/7what Happens When You Miss Out On Your Dose
Dr Pandit said that thyroid patients need to take medicine every day. However, if the patient forgets to take the medicines one day that is not an issue. They must make sure to take it the next day. “There is no harm if the person forgets to take the medication some days as these thyroid medicines are effective for a longer time in the body,” he said, adding that however, one should also not make it a habit. He further pointed that some people start taking thyroid medications on alternate days, which is not correct or recommended.
Be Consistent When Taking Thyroid:
The most important thing to remember about taking Synthroid or any other thyroid hormone is to be consistent. Even taking your pill with breakfast can work, so long as you do it every day and your breakfast time doesnt vary too much. If you are consistent, your doctor will adjust the dose so that it is appropriate for your usual regimen.
It is better to avoid taking Synthroid at the same time as some supplements you might be swallowing with your morning juice. Specifically, both iron and calcium can reduce the absorption of the hormone. Vitamin C, on the other hand, can increase absorption . Soybeans, like coffee, interfere with good absorption, so you might want to skip the soy sausage if you take your levothyroxine at breakfast time. We dont know exactly how fiber affects levothyroxine, so to be prudent, dont indulge in bran muffins or bran flakes cereal.
Finding The Medication And Dose That Work For You
As you can see, there are many different options for thyroid medication, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Many in the healthcare world like to frame it as a black and white issue, with conventional doctors who prescribe Synthroid® on one side, and alternative practitioners who prescribe desiccated medication on the other. In my experience, its not that clear cut, and what works for one person doesnt necessarily work for another.
Finding the right treatment protocol can often be a case of trial and error, as you learn what medication or combination of medications, and at what doses, work best for you. As you go through this process, its important to work closely with your doctor and check your levels regularly, but its also important to listen to your body. Even if your thyroid levels are within normal range, if youre still experiencing symptoms you might not have found the perfect balance yet, and you should speak with your doctor about continuing to fine-tune your protocol.
Read Also: Malignant Tumor Of Thyroid Gland
Does Biotin Affect Thyroid Levels
Biotin is a member of the vitamin B family, vitamin B7, that is marketed as a dietary supplement for several conditions, including to strengthen skin and hair. However, biotin can interfere with thyroid blood test results.
According to the American Thyroid Association, biotin can make your thyroid function blood tests, like your T4 or thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, appear abnormal when your thyroid hormone levels are actually normal in your bloodstream. To avoid this effect, wait at least two days after stopping biotin before you have your thyroid hormone levels checked .
How Long Does It Take Thyroid Medication To Work
- How long does it take for thyroid medication to work?
- Tips for taking your thyroid medication
- What to do if you think your medication is not working
Hypothyroidism is the condition in which your thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormones. As part of the endocrine system, the thyroid gland helps to regulate the body’s metabolism. When your thyroid hormone production drops, your body processes slow down and change, affecting every system in your body. Untreated hypothyroidism puts patients at risk for other ailments, such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and infertility.
Taking medication to replace low thyroid hormone levels is the primary way to treat an underactive thyroid. Although it is not a cure, it replaces the thyroid hormones that your thyroid is not making and prevents secondary health issues from arising.
People often seek help for their hypothyroidism when they experience symptoms like fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, and depression. These symptoms can be frustrating and unpleasant , so it comes as no surprise that many people hope their thyroid medication will help right away.
While many people get relief soon after starting medication, others need more time before seeing an improvement.
Read Also: What Are The Signs Of Thyroid Cancer Returning
Taking Too Much Thyroid Hormone And Thinking Its Harmless
The synthetic thyroid hormone T4 is relatively safe, and you shouldnât worry if you accidentally take an extra dose, Bianco says. But taking an excessive amount could have side effects it can make you feel tired, affect your sleep and concentration, lead to bone loss, or cause irregular heartbeats, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If you take combination therapy, which contains both T4 and T3, the medication needs to be taken precisely as prescribed, as taking too much can be dangerous. The ATA notes that potential side effects of taking too much combination therapy include a racing pulse, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and problems with your heart and bones. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you accidentally take more than prescribed.
Switching Between Synthroid And Its Generic Versions
Its important to note that Synthroid and generic levothyroxine may each have different effects on your thyroid hormone levels. Because of this, its recommended by the American Thyroid Association and other organizations that you not switch between them. You should keep taking whichever medication you initially start taking.
For example, if you start taking brand-name Synthroid, you should continue to use brand-name Synthroid. If you must switch from the brand-name drug to a generic form, or vice versa, its recommended that you have a blood test 6 weeks after making the switch. This testing is done to be sure that your thyroid hormone levels stay within a normal range.
Even if you switch between different generic forms of levothyroxine that have different manufacturers, its still recommended that you have your thyroid levels tested 6 weeks later.
