Drug-Induced Nutrient Deficiencies

Endocrine Health

Table of Contents

Endocrine Health medications include those that are prescribed to support the wellness of the thyroid, adrenals, and other components that comprise the structure and function of the endocrine system. Many of these Endocrine Health drugs are intended to be used on a long-term basis, including as a replacement for hormonal systems' actions that no longer function properly on their own. All of these medications are intended to rebalance what is missing naturally by the body in order to support other structures that are dependent on their chemical messaging.

ATTENTION: The medications listed below, whether available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription only, and their associated information presented are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare professional about supplementing any medication and the possible artificial nutrient deficiencies they may create.

Antidiabetics

Antidiabetics work in the body to reduce blood-glucose levels, while addressing symptoms or comorbidities many people experience as a result of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Many antidiabetics work to replace the insulin the body isn't making on its own, and are often paired with dietary tracking and an exercise regimen to help the body naturally self-manage what is possible. Type 2 diabetes medications often act to prevent additional glucose production, or slow down glucose production, to further address hyperglycemia.

Common Names:

  • Amaryl
  • Glucophage
  • Glucotrol
  • Diabeta
  • Micronase
  • Glynase
  • Avandia
  • Prandin
Common Deficiencies:
Folic Acid (B9) | Vitamin B12

Thyroid Medication

Thyroid medications help balance over- and under-stimulation of the thyroid, its resulting hormone production, or as a complete replacement for hormone production when the thyroid no longer functions. These drugs either work to mimic the body's natural thyroid hormones as a replacement, or serve to slow down an overactive thyroid's hormone production. Thyroid medications can also be classified as to whether they are synthetic, or sourced from natural resources although these sources can have inconsistent triiodothyronine (T3) to thyroxine (T4) ratios.

Common Names:

  • Levothyroid
  • Levoxyl
  • Tirosint
  • Unithroid
  • NP Thyroid
  • Cytomel
  • WP Thyroid
  • Armour Thyroid
Common Deficiencies:
Iron

Hormone Replacement

Hormone replacement therapy medications work individually or synergistically to replace estrogen, progesterone, and even testosterone in some cases. These drugs contain female hormones to provide relief for both pre-menopause and early menopause symptoms, including disruptions in a woman's heart, bone, and brain health. While hormone replacement medicine can provide benefits, they also may not be suitable for anyone with an increased risk for cancer, blood clots, heart disease, or stroke.

Common Names:

  • Prucalopride
  • Lubiprostone
  • Linaclotide
  • Polyethylene glycol
  • Plecanatide
  • Mineral Oil
Common Deficiencies:
Magnesium | Vitamin C | Vitamin B6 | Folic Acid (B9) |
Vitamin B12 | Vitamin E

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