When taken orally as a pill or tablet, NSAIDs produce systemic (whole body) effects.
While it is possible that NSAIDsmayaffect your thyroid, scientific evidence in favor of this is scant.
This article presents the research on whether or not NSAIDs influence thyroid function.
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It also discusses what this research means for you.
Most people tolerate NSAIDs well, but side effectssuch as stomach irritation and headachescan occur.
However, there are two studies that suggest NSAIDs may influence it.
The NSAIDs studied were Voltaren (diclofenac),Aleve(naproxen), and Celebrex (celecoxib).
The researchers found that Voltaren and Celebrex (but not Aleve) did bind to thyroid hormone receptors.
That said, it’s difficult to translate this finding to actual people.
For the one-week trial, doses were taken daily and hormone levels were analyzed daily as well.
Despite the findings, the JCEM study is limited in several key ways.
The study didn’t examine the long-term effects that NSAIDs may have on thyroid function, either.
Before any clear conclusions can be made, more research will need to be done.
Even so, the JCEM study is really too small to draw any definite conclusions.
Taking an NSAID when you need it shouldn’t affect your thyroid, even if you have thyroid disease.
A Word From Verywell
NSAIDs are popular and highly effective medications.
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