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What Are The Side Effects Of Forskolin?
Posted on
Wed, 24 Sep 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 24 Sep 2014
Answered on
Fri, 10 Oct 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : There is a new weight loss (fat-burning) supplement called FORSKOLIN. It contains some testosterone and some thyroid-stimulating ingredients, probably combined with some herbs or vitamins. I am a 9 and 3/4 years' post-menopausal single woman, not sexually active. The testosterone is supposed to increase metabolism and increase bone density. Do I need to be concerned about side effects? Should I have certain lab tests before and periodically during treatment with this supplement? Forskolin is supposed to cause very rapid weight loss (possibly 25-35 pounds in a month. Currently I am 202 lbs, with approximate height of 5 8-8.5 and a BMI between 31-32 or 33. My blood pressure is normal; my cholesterol is borderline, but due to a high HDL (aabout 75 or so) my Cardiac Risk is 2.02, and no family history of cardiac disease. However, I do have some short -term memory problems which my Neurologist cannot diagnose. I look forward to your answer. THANK YOU!
Brief Answer:
Need to monitor Thyroid functions.
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
There are claims that Forskolin can promote weight loss safely. However it is unsure if they stimulate thyroid and Testosterone production.
Overstimulation of Thyroid may lead to toxicity and it may be worthwhile to check your thyroid functions whilst taking FORSKOLIN just to be on the safer side. Excess thyroid hormone can be harmful to bones and heart at your age.
Regarding the testosterone, it is used in females to improve libido and it may also help to maintain bone health. It is unsure how FORSKOLIN would improve the testosterone levels. In a postmenopausal lady, the only source of male hormone is Adrenal gland ( as the ovaries are atrophied). Hence the possible mechanism may be adrenal stimulation.
Hence, it is better that you monitor the Thyroid fuctions while taking this product.
Wish you good luck
Regards
Binu
Need to monitor Thyroid functions.
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
There are claims that Forskolin can promote weight loss safely. However it is unsure if they stimulate thyroid and Testosterone production.
Overstimulation of Thyroid may lead to toxicity and it may be worthwhile to check your thyroid functions whilst taking FORSKOLIN just to be on the safer side. Excess thyroid hormone can be harmful to bones and heart at your age.
Regarding the testosterone, it is used in females to improve libido and it may also help to maintain bone health. It is unsure how FORSKOLIN would improve the testosterone levels. In a postmenopausal lady, the only source of male hormone is Adrenal gland ( as the ovaries are atrophied). Hence the possible mechanism may be adrenal stimulation.
Hence, it is better that you monitor the Thyroid fuctions while taking this product.
Wish you good luck
Regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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