards sustainable results. Like our GLP-1 Daily Support, Weight Loss Boost is available for immediate purchase, offering a convenient way to enhance your weight loss efforts without delay.

These quick-access supplements embody our commitment to providing holistic support for your health journey, offering valuable tools that align with our innovative and results-oriented approach. They are carefully developed to integrate into various stages of your wellness path, reflecting our dedication to individualized care and empowering you with choices that fit your lifestyle.

Your Path to Personalized Weight Loss with TrimRx

Navigating the complexities of weight loss, especially with co-existing health conditions like thyroid issues, requires a partner dedicated to your unique journey. At TrimRx, we stand as that partner, embodying our core values of empathy, innovation, trustworthiness, support, results-orientation, and personalization in every aspect of our service. We believe in compassionate care that respects your individual needs, combining advanced medical science with modern technology to deliver solutions that are both effective and safe.

Our platform is designed to be a supportive and user-friendly space where you receive personalized, medically supervised care. Whether you are exploring prescription weight loss medications or seeking immediate support with our quick-access supplements, we are here to guide you. Our comprehensive service ensures that you receive everything you need for a successful journey: expert doctor consultations, carefully selected medications from FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies (including Compounded Semaglutide, Oral Semaglutide, Ozempic®, Compounded Tirzepatide, Oral Tirzepatide, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, and Wegovy®), necessary lab work, unlimited support from our dedicated care team, and convenient shipping—all transparently provided with no hidden fees.

We understand that taking the first step can be daunting. That’s why we encourage you to explore your options with us. If you’re wondering whether our prescription weight loss medications, such as tirzepatide or semaglutide, are right for you, we invite you to take our free assessment quiz. This crucial step allows our medical professionals to evaluate your eligibility and craft a personalized treatment plan specifically for you. For immediate support and to complement your overall wellness during your weight loss journey, explore our quick-access supplements like GLP-1 Daily Support and Weight Loss Boost, available for purchase without a quiz. Your journey to a healthier, more vibrant life begins with informed choices and unwavering support, and at TrimRx, we are honored to be a part of it.

Conclusion

The question of whether one can take tirzepatide with thyroid issues is a vital one, reflecting the complexities of modern weight management. Our exploration has revealed that while tirzepatide offers a powerful, dual-action approach to weight loss and metabolic health, its use in individuals with thyroid conditions requires careful consideration and strict medical oversight. The absolute contraindications related to a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) are paramount. However, for those with controlled hypothyroidism, where thyroid hormone levels are stable and well-managed with medication like levothyroxine, tirzepatide can often be a viable and effective option.

Key to this success is diligent monitoring of thyroid function, particularly TSH levels, due to the potential for subtle shifts that may necessitate adjustments to existing thyroid medication. Optimal medication timing and a thorough understanding of potential side effects are also critical components of a safe and effective treatment plan.

At TrimRx, we are dedicated to providing safe, effective, and personalized weight loss solutions. We merge cutting-edge telehealth innovations with effective weight loss programs, ensuring that every individual receives medically supervised care tailored to their unique needs. Our commitment to science, empathy, and transparency underpins every step of your journey.

If you are considering tirzepatide or other prescription weight loss medications and have a thyroid condition, the most crucial step is to engage in an open and honest dialogue with your healthcare provider. For those ready to explore personalized, medically supervised weight loss programs, we encourage you to take our free assessment quiz. This quiz is the gateway to understanding your eligibility and receiving a treatment plan designed just for you, with comprehensive support including doctor consultations, medication, lab work, and unlimited guidance. Additionally, to provide immediate support for your wellness goals, remember to explore our GLP-1 Daily Support and Weight Loss Boost supplements. Your health and successful weight loss journey are our priority.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I take tirzepatide if I have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)?

Yes, generally you can take tirzepatide if your hypothyroidism is well-controlled, meaning your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are stable and within the normal range for at least three months, and you are on a stable dose of levothyroxine. It’s crucial to discuss your full medical history with your healthcare provider, and they will establish a monitoring schedule for your thyroid function during treatment.

2. Are there any thyroid conditions that prevent me from taking tirzepatide?

Absolutely. Tirzepatide is strictly contraindicated if you or a family member have a personal history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). These are critical safety warnings due to findings in rodent studies, and your doctor will thoroughly review your family history to ensure your safety. Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism or other significant endocrine disorders also typically require stabilization before considering tirzepatide.

3. Will taking tirzepatide affect my thyroid medication (levothyroxine) dose?

While there are no known direct drug interactions between tirzepatide and levothyroxine, a small study suggests tirzepatide may lead to a reduction in TSH levels for some individuals with hypothyroidism. Additionally, significant weight loss itself can alter your body’s metabolic needs, potentially requiring an adjustment to your levothyroxine dose. Regular monitoring of your TSH levels by your healthcare provider is essential to ensure your levothyroxine dose remains appropriate and to prevent your thyroid levels from becoming too high or too low. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your thyroid medication.

4. What monitoring should I expect if I take tirzepatide with a thyroid condition?

Your healthcare provider will establish a comprehensive monitoring plan. This typically includes reviewing your TSH and T4 levels before you start tirzepatide to establish a baseline. After initiating treatment, your TSH levels may be rechecked around 6 weeks, and then potentially every 3 months for the first year, or as advised by your doctor based on your individual response and stability. You should also be vigilant for any symptoms of hyperthyroidism, worsening hypothyroidism, or any new neck lumps, swelling, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing, and report these to your doctor immediately.