Hormonal
GLP-1 receptor agonists (specifically liraglutide and dulaglutide) are associated with a statistically significant increase in the risk of overall thyroid disorders compared to placebo or other interventions, although they do not significantly increase the risk of specific conditions like thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism.
If you are taking a GLP-1 medication like liraglutide or dulaglutide, be aware that there is a slightly higher statistical risk of developing 'overall thyroid disorders' compared to those not taking the drug. However, this does not appear to increase your risk of thyroid cancer or major thyroid dysfunction. Standard monitoring is advised, but the fear of cancer based on animal studies is not supported by large human clinical trials.
Compared with placebo or other interventions, GLP-1 receptor agonists’ use showed an association with an increased risk of overall thyroid disorders (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.03-1.60). However, GLP-1 receptor agonists had no significant effects on the occurrence of thyroid cancer... hyperthyroidism... hypothyroidism... thyroiditis... thyroid mass... and goiter.
Why this rating
Based on a meta-analysis of 45 RCTs with large sample size (94,063 participants), though the absolute incidence of events was low.
Source
Use of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Occurrence of Thyroid Disorders: a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Weiting Hu et al. · Frontiers in Endocrinology · 2022
DOI 10.3389/fendo.2022.927859
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