In some cases, brand-name Synthroid and its generic versions may come in different forms and strengths.
Be sure to talk with your doctor before switching to or from brand-name Synthroid.
Read Also: Treatment Of Medullary Thyroid Cancer
How To Take Your Thyroid Medication
The chart below summarizes the general recommendations regarding how long to wait between specific foods, drinks, and supplements and when you take your thyroid hormone replacement drugs.
The issue of food
Some people can’t take their thyroid medication on an empty stomach for various reasons. If you fall into this category, remember that the key is consistency. Always take your medication the same way every dayâwhether with or without foodâso that your thyroid test levels are consistent.
Special situations
Proton Pump Inhibitor drugs like Prevacid and Prilosec, for acid reflux and other gastrointestinal issues, can generally interfere with absorption of thyroid medication at whatever time of day you take them. To minimize potential drug interactions, consider taking a liquid form of levothyroxine , which studies show has the least absorption impact from PPI drugs.
Biotin is typically found in high doses in megavitamin B complex and combination formulas to support hair, skin, and nails. Biotin can make T4 and T3 look artificially high and the TSH artificially low. That’s why the American Thyroid Association recommends stopping biotin for at least two days before traditional laboratory thyroid blood testing to avoid false results.
âNote that the Paloma Health at-home thyroid test kit does not require you to stop taking biotin.
What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to levothyroxine.
Learn the brand name and generic name of your medication. Do not switch brands without talking to your doctor or pharmacist, as each brand of levothyroxine contains a slightly different amount of medication.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Read Also: Braf Mutation Papillary Thyroid Cancer
How Long Does It Take To Work
It may take some time for you to feel any difference when youre taking Synthroid.
The drug usually has its maximum effect in your body about 4 to 6 weeks after you start taking it. If you have thyroid-related symptoms, you may notice your symptoms are decreasing within 4 to 6 weeks after starting the drug.
After 4 to 6 weeks of treatment, your doctor will check blood tests to monitor your thyroid. And your doctor may adjust your dosage of Synthroid if needed based on your lab results.
Tips For Taking Your Thyroid Medication
There are several things you need to be mindful of when it comes to taking your thyroid medication.
Do not change brands
Once you find the correct dose and medication, you will want to stick with it. People often find there are subtle differences in formulations that can have some not-so-subtle effects. Therefore, you will not want to switch between the generic and brand names of your thyroid medication.
Take your medication at the same time each day.
It’s important to follow a schedule when taking your thyroid medication. Generally, it is best to take your thyroid medicine on an empty stomach for at least 30 minutes before putting anything in your stomach.
Most people take their thyroid medication first thing in the morning. However, you should take your thyroid medication at least an hour before eating or drinking. So if you prefer your morning coffee or tea right away, it may be best to take your medicine at night.
Be cautious with other medications
Some medications and supplements can interfere with how your body absorbs thyroid medication. Ensure your thyroid doctor knows everything you are taking so you know when to take your thyroid pill.
Don’t miss a dose
If you forget to take your thyroid medication, take it as soon as you remember. Also, if you need to skip a dose for surgery or another reason, make sure to check with your doctor first. You are often allowed to take your thyroid medication before surgical procedures as long as you inform your health care team.
Also Check: Do You Lose Weight With Thyroid Cancer
How To Take Your Medicine
To make sure your hypothyroidism stays under control:
Stick with the same brand. Different types of thyroid hormone medicine may contain slightly different doses. That could mess with your hormone levels.
Follow a schedule. Take your medicine at the same time each day. Aim for about an hour before a meal or at bedtime. Don’t take it when you eat. Food, as well as some supplements, such as calcium, can affect the way your body uses it.
Don’t skip doses. If you miss one, take it as soon as you remember. You can take two pills in one day if you need to.
Follow instructions carefully. Don’t stop taking your medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Going Beyond Medication: Treating The Root Cause Of Thyroid Disease
Finding the right thyroid medication that works for you is very important and will certainly go a long way in helping you feel better, but remember that managing your thyroid levels through medication is only part of the process. The real work comes in identifying the underlying factors that caused your thyroid disease and making healthy lifestyle changes to remove them.
If youre ready to tackle the underlying health issues that triggered your thyroid disease, this series is an excellent place to start, and I highly recommend reading all eight articles . For even more information about how you can use The Myers Way® Four Pillars of Health to prevent, control, and reverse disease, you can read my book, The Thyroid Connection.
Remember that achieving optimal health is a journey, and each persons path is unique. This is particularly true for thyroid disease, which can involve many different interconnected factors. Whether youre just starting out or youre well on your way, know that there are resources and support available, and with enough knowledge and commitment, you can find the solution that works for you.
Don’t Miss: What Is T3 In Thyroid Test
How Long Does It Take For Thyroid Medication To Work
The time it takes for the medication to work is unique to each person.
