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Thyroid Medication
Before embarking on a regime of medication for thyroid problems, it is necessary to have a full understanding of the nature of your condition and what the thyroid medication is aiming to achieve. Armed with that knowledge and understanding, you will be able to manage the whole situation much more meaningfully. Taking thyroid medication is not like simply taking a vitamin pill each day; you need a well-established routine that will allow the drugs to make their optimum impact on your condition.
Initially, of course, this should involve a careful discussion with your doctor or specialist about exactly what you are being prescribed, what it is intended to do and when the best time is to take it daily. Also, make sure that you have a good idea of what effects to look out for in case there should be any problems. If your specialist is not your usual doctor, be certain that you make him or her fully aware of any other drugs you regularly take – especially if these include any anticoagulants, appetite suppressants or medicines for asthma or allergies. Various antidepressants also react badly with certain thyroid medications. There are some drugs that should not be taken together at the same time at all, without causing problems, whereas there are others that are possible to take if you leave a few hours between them. The doctor will know these; you probably won’t!
Similarly, keep your prescribing doctor fully informed of any other medical conditions you might already suffer from – especially diabetes or any heart problems. This might sound obvious and logical but, when in a doctor’s surgery, far too many of us are in such a hurry to get out, or the doctor might make us feel as if we are being rushed to make way for their next appointment, that often we forget this kind of thing until we’re in the car and on the way home.
There are a few other guidelines that are worth remembering.
For example, doctors usually suggest that thyroid hormone medication is best taken on an empty stomach, as it is absorbed more efficiently. It is probably best to leave an hour before eating, for the same reason. If you are taking vitamins or supplements that contain iron, you should definitely avoid them for three hours after taking your medication, as it is known that iron can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption. Exactly the same reasoning applies to taking any calcium or calcium-fortified juice and also to antacids that you might occasionally need.
Because a high fibre diet can influence the rate at which thyroid hormone medication can be fully absorbed, if you want to start, or stop, eating such a diet, you need to have your thyroid rechecked, as you may need a different dosage.
There is no need for you to stop taking thyroid medication if you become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Again, though, it is important that you consult your doctor to ensure that the dosage is adjusted to suit your different bodily requirements.
Finally here, as some foods are known to be goitrogenic in varying degrees, it is best to eat them several hours separate from taking your medication – as well as eating them in moderation. These foods include cabbage, calcium-enriched foods and drinks, garden cress, lentils, milk and milk products, oats, rye and soybean and its associated products.
Thyroid medication usually does the job that your doctor wants it to do. As long as you adopt a regular routine and follow the preceding commonsense advice, you will be giving it every opportunity to work for you.