Once you start your medication, it can take a few weeks to start noticing an improvement in your symptoms. However, some people see their symptoms get better almost right after starting.
To see how your body responds to thyroid medication, you should retest your thyroid function about six weeks after starting or changing your prescription. Depending on your symptoms and lab results, your doctor may make changes to your dose. For example, if you are still having symptoms, you may need a higher dose of medication.
Sometimes, it can take several dosage changes, and even in medication, to get the results you need. However, once you find the right combination, its advantageous to stick with it unless something changes or your symptoms return.
Getting The Most Accurate Results
There are two primary factors that cause significant fluctuations in your test results food and medication.
Fluctuations from Food
Even though common medical guidelines suggest that fasting is not a necessary element of accurate thyroid testing, many studies have shown that fasting in the morning causes TSH levels to increase as much as 26 percent.
Such a significant shift means that you may appear to have subclinical hypothyroidism in the morning while your levels stabilize later in the day once the TSH spike has subsided. This significant factor must be accounted for when one undergoes thyroid testing.
It is common for those administering thyroid tests to indicate whether the patient was fasting or not to account for the difference in TSH levels. However, because thyroid function is unique to the individual there is still a risk of false data and inaccurate diagnosis due to food consumption prior to lab work.
How Medication Muddles Results
Thyroid treatments and medications are intended to stabilize thyroid hormone levels, which can take weeks or months to reach equilibrium.
In general, the timing of your thyroid medication does not significantly influence test results. However, there are situations and certain types of medication that can cause lab results to be skewed dramatically.
Also Check: Symptoms Of Recurrent Thyroid Cancer After Thyroidectomy
Beat Hashimotos Symptoms For Good
Find out why conventional medicine gets Hashimotos wrong and whats really causing your symptoms.
Youre about to discover:
- What diet is best for Hashimotos
- Why you can still feel like crap, even if your doctor says your labs are fine
- What thyroid medication is best for Hashimotos
- And how to finally drop those stubborn pounds!
Click here to get the secrets!
My Hashimotos Support Kit is a powerful combination for supporting thyroid health and immune function and Is tailor made for those with thyroid dysfunction, including Hashimotos disease.
What Is The Best Way To Take Thyroid Hormone
The maintenance of steady and predictable thyroid hormone levels in the blood is essential to health . Patients with hypothyroidism need to take thyroid hormone by mouth as a medication each day. Dietary habits can influence how the body absorbs thyroid hormone.
Thyroid medication should be taken on an empty stomach, around the same time each day. Afterwards, we recommend avoiding eating or drinking for 30-60 minutes. Most of our patients take thyroid hormone in the morning upon waking. Breakfast, including any coffee or milk, can be eaten 30-60 minutes later. The second most popular method is to take thyroid hormone in the evening, at least 3-4 hours after any food intake. You should try to establish a routine that allows you to be consistent each day.
Certain medications and supplements decrease absorption of thyroid hormone and should be taken 3-4 hours after taking thyroid hormone. These include fiber supplements, calcium and iron supplements, proton pump inhibitors , soy products, and multivitamins with minerals.
Read Also: Underactive Thyroid And Painful Feet
/7the Right Time To Take Thyroid Medicines And Why Is It Essential
A thyroid disorder is a hormonal condition in which the thyroid gland either overproduces or underproduces the thyroid hormone required by the body. The condition disrupts the normal functioning of the internal system, leading to symptoms like insomnia, weight loss, irritability and others. In most cases the condition cannot be reversed, it can only be managed by taking medications regularly. Thyroid medication helps to regulate the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland present at the base of the neck and adjust the hormone level. Unmanaged thyroid levels may lead to heart, nerve and fertility-related issues. But for optimal benefits, the medicines must be taken at the right time and in the right quantity.
Dont Miss: How To Get Thyroid Under Control
Side Effects In Children
Children taking Synthroid may have different side effects than do adults taking the drug. For example, some children taking Synthroid have had pseudotumor cerebri . This condition may cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
In addition, some children taking Synthroid have had slipped capital femoral epiphysis. This disorder may cause limping or pain in the area thats affected.
This hip condition only occurs in children whose bones are still growing. However, its important to note that having decreased thyroid hormone levels, which Synthroid is used to treat, may also increase the risk of this hip disorder.
Also, certain bone growth problems may occur in infants and children who take too much Synthroid. In this case, an infants skull may become hardened too quickly, causing increased pressure on their brain. And the growth of their skull may also be affected. Other bones in children taking too much Synthroid may also be unable to grow properly. This can lead to growth problems and decreased height.
If you have questions about side effects of Synthroid in a child using the drug, talk with your childs doctor. Theyll discuss with you the risks and benefits of treatment. And they can help prepare you for what to expect from treatment with this drug.
You May Like: Home Thyroid Test Kit Walgreens